The Airmen's Stories - P/O D N O Jenkins

David Nicholas Owen Jenkins was born on 13th May 1919, the son of the Revd. Canon William Owen Jenkins DD and Horatia Mary Jenkins (nee Winter), of St. Andrews. Fife.

He was at Marlborough College from 1933 to 1937 before going to St. Andrews University.

Jenkins joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his initial training on 6th February 1939 at 11 E&RFTS Perth.

He afterwards went to 2 FTS Brize Norton for No. 39 Course, which ran from 1st May to 6th November 1939. After completing his training he joined the newly-formed 253 Squadron at Manston.

Above: Jenkins (right) with P/O JKG Clifton at Northolt in March 1940.

Above image courtesy of Kenley Revival.

On 16th May 1940 Jenkins flight of 253 was sent to France to reinforce the Hurricane squadrons there. On the 18th he took part in an interception of a force of Do17s, escorted by Me110s. He destroyed a Me110 and damaged another but his aircraft was then hit and damaged by return fire. Jenkins managed to make a forced-landing at Glisy.

Returning from Aldergrove to Turnhouse on 7th August Jenkins got into difficulties whilst flying in cloud at night. He baled out and landed at Fail Mains Farm, a half-mile from where his Hurricane, P3457, crashed, five miles east of Prestwick.

On 30th August 1940 Jenkins was shot down in combat over Redhill. He baled out but is believed to have been killed in his harness by enemy fighters. His Hurricane, P3921, crashed at Butlers Dene Road, Woldingham.

Jenkins is buried in St Margaret’s churchyard, Bagendon, Gloucestershire.