Paul Richey

Paul Richey, (7 May 1916 – 23 February 1989) was a flying ace who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was credited with having shot down at least ten aircraft. He also wrote a well received book, ''Fighter Pilot'', covering No. 1 Squadron's involvement in the Battle of France.

Born in Chelsea, Richey joined the RAF in 1937 and once his training was completed was posted to No. 1 Squadron. Sent to France on the outbreak of the Second World War, he flew extensively during the Battle of France and achieved several aerial victories until he was wounded in action. Repatriated to the United Kingdom, after a period of service as a fighter controller and then an instructor, he returned to operational flying in April 1941 with a posting to No. 609 Squadron. Flying on sorties to occupied France during the Circus offensive, he shot down several more aircraft. Later in the year he briefly commanded No. 74 Squadron. His account of No. 1 Squadron's service during the Battle of France was published in mid-1941 as ''Fighter Pilot''. It sold well and brought Richey to the attention of Air Marshal Sir William Sholto-Douglas, who arranged a posting to the headquarters of Fighter Command. In early 1942 Richey was sent to No. 56 Squadron to fly as a supernumerary pilot, and later in the year became commander of his former unit, No. 609 Squadron. In October he was promoted to wing commander and sent to British India. He commanded No. 189 Wing in the Imphal Valley for several months before being repatriated to the United Kingdom in February 1944 for health reasons. He served in staff postings for the remainder of the war.

In the postwar period, Richey worked in the petroleum industry and then as an aviation correspondent. He returned to military service in 1948, joining the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and soon commanding No. 601 Squadron. He retired from the military in 1958. A recipient of a bravery award the following year for rescuing a woman from drowning, he spent much of the remainder of his life in France. He died in 1989, aged 72. An incomplete manuscript of his wartime experiences following the Battle of France was found among his papers and, finished by Norman Franks, was published in 1993 as ''Fighter Pilot's Summer''. Provided by Wikipedia