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{{Short description|Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal (1902–1977)}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name= Sir Basil Edward Embry
|name= Sir Basil Edward Embry
|image=Sir Basil Embry (1902–1977).jpg
|image= Royal Air Force- 2nd Tactical Air Force, 1943-1945. CL2739.jpg
|image_size= 300
|image_size=
|alt=
|alt=
|caption= Embry (far right), Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group, with his staff
|caption=Portrait of Embry in the 1940s, by [[Francis Edwin Hodge]]
|birth_date= {{birth date|1902|02|28|df=yes}}
|birth_date= {{birth date|1902|02|28|df=yes}}
|birth_place= [[Gloucestershire]], England
|birth_place= [[Gloucestershire]], England
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* [[Battle of France]]
* [[Battle of France]]
|awards= [[Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath]]<br/>[[Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire]]<br/>[[Distinguished Service Order]] & [[Medal bar|Three Bars]]<br/>[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]<br/>[[Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)|Air Force Cross]]<br/>[[Mentioned in Despatches]] (4)<br/>[[Legion of Honour|Commander of the Legion of Honour]] (France)<br/>[[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|Croix de guerre]] (France)<br/>[[Order of the Dannebrog|Commander 1st Class of the Order of the Dannebrog]] (Denmark)<br/>[[Order of Orange Nassau|Grand Officer with Swords of the Order of Orange Nassau]] (Netherlands)
|awards= [[Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath]]<br/>[[Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire]]<br/>[[Distinguished Service Order]] & [[Medal bar|Three Bars]]<br/>[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]<br/>[[Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)|Air Force Cross]]<br/>[[Mentioned in Despatches]] (4)<br/>[[Legion of Honour|Commander of the Legion of Honour]] (France)<br/>[[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|Croix de guerre]] (France)<br/>[[Order of the Dannebrog|Commander 1st Class of the Order of the Dannebrog]] (Denmark)<br/>[[Order of Orange Nassau|Grand Officer with Swords of the Order of Orange Nassau]] (Netherlands)
|spouse=Margaret Elliot
|children=5, including [[Paddy Embry|Paddy]]
|relations=
|relations=
|laterwork= Sheep farmer
|laterwork= Sheep farmer
}}
}}


[[Air Chief Marshal]] '''Sir Basil Edward Embry''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100%|sep=,|GCB|KBE|DSO3|DFC|AFC}} (28 February 1902 – 7 December 1977) was a senior [[Royal Air Force]] commander. He was Commander-in-Chief of [[RAF Fighter Command|Fighter Command]] from 1949 to 1953.
[[Air Chief Marshal]] '''Sir Basil Edward Embry''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100%|sep=,|GCB|KBE|DSO3|DFC|AFC}} (28 February 1902 – 7 December 1977) was a senior [[Royal Air Force]] commander. He was Commander-in-Chief of [[RAF Fighter Command|Fighter Command]] from 1949 to 1953.


==Early life and career==
==Early life and career==
Basil Embry was born in [[Gloucestershire]], England, in 1902 and as a young boy at [[Bromsgrove School]] he developed an avid interest in aviation. In 1921 he joined the [[Royal Air Force]] with a short service commission as an Acting Pilot Officer.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=32271 |date=19 March 1921 |page=2472 }}</ref> In 1922 he was sent into [[Iraq]], serving under future Air Marshals [[Sir Arthur Harris, 1st Baronet|Arthur Harris]] and [[Robert Saundby]]. By 1926 Embry's enthusiasm, professional application, boundless energy and flair for the unconventional had put him on the fast track for promotion within the RAF, and he was rewarded with the [[Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)|Air Force Cross]] in that year's [[New Year Honours]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=33119|date=29 December 1925 |page=10|supp=y }}</ref> and appointment to a permanent commission.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=33120|date=1 January 1926 |pages=47–48}}</ref>
Basil Embry was born in [[Gloucestershire]], England, in 1902 and as a young boy at [[Bromsgrove School]] he developed an avid interest in aviation. In 1921 he joined the [[Royal Air Force]] with a short service [[Commission (document)|commission]] as an acting [[pilot officer]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=32271 |date=19 March 1921 |page=2472 }}</ref> In 1922 he was sent to [[Mandatory Iraq]], serving under future Air Marshals [[Arthur Harris]] and [[Robert Saundby]]. By 1926 Embry's enthusiasm, professional application, boundless energy and flair for the unconventional had put him on the fast track for promotion within the RAF, and he was rewarded with the [[Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)|Air Force Cross]] in that year's [[New Year Honours]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=33119|date=29 December 1925 |page=10|supp=y }}</ref> and appointment to a permanent commission.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=33120|date=1 January 1926 |pages=47–48}}</ref>


Promoted to [[flight lieutenant]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=33290 |date=1 July 1927 |page=4240 }}</ref> Embry returned to Britain in 1927 as an instructor at the [[Central Flying School]], [[Uxbridge]].<ref name=air>[http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Embry.htm Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation – Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry]</ref>
Promoted to [[flight lieutenant]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=33290 |date=1 July 1927 |page=4240 }}</ref> Embry returned to Britain in 1927 and soon became an instructor at the [[Central Flying School]], [[Uxbridge]].<ref name=air>[http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Embry.htm "Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry (09252)"], 3 August 2019, Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation</ref>
In 1934 he was posted to [[India]] to serve in the Indian Wing on the [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–1955)|North West Frontier]].<ref name=air/> He was promoted [[Squadron Leader]] in 1935,<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34226 |date=3 December 1935 |page=7674}}</ref> and served in the [[Second Mohmand Campaign]] of 1935. He was awarded the [[Distinguished Service Order]] (DSO) for operations in [[Waziristan]] in 1938.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34551|date=13 September 1938 |page=5834}}</ref> He was further promoted in 1938 to [[Wing Commander (rank)|wing commander]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34566|date=1 November 1938 |page=6821 }}</ref> After five years' service he returned to Britain in 1939. On the outbreak of the Second World War Embry was Commanding Officer of [[No. 107 Squadron RAF|No 107 Squadron]] flying the [[Bristol Blenheim]] bomber.<ref name=air/>
In 1934 Embry was posted to India to serve in the Indian Wing on the [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–1955)|North West Frontier]].<ref name=air/> He was promoted [[squadron leader]] in 1935,<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34226 |date=3 December 1935 |page=7674}}</ref> and served in the [[Second Mohmand Campaign]] of 1935. He was awarded the [[Distinguished Service Order]] (DSO) for [[Waziristan campaign (1936–1939)|operations in Waziristan]] in 1938.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34551|date=13 September 1938 |page=5834}}</ref> He was further promoted in 1938 to [[Wing Commander (rank)|wing commander]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34566|date=1 November 1938 |page=6821 }}</ref> After five years' service he returned to Britain in 1939.


==Second World War==
==Second World War==
The energetic Embry led his squadron from the front, and he saw extensive action during the campaigns in [[Norwegian Campaign|Norway]] and [[Battle of France|France]], often in the face of heavy losses and overwhelming opposition. On 25 September 1939 Embry led a 3-plane formation on a reconnaissance sortie into Germany. Intercepted by German fighters, Embry’s aircraft suffered serious damage to wings and fuselage and he carried out a one-wheel forced landing on returning to RAF [[Wattisham]]. Throughout the remainder of 1939 and into early 1940 the unit made numerous attacks by day and night on a variety of targets, including U-Boats.
On the outbreak of the [[Second World War]] Embry was Commanding Officer of [[No. 107 Squadron RAF|No. 107 Squadron]] flying the [[Bristol Blenheim]] bomber.<ref name=air/> The energetic Embry led his squadron from the front, and he saw extensive action during the campaigns in [[Norwegian Campaign|Norway]] and [[Battle of France|France]], often in the face of heavy losses and overwhelming opposition. On 25 September 1939 Embry led a 3-plane formation on a reconnaissance sortie into Germany. Intercepted by German fighters, Embry's aircraft suffered serious damage to wings and fuselage and he carried out a one-wheel forced landing on returning to [[RAF Wattisham]] in [[Suffolk]]. Throughout the remainder of 1939 and into early 1940 the unit made numerous attacks by day and night on a variety of targets, including [[U-boat]]s.


On 6 April 1940 RAF photo reconnaissance revealed that a German Naval force including battleships ''[[Gneisenau]]'' and ''[[Scharnhorst]]'' was at anchor off [[Wilhelmshaven]]. Embry and his 107 Squadron crews were soon involved in a series of attacks on this German force.
On 6 April 1940 RAF photo-reconnaissance revealed that a German naval force, including the battleships ''[[German battleship Gneisenau|Gneisenau]]'' and ''[[German battleship Scharnhorst|Scharnhorst]]'', was at anchor off [[Wilhelmshaven]]. Embry and his 107 Squadron crews were soon involved in a series of attacks on these ships.


With the German invasion of Norway, 107 Squadron were detached to Scotland, and there carried out ten raids in just eight days on [[Stavanger]] and airfields in the area, often in treacherous weather conditions. Embry suffered from frostbite during this time. In April 1940 Embry was awarded a [[Medal bar|Bar]] to his DSO.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34840|date=30 April 1940 |page=2555}} Includes wording of official citation</ref>
With the [[German invasion of Norway]], 107 Squadron were detached to Scotland, and there carried out ten raids in just eight days on [[Stavanger]] and airfields in the area, often in treacherous weather conditions. Embry suffered from frostbite during this time. In April 1940 Embry was awarded a [[Medal bar|bar]] to his DSO.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34840|date=30 April 1940 |page=2555}}</ref>
[[File:Basil Embry over burning British tanker.jpg|thumb|Embry, at the controls of a Bristol Blenheim, circles over a British tanker on fire and sinking in the English Channel, February 1940]]
===Battle of France===
⚫
The German invasion of France and the [[Low Countries]] began on 10 May 1940 and Embry's Squadron flew intensively against the German advance, each crew flying two or three sorties daily across the [[English Channel]] to France. His leadership and personal gallantry resulted in the award of a second bar to his DSO.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34927|date=20 August 1940 |page=5091}}</ref> On 12 May he led No. 107 Squadron and [[No. 110 Squadron RAF]] in an attack on two heavily defended bridges across the [[Albert Canal]] at [[Maastricht]]; the formation was savaged by ground fire and intercepted by numerous Messerschmitt fighters, losing seven [[Bristol Blenheim]]s from the original force of 24. Two No. 107 Squadron aircraft crash-landed at Wattisham, and every surviving Blenheim had suffered some damage.


⚫
Due to the tremendous pressure of his operational flying in recent months Embry was then ordered to take an operational 'rest' and was given command of [[RAF West Raynham]], with a promotion to group captain. He was to fly one more sortie before relinquishing command. On 27 May 1940, Embry was shot down from {{convert|6000|ft|m|abbr=on}} by anti-aircraft fire over [[Saint-Omer]] during a low-level bombing mission against advancing German Army columns. His aircraft crashed at [[Eperlecques]]. Of his crew, observer Pilot Officer T. A. Whiting was made prisoner while Air Gunner Corporal G. E. Long was killed.
⚫
The German invasion of France and the Low Countries began on 10 May 1940 and Embry's Squadron flew intensively against the German advance, each crew flying two or three sorties daily across the Channel to France. His leadership and personal gallantry resulted in the award of a second Bar to his DSO.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=34927|date=20 August 1940 |page=5091}} Includes wording of official citation</ref> On 12 May he led No. 107 Squadron and No. 110 Squadron in an attack on two heavily defended bridges across the [[Albert Canal]] at [[Maastricht]]; the formation was savaged by ground fire and intercepted by numerous Messerschmitt fighters, losing 7 Blenheims from the original force of 24. Two No. 107 Squadron aircraft also crash-landed at Wattisham, and every surviving Blenheim had suffered some damage.


⚫
Captured by the [[German Army (Wehrmacht)|German Army]], Embry was being marched away in a column of Allied prisoners when he saw a road sign "[[Embry, Pas-de-Calais|Embry]], 3&nbsp;km." Taking this as a good omen, he rolled down a bank unnoticed by the column's guards and made his escape. He successfully evaded recapture for two months in occupied France before eventually getting back to England via Spain and Gibraltar. His adventures while on the run are detailed in the book ''Wingless Victory'' by [[Anthony Richardson (author)|Anthony Richardson]] and originally published in 1950.<ref>See [[#Bibliography|Bibliography]]</ref>
⚫
Due to the tremendous pressure of his operational flying in recent months Embry was then ordered to take an operational 'rest' and was given command of [[RAF West Raynham]], with a promotion to Group Captain. He was to fly one more sortie before relinquishing command. On 27 May 1940, Embry was shot down from {{convert|6000|ft|m}} by anti-aircraft fire over [[Saint-Omer]] during a low-level bombing mission against advancing German Army columns. His aircraft crashed at [[Eperlecques]]. Of his crew, observer Pilot Officer T.A. Whiting was made prisoner while Air Gunner Corporal G.E. Long was killed.


⚫
After two months' sick leave, Embry was posted to [[No. 6 Group RAF|No.&nbsp;6 Group]] as Senior Air Staff Officer with the rank of group captain.<ref name=air/> After only three weeks he was offered command of a [[night-fighter]] wing in [[RAF Fighter Command]],<ref name=air/> which was accepted, although he reverted to the rank of wing commander. The wing disbanded in December 1940 and Embry became [[Air officer commanding|AOC]] [[RAF Wittering]],<ref name=air/> returning to the rank of group captain in March 1941.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35102|date=11 March 1941 |page=1448}}</ref> Embry kept his hand in operationally by flying radar-equipped night-fighters with [[No. XXV Squadron RAF|No.&nbsp;25 Squadron]]. In July 1941 Embry was given the ceremonial title of an [[Air aide-de-camp|Air Aide-de-Camp]] to the King,<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35217|date=11 July 1941 |page=3996}}</ref> and was [[Mentioned in Despatches]] in September.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35284|date=24 September 1941 |page=5569|supp=y }}</ref>
⚫
Captured by the [[German Army (Wehrmacht)|German Army]], Embry was being marched away in column of Allied prisoners when he saw a road sign ''Embry, 3&nbsp;km.'' Taking this as a good omen, he rolled down a bank unnoticed by the column's guards and made his escape. He successfully evaded recapture for two months in occupied France before eventually getting back to England via [[Spain]] and [[Gibraltar]]. His adventures while on the run are detailed in the book ''Wingless Victory'' by [[Anthony Richardson]] and originally published in 1950.<ref>See [[#Bibliography|Bibliography]]</ref>


⚫
In October 1941 he was seconded to the [[Desert Air Force]] as an adviser and saw action in the [[North Africa campaign]].<ref name=air/>
⚫
After two months' sick leave, Embry was posted to [[No. 6 Group RAF|No.&nbsp;6 Group]] as Senior Air Staff Officer with the rank of Group Captain.<ref name=air/> After only three weeks he was offered command of a [[night-fighter]] wing in [[RAF Fighter Command]],<ref name=air/> which was accepted, although he reverted to the rank of Wing Commander. The wing disbanded in December 1940 and Embry became AOC [[RAF Wittering]],<ref name=air/> returning to the rank of Group Captain in March 1941.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35102|date=11 March 1941 |page=1448}}</ref> Embry kept his hand in operationally by flying radar-equipped night-fighters with [[No. XXV Squadron RAF|No.&nbsp;25 Squadron]]. In July 1941 Embry was given the ceremonial title of an Air [[Personal Aide-de-Camp|Aide-de-Camp to the King]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35217|date=11 July 1941 |page=3996}}</ref> and was [[Mentioned in Despatches]] in September.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35284|date=24 September 1941 |page=5569|supp=y }}</ref>


⚫
Embry returned to Britain in March 1942 and served as AOC Wittering again and as AOC [[No. 10 Group RAF|No.&nbsp;10 Group]], Fighter Command.<ref name=air/> In June he was again Mentioned in Despatches,<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35586|date=5 June 1942 |page=2517}}</ref> but he was passed over as the prime candidate for leading [[RAF Bomber Command]]'s newly formed [[Pathfinder Force]] in July 1942, before being given command of [[No. 2 Group RAF|No.&nbsp;2 Group]] Bomber Command, which was about to join the [[RAF Second Tactical Air Force|Second Tactical Air Force]] (2AF), in June 1943.<ref name=air/>
⚫
In October 1941 he was seconded to the [[Desert Air Force]] as an adviser and saw action in the Desert War.<ref name=air/>


===Command of No. 2 Group===
⚫
Embry returned to Britain in March 1942 and served as AOC [[RAF Wittering|Wittering]] again and as AOC [[No. 10 Group RAF|No.&nbsp;10 Group]], Fighter Command.<ref name=air/> In June he was again Mentioned in Despatches,<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35586|date=5 June 1942 |page=2517}}</ref> but he was passed over as the prime candidate for leading [[RAF Bomber Command]]'s newly formed [[Pathfinder Force]] in July 1942, before being given command of [[No. 2 Group RAF|No.&nbsp;2 Group]] Bomber Command, which was about to join the [[RAF Second Tactical Air Force|2nd Tactical Air Force]], in June 1943.<ref name=air/> Although he was now an [[Air Vice Marshal]], Embry continued to fly on operations where possible, usually as a 'wingman' in a formation and flying under the name of "Wing Commander Smith". By piloting each type of aircraft in his service, he felt better able to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the tools available to his aircrews. This ensured that the men under Embry's command were aware that he was willing to take the same risks they were taking, and he was well liked by them. However, within the [[Air Ministry]]'s hierarchy his frank, unguarded criticisms made few friends.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}
Although he was now an [[air vice marshal]], Embry continued to fly on operations where possible, usually as a 'wingman' in a formation and flying under the name of "Wing Commander Smith". By piloting each type of aircraft in his service, he felt better able to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the tools available to his aircrews. This ensured that the men under Embry's command were aware that he was willing to take the same risks they were taking, and he was well liked by them. However, within the [[Air Ministry]]'s hierarchy his frank, unguarded criticisms made few friends.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}


He pushed fervently for 2 Group's re-equipment with the high-speed [[De Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito FB VI]], which became the highly potent workhorse of the Group by 1944. By October 1943, Embry's efforts had made 2 Group highly effective, with its precision daylight bombing and serviceability rates among the best in the Allied Air Forces.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} The group's successes, such as the bombing of [[V-1 flying bomb|V-1]] launch sites in France and the anti-transportat offensive before [[D-Day]] was unarguably effective.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} In December 1944, he was appointed a [[Companion of the Order of the Bath]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=36866|date=29 December 1944 |page=4|supp=y }}</ref>
He pushed fervently for 2 Group's re-equipment with the high-speed [[De Havilland Mosquito]] FB VI, which became the highly potent workhorse of the group by 1944. By October 1943, Embry's efforts had made 2 Group highly effective, with its precision daylight bombing and serviceability rates among the best in the Allied Air Forces.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} The group bombed [[V-1 flying bomb]] launch sites in France and transport targets before the [[Normandy landings|Allied landings in Normandy]] June 1944.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} In December 1944, he was appointed a [[Companion of the Order of the Bath]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=36866|date=29 December 1944 |page=4|supp=y }}</ref>


Embry's Mosquitoes undertook further bombing operations such as the attack on [[Amiens]] jail in February 1944. On 31 October 1944, Embry took part in a successful low-level attack by Mosquitoes of Nos. 21, 464 and 487 Squadrons on the Aarhus University, Denmark, which housed the Gestapo HQ for the whole of Jutland. In March 1945, Embry's command struck the [[Gestapo]] headquarters in [[Copenhagen]], and in April those in [[Odense]].
Embry's Mosquitoes undertook further bombing operations such as the [[Operation Jericho|attack on Amiens jail]] in February 1944. On 31 October 1944, Embry took part in a successful low-level attack by Mosquitoes of Nos. 21, 464 and 487 Squadrons in the [[Aarhus Air Raid]] targeting the Aarhus University, Denmark, which housed the [[Gestapo]] HQ for the whole of Jutland. In March 1945, Embry's command carried out [[Operation Carthage]] on the Gestapo headquarters in [[Copenhagen]], and in April those in [[Odense]].


For "...(pressing) home his attacks with a skill and gallantry in keeping with his outstanding reputation.." in the latter three operations he was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37142|date=19 June 1945 |page=3271|supp=y }} Includes wording of official citation</ref> He was also honoured after the war by the Danish Government for his part in these operations, being awarded the [[Order of the Dannebrog|Commander 1st Class of the Order of Dannebrog]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37878|date=7 February 1947 |page=702|supp=y }}</ref> On 20 July 1945 he was awarded a third Bar to his DSO.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37187|date=17 July 1945 |page=3781 |supp=y }}</ref> Other nations to honour Embry included the Netherlands ([[Order of Orange Nassau|Grand Officer with Swords of the Order of Orange Nassaur]]<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=38125|date=18 November 1947 |page=5423|supp=y }}</ref>) and France ([[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|Croix de guerre]], [[Legion of Honour|Commander of the Legion of Honour]]).
The three operations led to Embry being awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for "[pressing] home his attacks with a skill and gallantry in keeping with his outstanding reputation."<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37142|date=19 June 1945 |page=3271|supp=y }}</ref> He was also honoured after the war by the Danish Government for his part in these operations, being awarded the [[Order of the Dannebrog|Commander 1st Class of the Order of Dannebrog]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37878|date=7 February 1947 |page=702|supp=y }}</ref> On 20 July 1945 he was awarded a third Bar to his DSO.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37187|date=17 July 1945 |page=3781 |supp=y }}</ref> Other nations to honour Embry included the Netherlands ([[Order of Orange Nassau|Grand Officer with Swords of the Order of Orange Nassau]]<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=38125|date=18 November 1947 |page=5423|supp=y }}</ref>) and France ([[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|Croix de guerre]], [[Legion of Honour|Commander of the Legion of Honour]]).


==Post-war career and later life==
==Post-war career and later life==
Shortly after the end of the war Embry was [[knight]]ed with his appointment as a [[Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37161 |date=5 July 1945 |page=3489 |supp=y }}</ref> He was later to receive further knighthoods with higher precedence: in 1952 he was promoted to [[Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=39732|date=30 December 1952 |page=3|supp=y }}</ref> and in 1956 [[Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=40669|date=2 January 1956 |page=3 |supp=y }}</ref>
Shortly after the end of the war Embry was [[knight]]ed with his appointment as a [[Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=37161 |date=5 July 1945 |page=3489 |supp=y }}</ref> He was later to receive further knighthoods with higher precedence: in 1952 he was promoted to [[Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=39732|date=30 December 1952 |page=3|supp=y }}</ref> and in 1956 [[Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath]].<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=40669|date=2 January 1956 |page=3 |supp=y }}</ref>


He was Commander-in-Chief Fighter Command from 1949 to 1953.<ref name=air/> Embry was appointed Commander-in-Chief of [[Allied Air Forces Central Europe]].<ref name=air/> His outspoken criticism of the [[NATO]] chain of command and organisation framework ensured however that he was retired early from the Royal Air Force in 1956.<ref name=air/>
He was Commander-in-Chief Fighter Command from 1949 to 1953.<ref name=air/> Embry was appointed Commander-in-Chief of [[Allied Air Forces Central Europe]].<ref name=air/> His outspoken criticism of the [[NATO]] chain of command and organisation framework ensured however that he was retired early from the Royal Air Force in 1956.<ref name=air/>{{better source needed|date=May 2020}}


In 1956 Embry briefly relocated to New Zealand where he wrote his autobiography, titled ''Mission Completed''.
In 1956 Embry briefly relocated to New Zealand where he wrote his autobiography, titled ''Mission Completed''.
Line 72: Line 79:
In March 1956, accompanied by his wife Hope, he emigrated to [[Western Australia]] and began a new life as a sheep farmer, purchasing a {{convert|1400|acre|km2|adj=on}} property at Chowerup. He also acquired land at Cape Riche, east of Albany, and moved there in the late 1960s.
In March 1956, accompanied by his wife Hope, he emigrated to [[Western Australia]] and began a new life as a sheep farmer, purchasing a {{convert|1400|acre|km2|adj=on}} property at Chowerup. He also acquired land at Cape Riche, east of Albany, and moved there in the late 1960s.


Embry became active in the politics of agriculture through the Farmers' Union of Western Australia. He was elected General President in 1971 and held office for two years. In 1972 he led a delegation through South-east Asia and instigated the establishment of the Rural Traders Co-operative (W.A.) Ltd.
Embry became active in the politics of agriculture through the [[Farmers' Union of Western Australia]]. He was elected General President in 1971 and held office for two years. In 1972 he led a delegation through South-east Asia and instigated the establishment of the Rural Traders Co-operative (W.A.) Ltd.


He was the president of the [[Royal Air Forces Escaping Society]] and worked himself at a punishing pace until he became ill in 1975. Basil Embry died in [[Boyup Brook, Western Australia]] in 1977.
He was the president of the [[Royal Air Forces Escaping Society]] and worked himself at a punishing pace until he became ill in 1975. Embry died in [[Boyup Brook, Western Australia]], in 1977, and was survived by his wife, daughter, and three of his four sons.<ref name=adb>{{cite web |last1=Layman |first1=Lenore |title=Embry, Sir Basil Edward (1902–1977) |url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/embry-sir-basil-edward-10120 |website=Australian Dictionary of Biography |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>


"He was both charming and rude, prejudiced and broad-minded, pliable and obstinate, dedicated and human." (Group Captain [[Peter Wykeham]], No 2 Group 1944–45)
"He was both charming and rude, prejudiced and broad-minded, pliable and obstinate, dedicated and human." (Group Captain [[Peter Wykeham]], No 2 Group 1944–45)


On 19 April 2007 Spink auctioned the medal group of Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry, selling for £155,350 to Michael Naxton, an agent.<ref>[http://detecting.merseyblogs.co.uk/2007/04/medals_of_unrem.html Medals of Unremitting R.A.F. Hero go under the hammer] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928211928/http://detecting.merseyblogs.co.uk/2007/04/medals_of_unrem.html |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref>
On 19 April 2007 Spink auctioned the medal group of Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry, selling for £155,350 to Michael Naxton, an agent.<ref>[http://detecting.merseyblogs.co.uk/2007/04/medals_of_unrem.html Medals of Unremitting R.A.F. Hero go under the hammer] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928211928/http://detecting.merseyblogs.co.uk/2007/04/medals_of_unrem.html |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Embry married Australian-born Lady Margaret Hope Elliot on 1 August 1928, and went on to have five children with her,<ref name=adb /> including Western Australian politician [[Paddy Embry]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Biographical Register of Members of the Parliament of Western Australia|url=http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/parliament/library/MPHistoricalData.nsf/(Lookup)/05960D85B2F2C7EC482577E50028A5DA?OpenDocument|website=Parliament of Western Australia|access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
===Notes===
===Notes===
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book| first=Anthony| last=Richardson|author2=Embry, Sir Basil| title=Wingless victory : the story of Sir Basil Embry's escape from occupied France in the summer of 1940| publisher=Shire Publications| location=Aylesbury| year=1973| origyear=1950| isbn=0-7057-0008-9}}
*{{cite book| first=Anthony| last=Richardson|author2=Embry, Sir Basil| title=Wingless victory : the story of Sir Basil Embry's escape from occupied France in the summer of 1940| publisher=Shire Publications| location=Aylesbury| year=1973| orig-year=1950| isbn=0-7057-0008-9}}
*{{cite book|first=Sir Basil| last=Embry| title=Mission Completed| publisher=White Lion Publications| location=London| year=1976| origyear=1957| isbn=0-7274-0260-9}}
*{{cite book|first=Sir Basil| last=Embry| title=Mission Completed| publisher=White Lion Publications| location=London| year=1976| orig-year=1957| isbn=0-7274-0260-9}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{cite web| first=Lenore| last=Layman| title=Embry, Sir Basil Edward | work=Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol. 14, online edition| url=http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A140112b.htm| accessdate=28 April 2008|publisher=Melbourne University Press| year=1996| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320075909/http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A140112b.htm| archivedate= 20 March 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}
*{{cite web| first=Lenore| last=Layman| title=Embry, Sir Basil Edward | work=Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol. 14, online edition| url=http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A140112b.htm| access-date=28 April 2008|publisher=Melbourne University Press| year=1996| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080320075909/http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A140112b.htm| archive-date= 20 March 2008 | url-status= live}}
*{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Wykeham|title=‘Embry, Sir Basil Edward (1902–1977)’|editor=(rev.)|work=[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2004|url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/31077|accessdate=14 April 2008|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/31077|subscription=yes}}
*{{cite ODNB |title=Embry, Sir Basil Edward (1902–1977) |year=2004 |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/31077|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/31077}}


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Latest revision as of 22:34, 6 December 2024

Sir Basil Edward Embry
Portrait of Embry in the 1940s, by Francis Edwin Hodge
Born(1902-02-28)28 February 1902
Gloucestershire, England
Died7 December 1977(1977-12-07) (aged 75)
Boyup Brook, Western Australia
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service / branchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1921–56
RankAir Chief Marshal
CommandsAllied Air Forces Central Europe (1953–56)
Fighter Command (1949–53)
No. 2 Group (1943–45)
RAF Wittering (1940–41, 1942)
No. 107 Squadron (1939–40)
No. 20 Squadron (1937–38)
Battles / warsNorth-West Frontier

Second World War

AwardsKnight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Distinguished Service Order & Three Bars
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Force Cross
Mentioned in Despatches (4)
Commander of the Legion of Honour (France)
Croix de guerre (France)
Commander 1st Class of the Order of the Dannebrog (Denmark)
Grand Officer with Swords of the Order of Orange Nassau (Netherlands)
Spouse(s)Margaret Elliot
Children5, including Paddy
Other workSheep farmer

Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Edward Embry, GCB, KBE, DSO & Three Bars, DFC, AFC (28 February 1902 – 7 December 1977) was a senior Royal Air Force commander. He was Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command from 1949 to 1953.

Early life and career

[edit]

Basil Embry was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1902 and as a young boy at Bromsgrove School he developed an avid interest in aviation. In 1921 he joined the Royal Air Force with a short service commission as an acting pilot officer.[1] In 1922 he was sent to Mandatory Iraq, serving under future Air Marshals Arthur Harris and Robert Saundby. By 1926 Embry's enthusiasm, professional application, boundless energy and flair for the unconventional had put him on the fast track for promotion within the RAF, and he was rewarded with the Air Force Cross in that year's New Year Honours,[2] and appointment to a permanent commission.[3]

Promoted to flight lieutenant,[4] Embry returned to Britain in 1927 and soon became an instructor at the Central Flying School, Uxbridge.[5]

In 1934 Embry was posted to India to serve in the Indian Wing on the North West Frontier.[5] He was promoted squadron leader in 1935,[6] and served in the Second Mohmand Campaign of 1935. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for operations in Waziristan in 1938.[7] He was further promoted in 1938 to wing commander.[8] After five years' service he returned to Britain in 1939.

Second World War

[edit]

On the outbreak of the Second World War Embry was Commanding Officer of No. 107 Squadron flying the Bristol Blenheim bomber.[5] The energetic Embry led his squadron from the front, and he saw extensive action during the campaigns in Norway and France, often in the face of heavy losses and overwhelming opposition. On 25 September 1939 Embry led a 3-plane formation on a reconnaissance sortie into Germany. Intercepted by German fighters, Embry's aircraft suffered serious damage to wings and fuselage and he carried out a one-wheel forced landing on returning to RAF Wattisham in Suffolk. Throughout the remainder of 1939 and into early 1940 the unit made numerous attacks by day and night on a variety of targets, including U-boats.

On 6 April 1940 RAF photo-reconnaissance revealed that a German naval force, including the battleships Gneisenau and Scharnhorst, was at anchor off Wilhelmshaven. Embry and his 107 Squadron crews were soon involved in a series of attacks on these ships.

With the German invasion of Norway, 107 Squadron were detached to Scotland, and there carried out ten raids in just eight days on Stavanger and airfields in the area, often in treacherous weather conditions. Embry suffered from frostbite during this time. In April 1940 Embry was awarded a bar to his DSO.[9]

Embry, at the controls of a Bristol Blenheim, circles over a British tanker on fire and sinking in the English Channel, February 1940

Battle of France

[edit]

The German invasion of France and the Low Countries began on 10 May 1940 and Embry's Squadron flew intensively against the German advance, each crew flying two or three sorties daily across the English Channel to France. His leadership and personal gallantry resulted in the award of a second bar to his DSO.[10] On 12 May he led No. 107 Squadron and No. 110 Squadron RAF in an attack on two heavily defended bridges across the Albert Canal at Maastricht; the formation was savaged by ground fire and intercepted by numerous Messerschmitt fighters, losing seven Bristol Blenheims from the original force of 24. Two No. 107 Squadron aircraft crash-landed at Wattisham, and every surviving Blenheim had suffered some damage.

Due to the tremendous pressure of his operational flying in recent months Embry was then ordered to take an operational 'rest' and was given command of RAF West Raynham, with a promotion to group captain. He was to fly one more sortie before relinquishing command. On 27 May 1940, Embry was shot down from 6,000 ft (1,800 m) by anti-aircraft fire over Saint-Omer during a low-level bombing mission against advancing German Army columns. His aircraft crashed at Eperlecques. Of his crew, observer Pilot Officer T. A. Whiting was made prisoner while Air Gunner Corporal G. E. Long was killed.

Captured by the German Army, Embry was being marched away in a column of Allied prisoners when he saw a road sign "Embry, 3 km." Taking this as a good omen, he rolled down a bank unnoticed by the column's guards and made his escape. He successfully evaded recapture for two months in occupied France before eventually getting back to England via Spain and Gibraltar. His adventures while on the run are detailed in the book Wingless Victory by Anthony Richardson and originally published in 1950.[11]

After two months' sick leave, Embry was posted to No. 6 Group as Senior Air Staff Officer with the rank of group captain.[5] After only three weeks he was offered command of a night-fighter wing in RAF Fighter Command,[5] which was accepted, although he reverted to the rank of wing commander. The wing disbanded in December 1940 and Embry became AOC RAF Wittering,[5] returning to the rank of group captain in March 1941.[12] Embry kept his hand in operationally by flying radar-equipped night-fighters with No. 25 Squadron. In July 1941 Embry was given the ceremonial title of an Air Aide-de-Camp to the King,[13] and was Mentioned in Despatches in September.[14]

In October 1941 he was seconded to the Desert Air Force as an adviser and saw action in the North Africa campaign.[5]

Embry returned to Britain in March 1942 and served as AOC Wittering again and as AOC No. 10 Group, Fighter Command.[5] In June he was again Mentioned in Despatches,[15] but he was passed over as the prime candidate for leading RAF Bomber Command's newly formed Pathfinder Force in July 1942, before being given command of No. 2 Group Bomber Command, which was about to join the Second Tactical Air Force (2AF), in June 1943.[5]

Command of No. 2 Group

[edit]

Although he was now an air vice marshal, Embry continued to fly on operations where possible, usually as a 'wingman' in a formation and flying under the name of "Wing Commander Smith". By piloting each type of aircraft in his service, he felt better able to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the tools available to his aircrews. This ensured that the men under Embry's command were aware that he was willing to take the same risks they were taking, and he was well liked by them. However, within the Air Ministry's hierarchy his frank, unguarded criticisms made few friends.[citation needed]

He pushed fervently for 2 Group's re-equipment with the high-speed De Havilland Mosquito FB VI, which became the highly potent workhorse of the group by 1944. By October 1943, Embry's efforts had made 2 Group highly effective, with its precision daylight bombing and serviceability rates among the best in the Allied Air Forces.[citation needed] The group bombed V-1 flying bomb launch sites in France and transport targets before the Allied landings in Normandy June 1944.[citation needed] In December 1944, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath.[16]

Embry's Mosquitoes undertook further bombing operations such as the attack on Amiens jail in February 1944. On 31 October 1944, Embry took part in a successful low-level attack by Mosquitoes of Nos. 21, 464 and 487 Squadrons in the Aarhus Air Raid targeting the Aarhus University, Denmark, which housed the Gestapo HQ for the whole of Jutland. In March 1945, Embry's command carried out Operation Carthage on the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen, and in April those in Odense.

The three operations led to Embry being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for "[pressing] home his attacks with a skill and gallantry in keeping with his outstanding reputation."[17] He was also honoured after the war by the Danish Government for his part in these operations, being awarded the Commander 1st Class of the Order of Dannebrog.[18] On 20 July 1945 he was awarded a third Bar to his DSO.[19] Other nations to honour Embry included the Netherlands (Grand Officer with Swords of the Order of Orange Nassau[20]) and France (Croix de guerre, Commander of the Legion of Honour).

Post-war career and later life

[edit]

Shortly after the end of the war Embry was knighted with his appointment as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.[21] He was later to receive further knighthoods with higher precedence: in 1952 he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath,[22] and in 1956 Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.[23]

He was Commander-in-Chief Fighter Command from 1949 to 1953.[5] Embry was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Allied Air Forces Central Europe.[5] His outspoken criticism of the NATO chain of command and organisation framework ensured however that he was retired early from the Royal Air Force in 1956.[5][better source needed]

In 1956 Embry briefly relocated to New Zealand where he wrote his autobiography, titled Mission Completed.

In March 1956, accompanied by his wife Hope, he emigrated to Western Australia and began a new life as a sheep farmer, purchasing a 1,400-acre (5.7 km2) property at Chowerup. He also acquired land at Cape Riche, east of Albany, and moved there in the late 1960s.

Embry became active in the politics of agriculture through the Farmers' Union of Western Australia. He was elected General President in 1971 and held office for two years. In 1972 he led a delegation through South-east Asia and instigated the establishment of the Rural Traders Co-operative (W.A.) Ltd.

He was the president of the Royal Air Forces Escaping Society and worked himself at a punishing pace until he became ill in 1975. Embry died in Boyup Brook, Western Australia, in 1977, and was survived by his wife, daughter, and three of his four sons.[24]

"He was both charming and rude, prejudiced and broad-minded, pliable and obstinate, dedicated and human." (Group Captain Peter Wykeham, No 2 Group 1944–45)

On 19 April 2007 Spink auctioned the medal group of Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry, selling for £155,350 to Michael Naxton, an agent.[25]

Personal life

[edit]

Embry married Australian-born Lady Margaret Hope Elliot on 1 August 1928, and went on to have five children with her,[24] including Western Australian politician Paddy Embry.[26]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "No. 32271". The London Gazette. 19 March 1921. p. 2472.
  2. ^ "No. 33119". The London Gazette (Supplement). 29 December 1925. p. 10.
  3. ^ "No. 33120". The London Gazette. 1 January 1926. pp. 47–48.
  4. ^ "No. 33290". The London Gazette. 1 July 1927. p. 4240.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry (09252)", 3 August 2019, Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation
  6. ^ "No. 34226". The London Gazette. 3 December 1935. p. 7674.
  7. ^ "No. 34551". The London Gazette. 13 September 1938. p. 5834.
  8. ^ "No. 34566". The London Gazette. 1 November 1938. p. 6821.
  9. ^ "No. 34840". The London Gazette. 30 April 1940. p. 2555.
  10. ^ "No. 34927". The London Gazette. 20 August 1940. p. 5091.
  11. ^ See Bibliography
  12. ^ "No. 35102". The London Gazette. 11 March 1941. p. 1448.
  13. ^ "No. 35217". The London Gazette. 11 July 1941. p. 3996.
  14. ^ "No. 35284". The London Gazette (Supplement). 24 September 1941. p. 5569.
  15. ^ "No. 35586". The London Gazette. 5 June 1942. p. 2517.
  16. ^ "No. 36866". The London Gazette (Supplement). 29 December 1944. p. 4.
  17. ^ "No. 37142". The London Gazette (Supplement). 19 June 1945. p. 3271.
  18. ^ "No. 37878". The London Gazette (Supplement). 7 February 1947. p. 702.
  19. ^ "No. 37187". The London Gazette (Supplement). 17 July 1945. p. 3781.
  20. ^ "No. 38125". The London Gazette (Supplement). 18 November 1947. p. 5423.
  21. ^ "No. 37161". The London Gazette (Supplement). 5 July 1945. p. 3489.
  22. ^ "No. 39732". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 1952. p. 3.
  23. ^ "No. 40669". The London Gazette (Supplement). 2 January 1956. p. 3.
  24. ^ a b Layman, Lenore. "Embry, Sir Basil Edward (1902–1977)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  25. ^ Medals of Unremitting R.A.F. Hero go under the hammer Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  26. ^ "Biographical Register of Members of the Parliament of Western Australia". Parliament of Western Australia. Retrieved 29 December 2018.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Richardson, Anthony; Embry, Sir Basil (1973) [1950]. Wingless victory : the story of Sir Basil Embry's escape from occupied France in the summer of 1940. Aylesbury: Shire Publications. ISBN 0-7057-0008-9.
  • Embry, Sir Basil (1976) [1957]. Mission Completed. London: White Lion Publications. ISBN 0-7274-0260-9.
[edit]
Military offices
Preceded by Commander-in-Chief Fighter Command
1949–1953 		Succeeded by
New title
Command established
 Commander-in-Chief Allied Air Forces Central Europe
1953–1956 		Succeeded by
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