The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A E Binham

Arthur Edward Binham was born on 26th January 1916 and joined the RAFVR on 2nd January 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot, he did his initial flying training at 8 E&RFTS Woodley.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he went to 2 FTS Brize Norton on 8th October. After completing his training he joined 64 Squadron at Church Fenton on 18th December 1939.

Above and below: Binham being introduced to the King.

He operated over Dunkirk in June 1940. On 13th July Binham's Spitfire, K9795, was hit by anti-aircraft fire during combat with Me109s over Dover. He made a belly-landing at Hawkinge, unhurt.

On the 29th his Spitfire, R6643, was damaged by return fire from a Ju87 over the Channel. Binham was escorted back to the coast by P/O JAA Gibson of 501 Squadron. Binham made a forced-landing near St. Margarets Bay, again unhurt.

Binham flew his last sortie with 64 on 15th August and then seems to have been attached to the Kenley Station Flight on the 19th. He was posted to 15 FTS Chipping Norton on 24th September 1940 as an instructor.

He was sent to CFS Upavon for an instructors course in January 1941, returning to 15 FTS in March. Binham was posted to 15 (P) AFU Leconfield on 10th February 1942.

He was later sent as an instructor to 24 Air School, Nigel, South Africa, remaining there until August 1945.

He was commissioned in October 1943 and awarded the AFC (gazetted 14th June 1945).

He was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant.

Binham died in February 1984 in Reading.