No. 41 Squadron Spitfire Codes

Thanks Allen, yes that is Bill, and I had seen that before.

I am piecing togther a massive page on Bill (as he has always been known, Edward is just an ‘official’ name) from many sources. He lead an incredible career during the war, being at one time the RAF’s highest tallied pilot for sweeps over France, the first to combat the Italians over England, and one of the RAF’s most respected leaders.

As well as masses of contemporary wartime cuttings I have also the benefit of having talked to him personally and gotten writings he did some years ago to piece the story togther. I just don’t want to put it online unfinished yet. It’ll be up soon I hope.

He was also the first NZ’er to receive the grouping of DSO, DFC and Bar – later also held by Al Deere (one of his best mates) and Patrick ‘Jamie’ Jameson. Among fighter pilots of the RNZAF he was one of the most significant. Apparently any pilot who flew with him once said they’d follow him anywhere because his leadership was so superb and he was so cool in action. One account has him leading his 12 Spits into 52 FW190’s, he and his wingman fought off 12 FW190s that jumped them after they got seperated from the fight… till his wingman escaped for home and he had to get out of it alone. His aircraft didn’t get a scratch.

If anyone has those letter codes I’d appreciate it – I know a few of you have studied 41 Sqn (but more later with their Mark 12’s I think)

41 squadron

Hi Dave

take a look at the 41 squadron website run by Steve Brew, an Oz living in Switzerland – http://brew.clients.ch/RAF41Sqdn.htm – the site has quite a large piece on Edward Preston “Hawkeye” Wells, whom I presume is the same person as “Bill” Wells? – his e-mail address is on the site. cheers – Allan