Charles Sidney Darwood joined the RAF as an Acting Pilot Officer on a Short Service Commission on 15 March 1935. On completion of his training, he joined No.111 Squadron at RAF Northolt, being noted on strength there in October 1936.
Francis Dawson-Paul was born in London in February 1916. He originally joined the Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO) in August 1934, but had to resign in May 1937 due to ill health.
John Holt Dickinson was born in Bolton on 1 March, 1919. His parents, Norman and Mary Dickinson moved to Southport, where John attended King George V School.