R C Dafforn (1916-1943)

Robert Chippindall Dafforn, of Burchetts Green, Berkshire was born at Horton, Windsor on 2nd March 1916. He was at Harrow School from 1929 to 1934 and after leaving worked in the Exchange Equalisation Department of the Bank of England. In 1936 Dafforn applied to join the RAFVR but was turned down because at over 6 feet 6 inches tall the doctors considered him too thin. He underwent a course of physical training, applied again and was accepted, beginning his flying training at No 8 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School, Woodley in October 1937. In late June 1939 Dafforn was selected for four months training with the regular RAF and was posted to the Air Fighting School at St Athan. In mid-September he joined 501 Squadron at Filton. Commissioned in April 1940, Dafforn went with the squadron to Bethienville in France on 10th May. He claimed a Do17 destroyed on the 11th, a He111 on the 14th, a probable Me110 on the 19th, a probab