Boulton-Paul Defiant Airfix 1/72 2014 tool

Born in Suffolk in August 1913, Eric Barwell joined the RAFVR in 1938 to train as a pilot. He was commissioned into No.264 Sqn in February 1940, flying the Boulton-Paul Defiant. His squadron flew in support of the evacuation of Dunkirk, and he claimed two Me109s, two Ju87 Stukas and a Heinkel during this evacuation. However, in the combat with the Heinkel, his aircraft was damaged and he was forced to ditch, managing to put it down in the water between two British destroyers. He and his gunner were rescued by HMS Malcolm.

On 24th August 1940, while scrambling to intercept bombers, he and his wingman were attacked by five fighters, his wingman being immediately shot down. His gunner (Sgt A Martin) managed to shoot down one of the enemy fighters (a ME 109) before the Defiant managed to escape, but it was clear that the aircraft was no match for the German fighters. They were withdrawn from combat and used in a night-time training role. Barwell was awarded the DFC for the six victories scored.

In April 1941 again with Sgt. Martin, he scored a night-time victory over a Heinkel, with a second also probable.

He transferred to No.125 Sqn flying Beaufighters, claiming a Dornier damaged on 1st July 1942. By March 1943, No.125 Sqn were equipped with Mosquitoes. He shot down two Ju-88s in this aircraft, and also recorded his final victory, over a V-1 "doodlebug". He was awarded the bar to his DFC and transferred to various experimental squadrons before leaving the RAF in September 1945. Sadly, Eric Barwell died on 12th December 2007.

Pilot Officer Eric Barwell in his Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I 'PS-R' (N1536) of No. 264 Squadron RAF lined up at Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire, in late July 1940.