Francis Victor Beamish was born in Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland, on 27th September, 1903, - three of his brothers served in the RAF and also attained high-ranking positions.
James was the son of Patrick and Annie Burke (nee Maher) of Temuka, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Fred Chandler was the eldest son of Edward and Evelyn Chandler and grew up in Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand.
On Saturday 4 April, 1942, New Zealander Pilot Officer Fox, known as ‘Dene’, was 21 years old with 259 flying hours to his credit. He had been posted to 485 Squadron RNZAF the previous month and was still a novice at operational flying.
On the afternoon of Thursday 26 March 1942 485 Sqn (RNZAF) flew on Ramrod 17 from Kenley to Tangmere to escort a bombing raid to Le Havre. The Squadron’s Operations Record Book described the operation as a success but on the return leg they encountered enemy aircraft.
John Raby Liken, known as "Jack" was born in Oamaru, New Zealand, on 25th November 1913.
Arnold, known as "Mick", was born on 9th December, 1919. He was the son of William and Emily McNeil (nee Burgess), of New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand.
David Malyon Russell was the son of John and Beatrice Hawes Russell. He left behind a wife, Violet Ada Russell (nee Surridge), of Manurewa, Auckland.
From Invercargill, he learned to fly privately with Southland Aero Club pre-war, joining the RNZAF in 1939, arriving in Britain with 11 other Kiwis the following year - seven would killed in action, and two more captured.
