The Airmen's Stories - P/O C E English

Charles Edward English was born on 9th August 1912 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, the son of Joseph Edward and Bertha Evelyn English.

He joined 607 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force as an Aircrafthand. At the time he was employed as an accountant at Newcastle Breweries.

He was awarded Aero Certificate 16353 at Newcastle-on-Tyne Aero Club on 24th September 1938.

Selected for pilot training in October 1938, English was called up on 24th August 1939 and completed his training.

He was commissioned in March 1940 and, after converting to Hurricanes at 6 OTU, he joined 85 Squadron at Debden on 26th May 1940.

On 30th August and 1st September he claimed Me110s destroyed. English was posted to 605 Squadron at Croydon on 12th September.

He was shot down over Westerham on 7th October 1940 and killed when his Hurricane, P3677, crashed and burned out at Park Farm, Brasted.

English is buried in St Andrews and Jesmond Cemetery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Above image courtesy of Brian 54.

His brother Sgt. Robert Henry English was killed whilst serving with 3 Squadron when he was hit by cannon shells from an enemy intruder at night whilst he was operating the Chance light at Debden.