The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. V W R Penford

Vernon William Rex Penford was born on 26th August 1909. He joined the RAF in 1927 as an Aircrafthand but later applied for pilot training and was selected.

He was serving with 23 Squadron at Collyweston by 5th June 1940 and flew with the squadron in the Battle of Britain. He was still with 23 on 23rd November 1940.

Commissioned from Warrant Officer in February 1943, he retired from the RAF on 1st September 1950 as a Flight Lieutenant, retaining the rank of Squadron Leader.

Penford was employed by Airwork Ltd. as a flying instructor, giving initial flying training to new entrant RAF pilots and navigators.

He rejoined the RAF in 1953, as a Warrant Officer, and retrained as an Air Traffic Controller. He retired again on 1st March 1962 but continued as a Controller with the Air Ministry until 1972, when he retired for health reasons.

Penford died on 29th March 1974.

Above: a newspaper report from 1969.