The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. C E J Baines

Cyril Edgar Joseph Baines was born on 24th November 1909 and attended Haileybury College. He entered RAF College, Cranwell as a Cadet in September 1928.

He represented the College at Rugby Union and graduated in July 1930 with a Permanent Commission. He joined 32 Squadron at Kenley on the 26th.

Above: Baines is seated far left.

Baines was sent to RAF Calshot on 2nd October 1932 for a Flying Boat course, after which he joined 209 (Flying Boat) Squadron at Plymouth. Posted to 24 (Communications) Squadron at Hendon on 13th November 1934, Baines stay was short and he went back to RAF College Cranwell on 11th March 1935 as a flying instructor.

He had married Margaret Brooks at Brompton Oratory in October 1934.

Baines joined the Administrative Staff at HQ Fighter Command on 7th March 1938 and remained there until 18th May 1940 when he was given command of 238 Squadron, then reforming at Tangmere.

He was posted away on 15th July 1940 and is believed to have sailed in the aircraft carrier HMS Argus which left Greenock on 23rd July for Malta. She docked at Gibraltar on the 30th and on 2nd August two Sunderlands of 10 (RAAF) Squadron flew to Malta, carrying the ground crews who were to service the Hurricanes that Argus would shortly deliver there.

Baines is believed to have been on one of the Sunderlands and possibly joined the Air Staff at RAF Mediterranean at Malta.

A career officer, Baines retired from the RAF on 1st March 1958 as a Group Captain.

He was made CBE (gazetted 1st June 1953), was a graduate of the Joint Services Staff College, the Army Staff College and was a Qualified AI Instructor, Central Flying School.

He died on 20th April 1992.