The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. C H Bull

Cecil Halford Bull was born in India in 1916, the only son (along with two daughters) of Louis Albert Bull, a Commissioner in the Indian Civil Service and his wife, formerly Florence Beatrice Balcombe-Jones. The family returned to the UK in 1926 on the SS City of London.

CH Bull attended Imperial Service College. He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his training on 6th January 1936. He was posted to 3 FTS Grantham in March.

Above image courtesy Lombard Family via John Evans, Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust.

After completing his training, he was posted to No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit at Biggin Hill on 26th April 1937 as a staff pilot. He went on a course to the School of Air Navigation, Manston on 14th November 1938. He commanded RAF Flimstone training camp in Pembrokeshire.

At some time Bull joined 25 Squadron at Hawkinge. He was promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant on 13th April 1939 and appointed 'A' Flight Commander. He took part in the attack on the Luftwaffe seaplane base at Borkum on 28th November.

Twelve Blenheims took off from Bircham Newton, six from 25 Squadron and six from 601 Squadron. All aircraft returned safely, landing at Debden. Three He115s were destroyed and another three damaged. It was the first fighter attack of the war on a German target. Bull received a Mention in Despatches.

He married Dorothy Mary Nesta John in March 1940 in Pembroke, Pembrokeshire.

In early July 1940 Bull was still serving with 25 Squadron, then at North Weald. He was killed in a shooting incident near Orielton, Pembrokeshire, close to his wife’s family home, on 8th August, whilst on leave. A verdict of accidental death was recorded at the inquest.

Bull featured in a page of caricatures of 151 Squadron personnel in the Tatler magazine in 1940.