Group Captain TS Rivett-Carnac

Links of Long Standing

1930’s Cranwell graduates included HR Goodman, EMC Guest, JER Hayter, DG Heaton-Nicholls, T de T Macdonald, H Mundy, TS Rivett-Carnac, BP Young and HNG Wheeler. Most, including British born NM Hall and MA Aylmer were educated at Bishops, St Johns College, Michaelhouse, Hilton College or St Andrews.

The First Ten Months

RAF Command, having incurred significant losses in France, were firmly on the “back foot” when the War Cabinet agreed to bomb German military targets for the first time on May 15th. There were probably other South Africans among the 99 crews in the bomber force of Wellingtons, Whitley’s and Hampdens that nervously dropped the first bombs on Germany 11 but No 9 Squadron Wellington pilot Flight Lt TS Rivett-Carnac who crash landed after his 11th operational sortie but like all involved, relieved the sortie was completed.

Against Unfavourable Odds

Pilot Officer AG Lewis was recuperating when the “Bar” to his “Distinguished Flying Cross” was announced in the October 22nd “London Gazette”. That issue also included awards to Flight Lt AC Rabagliati, Squadron Leader TS Rivett- Carnac, a No 37 Squadron Wellington pilot, and fellow South African Flight Lt HE Hopkins, a No 235 Squadron Coastal Command Blenheim pilot.

More than a “Few” South Africans

At least 70 South Africans were Lancaster aircrew but less than 20 South African Lancaster pilots including St Andrews College educated Group Captain Thomas Stephen Rivett Carnac DSO DFC and Bar survived the war 18.He graduated from RAF Cranwell in 1935, excelling at swimming,rugby and boxing, flew Fleet Air Arm Swordfish’s, served on HMS “Furious”, “Courageous” and “Ark Royal” and flew No 9 Squadron North Sea Shipping sorties. Gordon Thorburn’s “Bombers First and Last” suggests Rivett-Carnac “looked as if he should have played flanker for the Springboks and he was a natural leader. People felt that if they stuck with him, they’d be alright”. Ten South Africans lost their lives in No 9 Squadron Wellingtons 19

More than a “Few” South Africans

Rivett Carnac survived a crash-landing after the first bombing raid on Germany on May 15th 1940 20, served as No 37 Squadron flight commander and was awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross”. Posted to No 20 “OTU” RAF Lossiemouth after completing 30 operational sorties, Rivett-Carnac rejoined No 37 Squadron in Egypt in March 1941, flying sorties in desert conditions challenged by distance, long hours and refueling.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Wing Commander Rivett- Carnac DFC and Bar, the only South African Pathfinder squadron commander 21, believed airmen facing death every time they flew a sortie were entitled to a “bit of fun” and his sense of fair play, did not impress Air Chief Marshal Joubert Inspector General of the RAF 22. However, a line from his July 1943 “Distinguished Service Order” citation spoke volumes, “…His fine example has been reflected in the enthusiasm for operational duties which prevails in his squadron…”.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Group Captain Rivett- Carnac DSO DFC and Bar commanded No 156 Squadron between 1942 and 1943 and Pathfinder crews were identified by the badge worn on the pocket flap below medal ribbons.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Group Captain Rivett-Carnac DSO DFC and Bar completed 72 bomber sorties and served in various capacities for the duration of the war. One of over 40 South Africans including SAAF pilots seconded to the RAF, who commanded RAF Wings or Squadrons during the Second World War, he retired in 1959 having held several senior posts in the RAF, returned to South Africa but died in England in 1991.