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Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased) - Art prints and originals signed by Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased)

Byron Duckenfield

Byron Duckenfield
The signature of Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased)

19 / 11 / 2010Died : 19 / 11 / 2010

Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased)

Byron Duckenfield started at Flying Training School on 25th November 1935 in a Blackburn B2 at Brough. As a Sergeant, he joined No.32 Sqn at Biggin Hill on 8th August 1936 and flew Gauntlets and Hurricanes. He joined 74 Squadron at Hornchurch on 11th April 1940, flying Spitfires, and on 5th May was posted to 501 Squadron flying Hurricanes at Tangmere. On the 11th of May at Betheniville, he survived a crash in a passenger transport Bombay aircraft in an aircraft in which he was a passenger, While comin ginto land the aircraft at 200 feet the aircraft stalled and the aircrfat fell backwards just levelly out as it histhe ground. 5 of th epassengers were killed when the centre section collapsed and crushed them. Duckenfield was fortunate as he had moved position during the flight. as the two passengers sitting each side of where he was sitting had died in the crash. (it was found later that the Bombay had beeb loaded with to much weight in the aft sectiion. ) recovering in hospital in Roehampton. On 23rd July 1940, he rejoined No.501 Sqn at Middle Wallop, then moved to to Gravesend two days later, scoring his first victory, a Ju87, on the 29th of July 1940. During August and September he scored three more victories. After a spell as a test pilot from 14th September 1940, he was posted to command 66 Squadron on 20th December 1941, flying Spitfires. On 26th February 1942 he took command of 615 Squadron flying Hurricanes from Fairwood Common, taking the squadron to the Far East. In late December 1942 he was shot down in Burma and captured by the Japanese. He remained a POW until release in May 1945. After a refresher course at the Flying Training School in November 1949, he took command of No.19 Squadron flying Hornets and Meteors from Chruch Fenton. After a series of staff positions, he retired from the RAF as a Group Captain on 28th May 1969. Duckenfield would write later his details :

Burma

At first light, 12 Hurricanes IIC aircraft of 615 Squadron, myself in the lead, took off from Chittagong for central Burma to attack the Japanese air base at Magwe, 300 miles away on the banks of the River Irrawaddy. Arriving at Yenangyaung, we turned downstream at minimum height for Magwe, 30 miles to the South and jettisoned drop tanks. Just before sighting the enemy base, the squadron climbed to 1200 feet and positioned to attack from up sun. On the ramp at the base, in front of the hangers, were 10 or 12 Nakajima KI - 43 Oscars in a rough line up (not dispersed) perhaps readying for take. These aircraft and the hangars behind them were attacked in a single pass, before withdrawing westward at low level and maximum speed. A few minutes later perhaps 20 miles away form Magwe, I was following the line of a cheung (small creek), height about 250 feet, speed aboput 280 mph, when the aircraft gave a violent shudder, accompanied by a very lound, unusual noise. The cause was instantly apparent: the airscrew has disappeared completely, leaving only the spinning hub. My immediate reaction was to throttle back fully and switch off to stop the violently overspeeding engine. Further action was obvious: I was committed to staying with the aircraft because, with a high initial speed, not enough height to eject could be gained without the help of an airscrew. So I jettisoned the canopy and acknowledged gratefully the fact that I was following a creek; the banks of either side were hillocky ground, hostile to a forced landing aircraft. Flying the course of the creek, I soon found the aircraft to be near the stall (luckily, a lower than normal figure without an airscrew) extended the flaps and touched down wheels-up with minimum impact ( I have done worse landings on a smooth runway!) My luck was holding, if one can talk of luck in such a situation. December is the height of the dry season in that area and the creek had little water, it was shallow and narrow at the point where I came down: shallow enough to support the fusalage and narrow enough to support wing tips. So I released the harness, pushed the IFF Destruct switch, climed out and walked the wing ashore, dryshod. The question may occur -Why did not others in the squadron see their leader go down? - the answer is simple, the usual tatctic of withdrawal from an enemy target was to fly single at high speed and low level on parallel courses until a safe distance from target was attained. Then, the formation would climb to re-assemble. Having left the aircraft, I now faced a formidable escape problem? I was 300 miles from friendly territory: my desired route would be westward but 80% of that 300 miles was covered by steep north-south ridges impenetrably clothed in virgin jungle; these were natural impediments, there was also the enemy to consider. Having thought over my predicament, I decided the best I could do - having heard reports of mean herted plainspeope - was to get as far into the hills as possible and then find a (hopefully sympathetic) village. I suppose I may have covered about 15 miles by nightfall when I came upon this small hill village and walked into the village square. Nobody seemed surprised to see me (I suspect I had been followed for some time) I wa given a quiet welcome, seated at a table in the open and given food. Then exhaustion took over, I fell asleep in the chair and woke later to find myself tied up in it. Next day I was handed over to a Japanese sergeant and escort who took me back to Magwe and, soon after that, 2.5 years captivity in Rangoon jail.

Sadly we have learned that Byron Duckenfield passed away on 19th November 2010.

Latest Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased) Signed Artwork Releases !
Byron Duckenfield is recorded as having shot down a Stuka near Dover, but the exact circumstances are not clear. 501 Sqn did encounter Stukas in this area on a number of occasions - depicted here is a 501 Sqn Hurricane on the tail of a Ju.87. Byron Duckenfield is recorded as having shot down a Stuka near Dover, but the exact circumstances are not clear. 501 Sqn did encounter Stukas in this area on a number of occasions - depicted here is a 501 Sqn Hurricane on the tail of a Ju.87.

Straggler's End by Ivan Berryman. (C)		 Having already registered two victories since his arrival at 501 Sqn in the Autumn of 1940, Plt Off K W Mackenzie found himself again in action against some Messerschmitt Bf.109s on 7th October, sharing in the destruction of one before vigorously pursuing another as it turned to head out across the Channel. With his ammunition exhausted, Mackenzie was determined not to let the interloper escape and placed his Hurricane's starboard wing over the tail of the Bf.109, bringing it violently down and severing the tail of the German fighter which plunged uncontrollably into the sea. With his own wingtip missing from the impact and his engine now damaged by rounds from other pursuing German aircraft, Mackenzie limped his crippled Hurricane over the cliffs near Folkestone, where he crash-landed. He survived the incident, albeit with some facial injuries sustained when he was thrown against the gunsight, and was awarded the DFC for his gallantry.

Desperate Measures by Ivan Berryman. (C)		 Following a violent collision with a Bf.109 over northern France on 9th August 1941, Douglas Bader found himself trapped in the cockpit of his Spitfire, now missing its entire tail, as it plunged toward the ground. Only by releasing one of his artificial legs was he finally able to make his escape, leaving the leg behind.

Last of the Luck by Ivan Berryman.		 A Mk.II Hurricane of No.615 Sqn passes over a downed Japanese Zero fighter in the jungles of Burma.

Burma - Arrival of 615 Squadron by Brian Bateman. (P)

Items Signed by Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased)

Battle hardened Spitfires of 222 squadron head home high above a gathering storm at the height of the Battle of Britain. ......
Two of 222 by Anthony Saunders. (APB)
Price : £85.00		 Battle hardened Spitfires of 222 squadron head home high above a gathering storm at the height of the Battle of Britain. ......

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A poignant scene from the Battle of Britain, as a pair of battle weary Hurricanes return from a mission, young children play in the afternoon sun. ......
Salute the Few by Anthony Saunders. (APB)
Price : £85.00		 A poignant scene from the Battle of Britain, as a pair of battle weary Hurricanes return from a mission, young children play in the afternoon sun. ......

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Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1As of No.610 (County of Chester) Sqn RAAF, intercept incoming Heinkel 111H-16s of the 9th Staffel, Kampfgeschwader 53 Legion Condor during the big daylight raids on London of August and September 1940 - the climax of the Bat......
Close Encounter by Ivan Berryman. (F)
Price : £130.00		 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1As of No.610 (County of Chester) Sqn RAAF, intercept incoming Heinkel 111H-16s of the 9th Staffel, Kampfgeschwader 53 Legion Condor during the big daylight raids on London of August and September 1940 - the climax of the Bat......

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Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1As of No.610 (County of Chester) Sqn RAAF, intercept incoming Heinkel 111H-16s of the 9th Staffel, Kampfgeschwader 53 Legion Condor during the big daylight raids on London of August and September 1940 - the climax of the Bat......
Close Encounter by Ivan Berryman. (H)
Price : £115.00		 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1As of No.610 (County of Chester) Sqn RAAF, intercept incoming Heinkel 111H-16s of the 9th Staffel, Kampfgeschwader 53 Legion Condor during the big daylight raids on London of August and September 1940 - the climax of the Bat......

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Routine, though essential, maintenance is carried out on a 501 Sqn Hurricane at the height of the Battle of Britain during the Summer of 1940. Hurricane P3059 <i>SD-N</i> in the background is the aircraft of Group Captain Byron Duckenfield. ......
Ground Force by Ivan Berryman. (APB)
Price : £380.00		 Routine, though essential, maintenance is carried out on a 501 Sqn Hurricane at the height of the Battle of Britain during the Summer of 1940. Hurricane P3059 SD-N in the background is the aircraft of Group Captain Byron Duckenfield. ......

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Routine, though essential, maintenance is carried out on a 501 Sqn Hurricane at the height of the Battle of Britain during the Summer of 1940. Hurricane P3059 <i>SD-N</i> in the background is the aircraft of Group Captain Byron Duckenfield (deceased......
Ground Force by Ivan Berryman. (D)
Price : £110.00		 Routine, though essential, maintenance is carried out on a 501 Sqn Hurricane at the height of the Battle of Britain during the Summer of 1940. Hurricane P3059 SD-N in the background is the aircraft of Group Captain Byron Duckenfield (deceased......

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Routine, though essential, maintenance is carried out on a 501 Sqn Hurricane at the height of the Battle of Britain during the Summer of 1940. Hurricane P3059 <i>SD-N</i> in the background is the aircraft of Group Captain Byron Duckenfield.......
Ground Force by Ivan Berryman. (E)
Price : £95.00		 Routine, though essential, maintenance is carried out on a 501 Sqn Hurricane at the height of the Battle of Britain during the Summer of 1940. Hurricane P3059 SD-N in the background is the aircraft of Group Captain Byron Duckenfield.......

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Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. ......
Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. (AP)
Price : £110.00		 Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. ......

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Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. ......
Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £300.00		 Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. ......

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Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......
Hurricane Mk.IIC by Ivan Berryman.
Price : £40.00		 Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......

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Hurricane Mk.IIC by Ivan Berryman. (AP)
Price : £55.00		 ......

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Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......
Hurricane Mk.IIC by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £350.00		 Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......

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Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......
Hurricane Mk.IIC by Ivan Berryman. (C)
Price : £55.00		 Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......

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Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......
Hurricane Mk.IIC by Ivan Berryman. (F)
Price : £60.00		 Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. ......

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F/Lt (later Wing Commander) Baldwin was to become the highest-scoring Typhoon pilot of all with 15 confirmed victories, one shared, one probable and four damaged. He is depicted here downing a Bf.109 in Typhoon 1B, DN360 (PR-A) of 609 Sqn over Beach......
F/Lt J R Baldwin by Ivan Berryman.
Price : £60.00		 F/Lt (later Wing Commander) Baldwin was to become the highest-scoring Typhoon pilot of all with 15 confirmed victories, one shared, one probable and four damaged. He is depicted here downing a Bf.109 in Typhoon 1B, DN360 (PR-A) of 609 Sqn over Beach......

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F/Lt (later Wing Commander) Baldwin was to become the highest-scoring Typhoon pilot of all with 15 confirmed victories, one shared, one probable and four damaged. He is depicted here downing a Bf.109 in Typhoon 1B, DN360 (PR-A) of 609 Sqn over Beach......
F/Lt J R Baldwin by Ivan Berryman. (AP)
Price : £70.00		 F/Lt (later Wing Commander) Baldwin was to become the highest-scoring Typhoon pilot of all with 15 confirmed victories, one shared, one probable and four damaged. He is depicted here downing a Bf.109 in Typhoon 1B, DN360 (PR-A) of 609 Sqn over Beach......

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F/Lt (later Wing Commander) Baldwin was to become the highest-scoring Typhoon pilot of all with 15 confirmed victories, one shared, one probable and four damaged. He is depicted here downing a Bf.109 in Typhoon 1B, DN360 (PR-A) of 609 Sqn over Beach......
F/Lt J R Baldwin by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £380.00		 F/Lt (later Wing Commander) Baldwin was to become the highest-scoring Typhoon pilot of all with 15 confirmed victories, one shared, one probable and four damaged. He is depicted here downing a Bf.109 in Typhoon 1B, DN360 (PR-A) of 609 Sqn over Beach......

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Spitfires of No.41 Sqn during the Battle of Britain. The lead aircraft is EB-J, flown by Sqn Ldr Maurice Brown. ......
41 Squadron Spitfire by Ivan Berryman. (P)
Price : £550.00		 Spitfires of No.41 Sqn during the Battle of Britain. The lead aircraft is EB-J, flown by Sqn Ldr Maurice Brown. ......

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On the evening of 25th May 1940, Luftwaffe Ace Hans-Ekkehard Bob claimed his third victory, bringing down a French Morane 406 near Cambrai during the Battle of France in his Me109 of 3./JG21. ......
Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. (P)
Price : £550.00		 On the evening of 25th May 1940, Luftwaffe Ace Hans-Ekkehard Bob claimed his third victory, bringing down a French Morane 406 near Cambrai during the Battle of France in his Me109 of 3./JG21. ......

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79 Sqn Hurricane of F/Lt Owen Tracey trying to get airborne again amid explosions from the attacking German Dorniers on 15th August 1940. ......
Tribute to F/Lt Owen Tracey by Ivan Berryman.
Price : £60.00		 79 Sqn Hurricane of F/Lt Owen Tracey trying to get airborne again amid explosions from the attacking German Dorniers on 15th August 1940. ......

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79 Sqn Hurricane of F/Lt Owen Tracey trying to get airborne again amid explosions from the attacking German Dorniers on 15th August 1940. ......
Tribute to F/Lt Owen Tracey by Ivan Berryman. (AP)
Price : £85.00		 79 Sqn Hurricane of F/Lt Owen Tracey trying to get airborne again amid explosions from the attacking German Dorniers on 15th August 1940. ......