The Airmen's Stories - P/O R B Dewey

Robert Basil Dewey, from Portsmouth, was born on 19th March 1921, the son of Allan Dewey and Violet King.

He joined the RAF on a short service commission in August 1939. He completed his flying training and arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down on 18th May 1940. After converting to Spitfires, he was posted to 611 Squadron at Digby on 9th June 1940.

Dewey moved to 603 Squadron at Homchurch on 27th September. He claimed a Me109 destroyed on the 30th. This may be the one that crashed and burned out at Kentwyns, Nutfield. On 20th October he claimed another Me109 destroyed.

On 27th October 1940 Dewey was shot down in a surprise attack by Me109s south of Maidstone. His Spitfire, P7365, crashed into a tree at Apple Tree Comer, Chartham Hatch and he was killed.

Dewey was 19 and is buried in Hornchurch Cemetery, Essex.