Basil Embry

Basil Embry was a senior Royal Air Force commander renowned for his aggressive leadership and exceptional combat record during the Second World War. His career spanned over three decades, during which he rose to the rank of Air Chief Marshal and commanded major formations including RAF Fighter Command and elements of RAF Bomber Command. Embry remains one of the most decorated officers in Royal Air Force history, uniquely awarded the Distinguished Service Order four times.

Early life and military career

Born in Barnwood, Gloucestershire, he initially pursued a career in the British Army, being commissioned into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in 1921. Seeking greater adventure, he transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1924, learning to fly at RAF Cranwell. His early service included postings to No. 4 Squadron RAF in Farnborough and a tour as a flying instructor at the Central Flying School. Embry demonstrated exceptional skill and daring, qualities that defined his subsequent career, and he was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1936 for his instructional work.

World War II

At the outbreak of war, Embry was commanding No. 107 Squadron RAF, flying the Bristol Blenheim on daring low-level raids against targets such as German capital ships and enemy-occupied airfields. His audacity led to his first Distinguished Service Order in 1940. After being shot down over France in May 1940, he executed a remarkable escape through Occupied France, Spain, and Gibraltar, eventually returning to England. He later commanded the fighter station RAF West Malling during the Battle of Britain. Promoted to Air Vice-Marshal, he took command of No. 2 Group RAF, a light bomber force within RAF Bomber Command, where his philosophy of aggressive, precision low-level attacks became legendary during operations like the raid on the Philips works in Eindhoven.

Post-war service

After the war, Embry held several key staff and command appointments. He served as Air Officer Commanding RAF Fighter Command from 1949 to 1953, a critical period encompassing the early Cold War and the transition to jet aircraft like the Gloster Meteor. He then became Commander-in-Chief of Allied Air Forces Central Europe, a NATO post. His final operational command was as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command's Second Tactical Air Force in West Germany. He also provided strategic advice during the Malayan Emergency before retiring from active service in 1956.

Personal life and legacy

Known for his fiery temperament and hands-on leadership, often flying on combat missions with his units, he was a revered but demanding figure. He married twice and had children. His legacy is that of one of the Royal Air Force's most dynamic and combat-focused leaders, whose tactics influenced Royal Air Force doctrine. His escape from occupied Europe was later detailed in his autobiography, *Mission Completed*. The Royal Air Force base RAF St. Mawgan in Cornwall was renamed RAF St. Mawgan in his honour for a period during the 1950s.

Awards and decorations

Embry's extraordinary bravery and service were recognized with an extensive array of honours. His military decorations include being appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath and a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order an unprecedented four times, alongside the Air Force Cross. He was also Mentioned in Despatches on three occasions for gallant and distinguished service.

Category:1902 births Category:1977 deaths Category:Royal Air Force air chief marshals Category:British Army personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Order and Bar