Sgt. R.F. Hamlyn, known as "The Pied Piper of Harrogate," became the RAF’s first "Ace in a Day" during WWII by downing five enemy aircraft on 24 August 1940. A member of 610 Squadron since June 1940, he continued his streak through August, earning the DFM and later the AFC. He rose to Wing Commander and survived the war, passing away in 1991.
Formed in 1936, 610 Squadron became a fighter unit in 1939, flying Hurricanes and later Spitfires. Based at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain, it played a key role in the Dunkirk evacuation and August 1940 battles, downing 40 enemy aircraft but losing 11 pilots.
