The Airmen's Stories - P/O C W W Darwin

Christopher William Wharton Darwin was born on 30th July 1918 in Durham, the son of Major CJW Darwin DSO who formed and commanded 87 Squadron at Upavon on September 1st 1917 and Sybil Renee Rose (1896-1974).

The family home was at Elston Hall, Newark, Notts.

He was educated at Winchester College and Ecole Lemania, Lausanne. In March 1939 Darwin joined the RAF on a short service commission.

Above: taken at Winchester 1934.

He arrived at 11 Group Pool, St Athan on November 20th.

After converting to Hurricanes, he joined 87 Squadron in France in late December and served with it in the Battle of Britain.

On 28th July 1940, while taking off from Exeter at 0700 in Hurricane P2855, Darwin collided with a stationary anchored hurricane (P3225). He sustained what was initially described as a minor scalp wound and was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital. Later that day the hospital sent a letter to the Air Ministry stating that Darwin was dangerously ill and that his next of kin had been informed. His injuries were recorded on his hospital admittance paperwork as severe laceration and shock.

He recovered and by 1942 was serving with 274 Squadron in the Western Desert. On 7th August he was shot down by two Me109s.

Darwin baled out but was dead when picked up. He is buried in the Alamein War Cemetery.

Above image courtesy of Elston Heritage Project.

His father, pictured above with Christopher, was serving as a Squadron Leader in the RAF when he died unexpectedly in London on 26th December 1941.

Photographs courtesy of Colonel C R Romberg RA, British Embassy Cairo.