The Airmen's Stories - F/O I B Difford

Ivor Benison Difford, from Johannesburg, South Africa was born on 7th September 1916 , the son of Capt. Ivor Denis Difford (1873-1949) and Elfride Geraldine Difford. His father had played for the South African cricket team

Difford was educated at St. Andrew's College, Grahamstown. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in April 1937.

After completing his elementary flying training he was posted on 17th July to 4 FTS Abu Sueir.

On 6th March 1938 he went to a posting at SHQ RAF Kai Tak, Hong Kong. He then returned to the UK, arriving at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 11th September 1940 to convert to Hurricanes.

Difford joined 85 Squadron at Church Fenton on 23rd September 1940, moving to 607 Squadron at Tangmere on 2nd October.

(Above photo courtesy of Andy Saunders).

On 7th October 1940 his aircraft (L1728) collided with another 607 Hurricane (P3860) flown by P/O AMW Scott. Scott baled out successfully but Difford was killed when his Hurricane crashed at Eartham Farm, Slindon, Sussex.

Difford was 30 years old and is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, Tangmere.