1. Don Bennett led the "Pathfinder Force" from 1942 to the end of the Second World War in 1945.
20 Facts About Don Bennett
1. 2.
Don Bennett has been described as "one of the most brilliant technical airmen of his generation: an outstanding pilot, a superb navigator who was capable of stripping a wireless set or overhauling an engine".
3.
Donald Bennett was born the youngest son of a grazier and business agent in Toowoomba, Queensland.
4.
Don Bennett transferred to the Royal Air Force a year later.
5.
Don Bennett was recommissioned in 1941 in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a squadron leader.
6.
In July 1942, Don Bennett was appointed to command the new Pathfinder Force, an elite unit tasked with improving RAF Bomber Command's navigation.
7.
Don Bennett chose to appoint Bennett without considering other candidates.
8.
Don Bennett was called to Bomber Command HQ when he was on the point of leaving with his squadron for the Middle East.
9.
Don Bennett was not a popular leader: a personally difficult and naturally aloof man, he earned a great deal of respect from his crews but little affection.
10.
Indeed, Don Bennett saw his own appointment in those terms: it was, he believed, a victory for the "players" over the "gentlemen".
11.
Don Bennett resigned his commission in the RAF, and returned to private life to pursue a variety of activities.
12.
Don Bennett became a director of British South American Airways, and designed and built both cars and light aircraft.
13.
Don Bennett was dismissed from BSAA on 10 February 1948 after a disagreement with the board, and started his own airline, Airflight, based at Langley Airfield, Berkshire, which was BSAA's base.
14.
Don Bennett operated two Avro Tudor airliners, mainly used for carrying fuel during the Berlin Airlift.
15.
Don Bennett became one of the shortest-serving Members of Parliament of the 20th century when he was elected at a by-election in 1945 as Liberal MP for Middlesbrough West.
16.
Don Bennett had previously attempted to be selected as a Conservative candidate for Macclesfield in February 1944.
17.
Don Bennett continued his support for far-right fringe parties during the 1970s as a patron of the National Independence Party.
18.
Don Bennett was successful and Blackbushe reopened on 6 October 1962.
19.
Don Bennett fought a planning battle with local councils to develop Blackbushe with new hangar facilities.
20.
Don Bennett died at the age of 76 on Battle of Britain Day, 15 September 1986.