Bob Braham

Who was Bob Braham?

John Randall Daniel 'Bob' Braham DSO DFC AFC CD was a British night fighter pilot, flying ace—a title awarded to a pilot credited with shooting down at least five enemy aircraft in aerial combat—and one of the most highly decorated British airman of the Second World War. Braham claimed the destruction of 25 German bomber and night fighter aircraft and a further four transport and trainer aircraft for a total of 29 aerial victories. In addition, he claimed a further six damaged and four probable victories. One of these probable victories can be confirmed through German records, making an unofficial total of 30 enemy aircraft destroyed.

Born in April 1920, Braham had limited ambitions. Upon leaving school he worked for his local constabulary as a clerk. Bored with civil life, Braham joined the RAF on a five-year Short Service Commission in December 1937. He began basic training in March 1938 and then advanced training from August to December. Upon the completion of flight training he was posted to No. 29 Squadron RAF based at RAF Debden where he learned to fly the Hawker Hurricane and Bristol Blenheim. In 1939 the Squadron began to organise itself as a specialised night fighter unit. By August 1940, the Battle of Britain was under-way. He gained his first victory on 24 August which remained his only success in the battle. In September 1940 No. 29 Squadron was re-equipped with the Bristol Beaufighter. Braham continued operations during "The Blitz" claiming the destruction of two more enemy aircraft. By the end of 1940 he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.