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 Captain Ivor Denis Difford (1873-1949) and Elfride Geraldine Difford (nee Pilgram 1880-1949).

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 on 5th July 1937.

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

On 6th March 1938 he went to a posting at SHQ RAF Kai Tak, Hong Kong. After being selected for service in England, Difford reported to No.1 Depot, Singapore and boarded the ss Orontes which docked at Liverpool on 11th September 1940.

He went on the same day to 6 OTU Sutton Bridge to convert to Hurricanes.

Difford joined 85 Squadron at Church Fenton on 21st September 1940, moving to 607 Squadron at Tangmere on 1st 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 24 years old and is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, Tangmere.