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No 71 'Eagle' Squadron

Squadron

  • Insignia of the No 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF and the 4th Fighter Group. Handwritten on slide case:

    Insignia of the No 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF and the 4th Fighter Group. Handwritten on slide case:"wall insignia E Ritchie"

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  • Lieutenant-Colonel Oscar Coen and a ground crewman, both of the 4th Fighter Group, on the wing of P-47 Thunderbolt at Debden air base, October 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'American Thunderbolt Fighters are proving a terror to the Germans. The pilots (former members of the RAF) flying their high altitude fast diving fighters that have accounted for many enemy planes. In one raid over Paris the fighters of this Station accounted for 17 down, 5 probables and one damaged 15/10/43'. And 'Lt. Col. Oscar Coen of Illinois is an ace and one of the original Eagle Squadron. He has won the British and US D.F.C. He is here seen on the wing of his plane with a mechanic'.

    Lieutenant-Colonel Oscar Coen and a ground crewman, both of the 4th Fighter Group, on the wing of P-47 Thunderbolt at Debden air base, October 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'American Thunderbolt Fighters are proving a terror to the Germans. The pilots (former members of the RAF) flying their high altitude fast diving fighters that have accounted for many enemy planes. In one raid over Paris the fighters of this Station accounted for 17 down, 5 probables and one damaged 15/10/43'. And 'Lt. Col. Oscar Coen of Illinois is an ace and one of the original Eagle Squadron. He has won the British and US D.F.C. He is here seen on the wing of his plane with a mechanic'.

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  • Soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group march across the parade ground at Debden, Essex in front of the guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

    Soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group march across the parade ground at Debden, Essex in front of the guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

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  • Guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories review soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group on the parade ground at Debden, Essex. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

    Guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories review soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group on the parade ground at Debden, Essex. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

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  • Lieutenant-Colonel Chesley G. Peterson, Major Oscar H. Coen, Captain W.T. O'Regan and Pilots from the 4th Fighter Group inspect a map. Passed by the U.S. Army on 30 March 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C., U.S. Army Air Force 4th (crossed through with censor's red pencil) Group Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England with his flight group.' And '23476. Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson (centre) checks up the map, with his flight group before a raid. S&G D.M.'

    Lieutenant-Colonel Chesley G. Peterson, Major Oscar H. Coen, Captain W.T. O'Regan and Pilots from the 4th Fighter Group inspect a map. Passed by the U.S. Army on 30 March 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C., U.S. Army Air Force 4th (crossed through with censor's red pencil) Group Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England with his flight group.' And '23476. Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson (centre) checks up the map, with his flight group before a raid. S&G D.M.'

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  • Lieutenant-Colonel Chesley G. Peterson of the 4th Fighter Group climbing into the cockpit of his Spitfire at Debden air base. Passed by the U.S. Army on 30 March 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C., U.S. Army Air Force 4th (not crossed through with censor's red pencil) Group Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England with his flight group.' And '23473. Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson enters his Spitfire. S&G SR.'

    Lieutenant-Colonel Chesley G. Peterson of the 4th Fighter Group climbing into the cockpit of his Spitfire at Debden air base. Passed by the U.S. Army on 30 March 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C., U.S. Army Air Force 4th (not crossed through with censor's red pencil) Group Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England with his flight group.' And '23473. Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson enters his Spitfire. S&G SR.'

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  • Captain Robert L Priser of the 354th Fighter Group climbs out of his P-51 Mustang. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 13 Jan 1944.' [stamp] and '296916.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'THE P-51B- WORLD'S FASTEST FIGHTER PLANE. Associated Press Photo Shows: Capt. Robert L Priser, aged 22, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of the original

    Captain Robert L Priser of the 354th Fighter Group climbs out of his P-51 Mustang. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 13 Jan 1944.' [stamp] and '296916.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'THE P-51B- WORLD'S FASTEST FIGHTER PLANE. Associated Press Photo Shows: Capt. Robert L Priser, aged 22, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of the original "Eagle Squadron" (Squadron 71) has been in the RCAF and RAF for over three years. He had been on 88 sorties with the British before his transfer flying every fighter used by the RAF in that time.'

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  • Personnel talk to Lieutenant-Colonel Oscar Coen of the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Groupin the cockpit of his P-47 Thunderbolt after a mission over Paris, 15 October 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Thunderbolt fighters are proving a terror to the German pilots (former members of the R.A.F.). Flying their high altitude fast diving fighters, that have accounted for many enemy planes. In the raid over Paris the fighters of this station accounted for 17 down, 5 probables and one damaged. 15/10/43.' Printed damaged caption on reverse: 'O.P.S. Lt. Col. Oscar Coen of Illinois is an Ace and one of [the...] original Eagle Squadron. He has won both the British and Ameri[can...] D.F.C. He is here seen seated in his plane with fellow pilot[s...] around him.' On reverse: Daily Sketch [Stamp].

    Personnel talk to Lieutenant-Colonel Oscar Coen of the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Groupin the cockpit of his P-47 Thunderbolt after a mission over Paris, 15 October 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Thunderbolt fighters are proving a terror to the German pilots (former members of the R.A.F.). Flying their high altitude fast diving fighters, that have accounted for many enemy planes. In the raid over Paris the fighters of this station accounted for 17 down, 5 probables and one damaged. 15/10/43.' Printed damaged caption on reverse: 'O.P.S. Lt. Col. Oscar Coen of Illinois is an Ace and one of [the...] original Eagle Squadron. He has won both the British and Ameri[can...] D.F.C. He is here seen seated in his plane with fellow pilot[s...] around him.' On reverse: Daily Sketch [Stamp].

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  • The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel B. Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '24-6-43.' 271401 Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, the Duchess of Kent, and Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the field; all looking into a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (52) On reverse: Keystone Press [Stamp].

    The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel B. Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '24-6-43.' 271401 Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, the Duchess of Kent, and Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the field; all looking into a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (52) On reverse: Keystone Press [Stamp].

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  • The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Ross G. Hoyt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: The Duchess of Kent; General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia; and Col. Ross G. Hoyt, of Detroit, Michigan. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (14).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Ross G. Hoyt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: The Duchess of Kent; General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia; and Col. Ross G. Hoyt, of Detroit, Michigan. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (14).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

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'On 19 September 1940, No. 71 was reformed at Church Fenton as the first 'Eagle' Squadron to be manned by American personnel. The Squadron received Hurricanes in November and became operational on defensive duties on 5 February 1941. No. 71 converted to Spitfires in August and took part in sweeps over northern France. On 29 September 1942, the Squadron was transferred to the 4th Pursuit Group, US Army Air Force as the 334th Pursuit Squadron and ceased to be an RAF unit.'
From raf.mod.uk

Commanding officers

  • William Taylor

    Military | Squadron Leader | Pilot / Sqn Ldr
    William E G Taylor was an aviator for the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Taylor enrolled at the Guggenheim College of Aeronautical Engineering at New York University, but...

  • Ernest Bitmead

    Military | Wing Commander | Pilot / CO
    July 1940 - Oct 40 266 Squadron, 310 Squadron, 253 Squadron, 229 Squadron RAF. ...

  • Walter Churchill

    Military | Wing Commander | Pilot
    Commissioned as a P/O in the Auxiliary Air Force on 11 Jan 1932 and appointed to No 605 (County of Warwick) Sqn. He was promoted to flight lieutenant in June 1937 and transferred from the AAF to the Auxiliary Air Force Reserve of Officers in January...

  • Stanley Meares

    Military | Squadron Leader | Pilot / Sqn Commander
    Flight Lt Meares, No 611 Squadron, was awarded the DFC in July 1941 in recognition of his gallantry. The London Gazette records that he carried out 28 operations over enemy territory, during which he destroyed two Messerschmitt 109Fs and damaged two...

  • Henry Woodhouse

    Military | Wing Commander | Pilot / Sqn C/O
    71 [Eagle] Sqn RAF Commanding Officer. Died whilst with 85 Sqn RAF, flying de Havilland Mosquito MM632 - Destroyed a V-1 and went missing Nth sea 13-8-44, along with his observor F/Lt Walter Weir MIA/KIA. Awarded - DFC & AFC

Structure

Part of
  • Royal Air Force

    Royal Air Force


    Formed on 1 April 1918, The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the UK's aerial warfare force. The RAF has undertaken support, combat and reconnaissance roles in conflict since 1918, and continues to do so today.

Encompassing
Not yet known
Previously was
Not yet known
Became
  • 334th Fighter Squadron

    334th Fighter Squadron

    Squadron
    The 334th Fighter Squadron was the successor to No. 71 Eagle squadron of the Royal Air Force when the 4th Fighter Group was activated on 12 September 1942. They were based at Debden Field, Essex. The "Fighting Eagles" as they were called, flew...

Stations

Station Location Date
Based Kirton-in-Lindsey November 1940 – 8 April 1941
Based Martlesham Heath 9 April 1941 – May 1942
Based Debden May 1942 – August 1942

Connections

People

  • Luke Allen

    Military | Captain | Pilot | 4th Fighter Group
    From Ignacio, Colorado. Volunteering for the RAF just as the Battle of Britain was reaching its climax, Luke joined 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, flying his first combat operation in April 1941 on Hurricanes. ...

  • Newton Anderson

    Military | Squadron Leader | Pilot
    One of the first named members of 71 [Eagle] Sqn RAF when the new unit was announced to the British press, though he was probably in training at this point. ...

  • Paul Anderson

    Military | Pilot Officer | Pilot
    Spitfire pilot 71 [Eagle] Sqn RAF. Victim of a bomb in London, Killed In Action [KIA] 8-3-41. Flew as a crop duster pre war.

  • Stanley Anderson

    Military | Captain | fighter pilot-1055 single engine
    Joined RAFVR, assigned to 71[Eagle] Sqn RAF, transferred to 334th FS, 4th FG, 8th AF USAAF. ...

  • Thomas Andrews

    Military | Lieutenant Colonel | Squadron Commander | 496th Fighter Training Group
    Joined RAFVR, service pilot training in US Dallas Aviation School RAF refresher course, shipped overseas to ETO, operational training at OTU, assigned to 71S, led Blue Flight 1st mission over Dieppe 18-8-42, transferred to 334FS 4FG 8AF USAAF 16-9-42 —...

  • Roger Atkinson

    Military | Pilot Officer | pilot
    Pilot P/O Roger Hall Atkinson 71 [Eagle] Sqn RAF was KIFA, due to his parachute failing to open after baling out of Spitfire AD123, during aerobatic practice after structural failure nr Woodford Essex 15-10-41.

  • John Ayer

    Military | Flying Officer | Pilot
    Spitfire pilot 71 [Eagle] Sqn RAF. Killed in Action (KIA) 10-4-42. "missing while engaged on photograph reconnaissance over the French coast"

  • Charles Bateman

    Military | Pilot Officer | Pilot
    Pilot Hawker Hurricane 71 (Eagle) Sqn RAF.

  • Duane Beeson

    Military | Lieutenant Colonel | Pilot | 4th Fighter Group
    Duane W Beeson joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941, by February 1942 he had completed over 200 hours of flying and was transferred to Britain to join No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron, RAF 24 days later he joined the 4th Fighter Group in September 1942....

  • Ernest Bitmead

    Military | Wing Commander | Pilot / CO
    July 1940 - Oct 40 266 Squadron, 310 Squadron, 253 Squadron, 229 Squadron RAF. ...

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Aircraft

  • AB941

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AB941, Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • AD196 'Miss North Dallas'

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AD196,Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • V7608

    Hurricane
    Hurricane Mk I, V7608 ‘XR-J’, of No 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire.

  • Z3781

    Hurricane
    Hawker Hurricane Mk I XR-A Z3781, part of the fifth production batch produced by Hawker Aircraft Limited at Langley, to contract # 62305/39, between 14th January, 1941 and 28th July, 1941. ...

  • EN915

    Spitfire
    Spitfire Mk Vb EN915 was built at the Vickers-Armstrong aircraft factory, Castle Bromwich, and delivered to the RAF at 37 Maintenance Unit, Burtonwood, on 17 May 1942. It was issued to 154 Squadron at Hornchurch on 12 June 1942. During its time with...

  • P8572

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIa P8572 built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory in 1941, delivered to 45 Maintenance Unit 27-Jun-41, assigned to 602 Sqn 17-Jul-41, assigned to 71 [Eagle] Sqn 8-41, hit ground recovering from dive nr Ongar Essex 9-Aug-41...

  • P7308

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIa P7308, built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • P7430

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire P7430 MK IIa, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, ...

  • P7610 'Jersey'

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire P7610 Mk IIa. Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, delivered to No 6 MU 9-11-40, assigned to 41 Sqn RAF 19-11-40, transferred to 54 Sqn RAF 22-2-41, ...

  • P7734 'Gilingham'

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire P7734 Mk IIa, built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

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Citations

None

Air Force
Not yet known
Type
Combat
Type category
Fighter
Nicknames
Not yet known
Motto
First from the Eyrie
Insignia
A bald - headed eagle displayed charged with three stars of nine points.
Aircraft used
  • Hurricane
  • Spitfire
  • Master

Revisions

Date Contributor Update
06 March 2017 16:57:18 highasakite88 Changes to stations
Sources

ORB Summary April 1941
Date Contributor Update
28 February 2016 14:46:12 Al_Skiff Changes to category, aircraft types and commanding officers associations
Sources

Addition of Sqn commanders.
Date Contributor Update
23 February 2016 23:13:39 Al_Skiff Changes to aircraft associations
Sources

AAM DB Entries
Date Contributor Update
23 February 2016 22:01:29 Al_Skiff Changes to commanding officers associations and stations
Sources

AAM DB Entries
Date Contributor Update
23 February 2016 18:08:28 Al_Skiff Changes to media associations
Sources

AAM DB Entries - Transfer from Eagle Group to RAF Sqn
Date Contributor Update
23 February 2016 17:42:35 Al_Skiff Changes to person associations, aircraft associations and media associations
Sources

AAM DB Entries
Date Contributor Update
23 February 2016 16:47:16 Lucy May Created entry with type, name, motto, description, aircraft types and unit became association
Sources

http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/71squadron.cfm

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