Sqn/Ldr Desmond Cooke, RAF, 1940

Hello,

I’m a new member and researching Fighter Command in 1940.

Specifically, I am searching for information on RAF Squadron Leader Desmond Cooke (RAF No. 26009) of 65 Squadron, who was declared missing in action over England on July 8, 1940 in Spitfire K9907. He was born in 1907 and was also known as Lancy Cooke. He was CO of 65 Squadron beginning in October 1937 until his death. I have good information on his life in the RAF between 1925 to 1940 gathered from Hendon, Kew, and some publications, but wanted to know if any further information or photographs might be available.

Primarily, I am looking for an individual portrait or any images of him with the squadron and his Spitfire on the ground or in the air. Unfortunately, I do not know the individual aircraft code for his Spitfire (FZ-? or YT-?), but he flew K9907, with few exceptions, until both went missing.

Also, I am searching for any surviving family members that may be able to provide more details about his personal life. The Runnymede Memorial lists only his parents, Harry de L. and Dorothy Cooke of Kyrenia, Cyprus, and considering Sqn/Ldr Cooke would be 104 years old this year, I would assume they are no longer alive. I do have inquiries in with CWGC and the IWM as well.

Any lead would be of great value and greatly appreciated. I am thinking that, at this point, perhaps family members of other 65 Squadron members or collectors will have materials that will just by chance have information on Sqn/Ldr Cooke.

Thank you in advance,
Jeremy