17 Facts About Harry Broadhurst

Harry Broadhurst joined the British Army as a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery and then, in 1926, transferred to the Royal Air Force.

Harry Broadhurst returned to the United Kingdom in 1931, joining No 41 Squadron RAF flying the Bristol Bulldog.

In May 1940, Harry Broadhurst was appointed Station Commander at RAF Coltishall, before joining No 60 Wing in France as wing commander.

Harry Broadhurst participated in ground support during the Battle of France, an experience that taught him the importance of close air support for later operations in the war.

Harry Broadhurst was heavily involved in the Battle of Britain and as Officer Commanding RAF Wittering, often flew with the squadrons under his command, both day and night fighter units.

Harry Broadhurst managed to return to base, belly landing his crippled Spitfire, with slight splinters in left arm and left thigh.

Harry Broadhurst's final kill claims were made on 19 August 1942, bringing his total to 13 destroyed, seven probables and 10 damaged.

Harry Broadhurst came into conflict with Coningham over the use and objectives of the Desert Air Force.

Harry Broadhurst took command of the DAF in January 1943, becoming the youngest air vice marshal in the Royal Air Force.

Harry Broadhurst quickly perfected the way he perceived fighter aircraft ought to be employed as ground support fighter-bombers.

Harry Broadhurst's enthusiastic backing of the Army and his frank opinions did not always go down well with his superiors in the RAF.

Harry Broadhurst returned to the UK in 1944 to command No 83 Group, part of 2nd Tactical Air Force.

Harry Broadhurst was appointed Air Officer Commander-in-Chief Bomber Command in January 1956.

Harry Broadhurst took aircraft XA897, the first Vulcan delivered to the RAF, and a full Vulcan crew, on a round-the-world tour.

On return to the UK, Harry Broadhurst was to land at London Heathrow Airport, a civil airport, to complete the successful tour before the assembled aviation media.

Pilots, he goes on to say, cannot ignore these orders but Hamlin believes that Harry Broadhurst continued to attempt to land due to the waiting press and dignitaries.

Harry Broadhurst was promoted to Air Chief Marshal in February 1957, and in 1959 he became Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, until March 1961, when he retired from the RAF.