Squadron Leader CHARLES JOHN FRENCH KYDD D.S.O., D.F.C., 207 Sqdn., R.A.F.

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by dbf, May 18, 2009.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Acting Squadron Leader C.J.F. Kydd was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order.
    This officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack, from a very low altitude, the ship lift on the canal at Magdeburg at night in August, 1940. Despite intense fire from a battery of twelve anti-aircraft guns and the glare from searchlights, he displayed courage and determination when he made five runs over the target to ensure accuracy before he dropped his bombs. A few nights previously Squadron Leader Kydd took a leading part in the attack on the Leuna oil works, when he displayed equal courage and determination. Since the outbreak of war he has done outstandingly good work, proving himself to be a fine leader and a skilled and resolute captain of aircraft.

    Squadron Leader Kydd was born in Longford. He died of injuries in June, 1941.


    London Gazette:
    28 May 1940
    http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34860/supplements/3256
    13 September 1940
    http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34945/pages/5489
    31 December 1940
    http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35029/supplements/35

    Listed:
    The Times, Saturday, Jun 01, 1940
    R.A.F. AWARDS
    GALLANTRY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY
    DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
    KYDD, Flying Officer Charles John French

    The Times, Saturday, Sep 14, 1940; pg. 2
    LOW FLYING RAIDS OVER GERMANY
    DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
    KYDD, Acting Squadron Leader C.J.F., D.F.C.
    This officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack, from low altitude, the ship lift on the canal at Magdeburg one night in August. Despite intense fire from a battery of 12 anti-aircraft guns and the glare from searchlights, he displayed courage and determination when he made five runs over the target to ensure accuracy before he dropped his bombs. A few nights previously Squadron Leader Kydd took a leading part in the attack on the Leuna oil works. Since the outbreak of war he has done outstandingly good work, proving himself to be a fine leader and a skilled and resolute captain of aircraft.

    The Times, Monday, Jun 30, 1941
    OBITUARY
    FALLEN OFFICERS
    ROYAL AIR FORCE
    SQUADRON LEADER CHARLES JOHN FRENCH KYDD, D.S.O., D.F.C., was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Kydd, of Upminster, and was 25 years of age. He was born at Longford, Ireland, and educated at Palmer's School, Grays, Essex. Entering the R.A.F. as a pupil pilot he was granted a short service commission as acting pilot officer on January 20, 1936, and after training he served in the Bomber Command from August, 1936. Two years later he was promoted to flying officer, and as such he was awarded the D.F.C. on June 1, 1940. In September he gained the D.S.O. after he had attacked, from a low altitude, the ship-life on the canal at Magdeburg. A few nights earlier he had taken a leading part in an attack on the Leuna oil works. "Since the outbreak of war," said the official record, "he has done outstandingly good work, proving himself to be a fine leader and a skilled and resolute captain of aircraft."

    CWGC :: Casualty Details
    Squadron Leader CHARLES JOHN FRENCH KYDD D S O, D F C, 37505, 207 Sqdn., Royal Air Force who died age 25 on 23 June 1941
    Son of James Samuel and Jeannie Agnes Kydd, of Upminster.
    Remembered with honour UPMINSTER (ST. LAURENCE) CHURCHYARD
    :poppy:


    See this thread for ref:
    www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852
    :irishflag[1]:
     
  2. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    Diane, a short note about S/L Kydd.

    F/O (Acting Squadron Leader) C.J.F Kydd was awarded his decorations whilst serving with No 61 Squadron at Hemswell,Lincolnshire where he flew Hampdens and completed 33 operations before being posted to No 207 Squadron at Waddington which at the time had been converted to Manchesters.

    He lost his life when the Manchester 1 L7310,EM.H, he was flying in on air test on 21 June 1921,crashed at Dunstan Pillar,close to Waddington after an engine failure.Vulture engines were the worse engine engineered by R.R. and had a particular problem with being under powered and prone to engine bearing failures although this one failed because of a loose tappet which caused a valve blockage.

    His date of death is given by Chorley as 21 June 1941,ie the date of the crash, but he died from his injuries 2 days later.I am aquainted with a man who was doing research from taking an interest in his grave which appaterently he regarded as neglected.
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Thanks HR for that explanation; appreciate you filling in more details.

    I had wondered how he came to be injured.

    What a shame about the grave; would it have been a family plot?

    Regards,
    D
     

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