John B. Selby
Wing commander John Beauchamp Selby, DSO, DFC; 19 March 1915 – 16 February 1991) was a Royal Air Force flying ace during the Second World War. He was credited with 5 aerial victories.
John Beauchamp Selby | |
|---|---|
 Selby beside his de Havilland Mosquito II, June 1943 | |
| Nickname(s) | Dogsbody |
| Born | 19 March 1915 London |
| Died | 5 September 1982 (aged 67) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1943 |
| Rank | Wing commander |
| Service number | 88705 |
| Commands held | No. 73 Squadron No. 23 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross |
In early 1942 he was serving with No. 73 Squadron flying Hawker Hurricanes. He scored his first aerial victory against a Regia Aeronautica Fiat CR.42 on the night of 25/6 May 1942. He was promoted to Squadron leader in October 1943. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in November 1942 and the Distinguished Service Order in March 1943.[1]
From February to April 1943 he was on leave and during this time he assisted Fitzroy Maclean in supply missions to the Yugoslav Partisans.[2]
in April 1943 Selby was promoted to Wing commander and given command of No. 23 Squadron at RAF Luqa, Malta equipped with the de Havilland Mosquito. On the night of 20/1 July 1943 he scored his 5th aerial victory attaining flying ace status.[1]
References
- Shores, Christopher; Williams, Clive (2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots of the British and Commonwealth Forces of WWII. Grub Street Publishing. p. 541. ISBN 9781898697008.
- Maclean, Fitzroy (1949). Eastern Approaches. Penguin Global. p. 392. ISBN 0140132716.