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Wing Commander 'Bob' Stanford Tuck

Robert Stanford-Tuck's Spitfire Mk.I K9906 'FZ-L' - 65 Squadron, Hornchurch 1939, Skin made by LNSE492 | Download here

Born on July 1st 1916 in London, Roland Robert Stanford Tuck left school at the age of 16 to join the Merchant Navy. During his two years at sea, Tuck acquired a Lee-Enfield 0.303 rifle which he used to use for target practice against sharks, laying the foundation for the gunnery skills he would later be famous for.

Squadron Leader Robert Stanford Tuck, commanding No. 257 Squadron, in the cockpit of his Hawker Hurricane at Martelsham Heath, November 1940.

Whilst on leave in September 1935, Tuck was attracted by an advert to join the RAF and duly applied, being called up for basic training at RAF Uxbridge in September. Following his two weeks of drill and lectures he then reported to No.3 Flying Training School at Grantham to fly the Avro Tutor. Tuck’s early days as an aviator were less than successful; he was well behind schedule when he finally flew his first solo in October. However, after successfully completing his training he was awarded his pilot’s wings in August 1936 and was posted to No.65 Squadron flying Gloster Gladiators at RAF Hornchurch.

On January 18th 1938 Tuck was involved in a fatal accident where his formation of three Gladiators encountered severe turbulence, resulting in his aircraft impacting with that of F/Sgt Gaskell. Gaskell was killed on impact but Tuck was able to parachute to safety, although a bracing wire ripped across his face leaving him with a permanent scar. Absolved of any blame, Tuck was flying again only nine days later.

Royal Air Force 1939-1945

In May 1940 Tuck was transferred to No.92 Squadron at RAF Croydon, under the command of Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, who would later become famous as one of the masterminds behind ‘The Great Escape.’ On May 23rd, whilst flying a patrol over Dunkirk, the squadron were jumped by a staffel of Bf109s. In the ensuing dogfight Tuck shot down his first enemy aircraft. That afternoon No.92 Sqn again took to the skies, this time with Tuck shooting down two Bf110s. However, Sqn Ldr Bushell was also shot down and captured on May 23rd and Tuck was given temporary command of No.92 Sqn. The remainder of the month saw Tuck leading No.92 into action again and again, increasing his personal tally of victories and leading to his award of a Distinguished Flying Cross.

In June 1940 Tuck was sent to Farnborough to take part in trials of a captured Bf109E and the new Spitfire Mk.IIa. He described the Bf109 as a delightful aircraft, but believed the Spitfire to have the edge in maneuverability. July and early August saw a return to the front line and more patrols from Pembrey in South Wales before being ordered to No.11 Group in South East England during the height of the Battle of Britain. He shot down three German bombers in two days before he himself was shot down on August 18th, although he again managed to parachute to safety.