Air-Vice-Marshal (later Air Chief Marshal Sir) H.W.L. "Dingbat" Saunders

Discussion in 'World War 1' started by liverpool annie, Jun 17, 2009.

  1. liverpool annie

    liverpool annie New Member

    With a name like that - how could I resist ?? :)

    Johannesburg-born Air-Vice-Marshal (later Sir) Hugh William Lumsden "Dingbat" Saunders was educated at the Marist Brothers college in Johannesburg. Upon the advent of the first world war, Saunders initially served with the Witwatersrand rifles and South African Horse, before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. During the Second World War, Saunders was appointed commanding officer of No. 11 Group, Fighter Command (1942-1944), and in 1945 was appointed Air-Marshal commanding the R.A.F. in Burma. After the war, Saunders went on to become Inspector-General of the R.A.F.(1949-1950), being promoted Air Chief Marshal in 1950. In 1951, Saunders assumed the mantle of Commander-in-Chief of the Air Forces in Western Europe.

    Kelly's Handbook, 1951, pg 1823

    http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Saunders_HWL.htm

    * Snippet ..... 1918 - South African Capt. Hugh William Lumsden Dingbat Saunders scored his 1st of 15 victories

    * Snippet ...... 1987 - South African WW I ace (15 victories) Royal Flying Corps Capt. Hugh William Lumsden Dingbat Saunders died at Ringwood and Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England
     

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