The RAF Association is sad to hear of the death of Wing Commander Paul Caswell Farnes, one of the last of the Glorious Few, who defended our country in the Battle of Britain. He died on Tuesday 28 January, at the age of 101.
Paul joined 501 Squadron at Filton in September 1939 and fought with them over Britain and France.
He was the last surviving fighter ace among the Few, having brought down more than five enemy aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in 1940 and commissioned as an officer.
Paul was later stationed in Malta, Eqypt and Iraq. After the war, he became a flying instructor with the RAF, where he remained until his retirement in 1958, having attained the rank of Wing Commander.
Nick Bunting, Secretary General of the RAF Association, said, “We offer our deep-felt condolences to the family and friends of Paul Farnes, a skilled pilot and later a flying instructor, who served his country as one of the Few in the decisive Battle of Britain.”
