William Henry Caffyn (British, 1870-1958) Squadron Leader OR Gayford DFC AFC (1893-1945)

oval, pastel portrait, framed

43.5 x 32.5cm, framed, 51 x 41cm

Footnote:

After attending Bishop Stortford School, he enlisted in the RNVR in 1914, but, his naval career started in a less than usual role, working on the RN Armoured Trains in France and Belgium. However, he went to sea in 1915 aboard destroyers and later sloops patrolling the North Sea. Transferring to the RNAS as an Observer in 1916 he joined 'C' Squadron based at Mudros in the Aegean. Equipped with DH4's and 9's, the squadron carried out reconnaissance, fleet spotting, bombing and anti-submarine operations. By the end of WW1 he had transferred to No 221 Squadron RAF which had originally been 'D' Squadron RNAS. In late 1918, the squadron was sent to South Russia, being based at Petrovsk carrying out reconnaissance and bombing in the 'police' role, beginning operations in early 1919. A return to the UK was interrupted when he was posted to join 'Z' force tasked with undertaking operations against the 'Mad Mullah' in British Somaliland. He qualified as a pilot, whilst serving as Adjutant at Netheravon in 1921.

On his return to the UK he trained as a pilot and following 'operational training with No 29 Squadron, he joined No 1 Squadron in Iraq flying Sopwith Snipes. A tour of Sudan followed with No 47 Squadron before being appointed to a 'ground' post at RAF Heliopolis in Egypt. The 'ground post actually consisted of organising and leading the third RAF return flight from Cairo to Cape Town. Another return to the UK brought a short attachment to No 22 Squadron (then part of A. & A.E.E.), attendance at the RAF Staff College, attachment to HQ Coastal Area and flying with the Experimental Section RAE. His previous experience of navigation, experimental flying and operations in the Middle East and Africa were then all brought into play with his appointment as Officer in charge of the RAF Long Range Flight. The culmination of this post being the setting of a new World distance record of 5,309 miles when he flew the Fairey Long Range Monoplane from Cranwell to Walvis Bay in South Africa.

Citation for the award of the Air Force Cross, London Gazette, 24 February 1933, for the Air Force Cross. ‘The King has King has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards to the officers named in recognition of their achievement in establishing a world's long-distance record by their, non-stop flight from Cranwell to -Walvis Bay, a distance of 5,340 miles, on 6th to 8th February, 1933’

Further postings followed including attendance at the Imperial Defence College and Flight Commander of No 58 Squadron equipped with Vickers Virginias, before he found himself once again in command of what was now called the Long Range Development Unit. Although not involved in the actual flights, his unit set another World distance record in July 1938 when two Vickers Wellesley’s, the third force landed en route, led by Sqn Ldr R G Kellett (later A/Cdre), flew from Ismailia, Egypt to Darwin in Australia. The distance covered being 7,162 miles in a flying time of 52 hours.

Command of RAF Wattisham followed, after which he moved to the Middle East to command No 231 Wing and later No 205 Group. Returning to the UK he joined Bomber Command as AOC of No 33 Base consisting of Waterbeach, Mepal, Witchford and Woodbridge (ELG). Retiring from the RAF in 1944, he was appointed Regional Controller for the Eastern Region of the Ministry of Fuel and Power but only lived long enough to witness the end of the war in Europe and unfortunately not the final surrender of the Japanese.

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, London Gazette, 21 September 1918. Captain John William Boldero Grigson and Lieut. Oswald Robert Gayford (Observer) (Sea Patrol). These two officers have flown together for a period of twelve months, during which time they participated in a number of bombing raids, carried out a large number of valuable reconnaissance patrols and escort flights in all weathers, by day and night, during the performance of which duties they have brought down hostile aircraft on several occasions. No task is too difficult for these officers.’