The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. K E Naish

Kenneth Edward Naish was born on 28th April 1913 in Pontypridd and joined the RAF in January 1936 as a direct-entry Airman u/t Pilot. He joined 235 Squadron in June 1940.

On 24th August his Blenheim, Z5736, was attacked in error by Hurricanes of No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron over Thorney Island and badly damaged. He crashed on landing but he and his gunner, Sgt. H Owen, were unhurt.

235 Squadron Bircham Newton 5th October 1940. Photograph taken from the port wing of Blenheim N3530.

Rear row (L to R): Adjutant F/O A Pinnock (not BoB), P/O AW Martin, P/O NB Shorrocks, Sgt. PF Hall, Sgt. WHJ Westcott, Sgt. LPVJ Ricks (Canadian), Sgt. KE Naish.

Front row (L to R): S/Ldr. RN (Neville-) Clarke, P/O LLG Javaux (Belgian), P/O JL Kirkpatrick (Belgian).

(Image courtesy of Andrew Pinnock)

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Commissioned in February 1941, Naish was posted away from 235 in July. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 19th May 1944), as a Flight Lieutenant with 236 Squadron.

In April 1944 he had taken part in an attack on a convoy off the Dutch coast. His aircraft was hit by flak and one engine set alight but he pressed home his attack. Whilst putting out the flames, he was heavily engaged by ship and shore flak batteries. Naish got back to base and made a successful crash-landing.

Naish was released in 1945, as a Squadron Leader. He rejoined the RAF in 1946 and served for some years in the Fighter Control Branch.

He died on 18th November 2007.