Desmond J. Scott - 1941-45

1941-45

Scott made his first claims on 7 August 1941, a pair of Bf-109s damaged over Le Touquet. During night intruder operations over Holland, Scott was to claim several kills during the first half of 1942, totalling 3.5 claimed destroyed, 3 probables and 3 damaged. .

He was promoted Flight Sergeant in May 1942 before being commissioned in July, becoming a Flight Commander in August. In September he received the DFC and bar, promoted to Squadron Leader, and rested from operations, serving with HQ Fighter Command in a staff position.

In April 1943 he converted to the Hawker Typhoon and joined No. 198 Squadron as a Squadron Leader before moving to command No. 486 Squadron (NZ), flying offensive fighter-bomber operations over Europe. In the next four months he claimed another two destroyed and two shared destroyed. In August 1943 he received the DSO and became Wing Leader, RAF Tangmere.

In November 1943 he was rested and posted as Commanding Officer, RAF Hawkinge. In March 1944 he commanded the newly-formed 123 Wing flying Typhoons, taking the unit to Europe during mid 1944, and becoming the youngest Group Captain in the RNZAF. He finished his tour in February 1945. He was awarded the OBE for rescuing a pilot from a burning crashed aircraft.

His claims for the war were 5 (and 3 shared) aircraft destroyed, 4 (and 2 shared) 'probables', 5 (and 1 shared) damaged.


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