Group Captain GF Chater

Links of Long Standing

Several joined well before war was declared including amongst others, TH Archbell, AS Ainslie, I Bocock, CBE Burt-Andrews GL Cruickshanks, G Chater, IB Difford, FA Harte, GDL Haysom, CB Hull, GLB Hull, AG “Sailor” Malan, EJ Morris, MT Pattle, H Rosofsky, JF Roulston RN Selley, HWL Sheahan CR Taylor and FL Watson.

Against Unfavourable Odds

By September 13th Fighter Command had lost 76 aircrew and over 200 aircraft and whilst that day was relatively quiet for fighter pilots, Bomber Command’s attacks on Boulogne, Calais, and Antwerp destroyed more than 70 invasion landing barges in two days. That Friday’s September 13th “London Gazette” announced “Distinguished Flying Cross” awards to Flight Lt George Frederick Chater a Coastal Command pilot involved in defending Plymouth’s Dockyard during the “Battle of Britain” and Flying Officer Philip Valentine Arderne.

Against Unfavourable Odds

Chater, born in Durban and educated at Michaelhouse, commissioned in 1934, flew torpedo bombers in Singapore, instructed at RAF Cranwell and commanded No 3 Squadron. Released from service in 1949, Group Captain GF Chater DFC died in 1981.

Against Unfavourable Odds

Flying Officer Spencer Ritchie “Teddy” Peacock-Edwards also commissioned in May 1938 and served in France before volunteering for Fighter Command, was several years ahead of John Chomley but behind Chater at Michaelhouse. Posted to No 615 Squadron on September 4th he moved to 253 Squadron at Kenley on the 15th unaware the Sunday headline “Is Hitler Hesitating” was redundant as radar detection of a massive Luftwaffe build up over Pas de Calais had allowed RAF fighters to secure undetected positions above the approaching bombers. A vital advantage on a day regarded as the “Battle of Britain’s” turning point that in tandem with Bomber Command’s barge destruction, forced Hitler to abandon his invasion plans a few days later.