Squadron Leader SR Peacock-Edwards “Teddy”

Links of Long Standing

The SAAF Development Programme’s prewar demise influenced many young South Africans including WI Deas, PG Dexter, GJ Drake, J Falkson, AC Hamman, PH Hugo, O Hume, J Ing, AG Lewis, N Lewis, LA Lynn, Spencer Peacock -Edwards, SR Whiting and GM Wright while 26-year-old Michaelhouse educated Guy Paul Wentworth Austin arrived in England on the day war was declared, commissioned as an “acting Pilot on probation” in January 1940 and lost his life 10 months later in a No 9 Squadron Wellington shot down over Germany.

The First Ten Months

Political machinations in the House of Commons were however of little interest to the RAF pilots in France waiting to engage the enemy after 8 months of inactivity, including No 150 Squadron Fairey Battle pilots, Michaelhouse educated Flying Officer Spencer Peacock- Edwards and Flying Officer John Ing who was educated at Michaelhouse and Glenwood Boys High in Durban.

The First Ten Months

Flying Officer Spencer Peacock-Edwards and Cranwell graduate Pilot Officer BP Young were Michaelhouse contemporaries. Young suffered serious burns when his No 615 Squadron Hurricane was shot down on May 16th, only resumed operational flying almost two years later as a Coastal Command Sunderland pilot.

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.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Durban born, Michaelhouse educated Tempest Haigh “Archie” Archbell another airman turned down by the SAAF, had some flying experience when he was accepted for RAF flying training. His service number suggests he passed the RAF Selection Board process in Salisbury at the same time as his school contemporary Spencer Peacock- Edwards but their RAF flying careers were very different. Archbell, granted a short service commission in July 1938 resigned his commission in July 1947, both commanded RAF squadrons and, earned the “Distinguished Flying Cross”.