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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sgt. Ray Sellers AFC - Battle of Britain pilot

Ray Sellers was the only Old Wokingian to serve as a Battle of Britain pilot in the late summer of 1940.

Ray shortly after joining the RAF

He joined 111 Squadron on 17 August 1940. 111 Squadron was the first squadron to receive Hurricanes and when he joined them they were based at Croydon Satellite Station. Two days after joining the squadron it was transferred to RAF Debden near Saffron Walden in Essex.

He was shot down on 26 August 1940 following combat with two German Bf 110's over Essex during a day of heavy enemy activity. After recovering in hospital Ray was transferred on 18 September to 46 Squadron based at Stapleford Tawney in the Epping Forest. He was later promoted to Flight Lieutenant and awarded the Air Force Cross.

In total Ray logged 122 hours flying time during the Battle of Britain. In January 1941 he transferred to training duties until the end of the war.

Ray died on 16 May 2010.

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