Sergeant Paul Frederick Green

On the afternoon of 25th April, 1942, Squadron Leader “Hawkeye” Wells led the Kenley Wing on Circus 137. Together with the Biggin Hill and Hornchurch Wings, they were tasked with providing an escort to 36 Boston bombers targeting the railway marshalling yards at Abbeville, Morlaix airfield, Cherbourg, Le Havre and Dunkirk. Ominously, the controller warned of large numbers of enemy aircraft approaching from the St. Omer area.

As the Kenley Wing approached Namport, three squadrons of FW190’s were spotted above 30,000ft – JG26, I think. Several came down to attack and in the ensuing combat, F/Lt. “Ginger” Lacey, of 602 squadron, damaged two FW190’s and S/L Wells damaged one. JG2 joined the battle over the Channel. In fourteen minutes, ten Spitfires, from six squadrons, were brought down between the Somme estuary and Boulogne. Sgt. Paul Frederick Green was flying Spitfire VB, (BM228) when he was shot down by a FW190. He was last seen going down in a spin near Frevert.

Sergeant Paul Frederick Green was born in Kensington, London, on 5th November, 1920. He was the son of Raymond C. Green, a pharmacist, and Doris E. Green (nee. Comer). In 1939, the family were living at 36 Carbury Ave, Ealing, and Paul was a science student. He joined the RAFVR after May 1940.

H. Leonard Thorne, who also served with 602 Squadron during this period, recalled that Paul Green was a “top class table tennis player.” As he was also a fairly good player, they were invited to take part in demonstration matches in London on three occasions during the winter of 1941/42, with Paul partnering Victor Barna, a Hungarian who had been world champion for many years and Len playing alongside Richard Bergmann, a young Austrian who was the current world champion.

Having no known grave, Paul is remembered at the Runnymede Memorial, panel 151.

Rest in peace Sir and thank you for your service.