Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Air Commodore D J Waghorn (26046)

David John                   b: xx xxx 1907                                               d: 1 Apr 1945

CBE - 14 Jun 1945 (backdated to 31 Mar 1945), AFC - 1 Jul 1941.

Plt Off: 17 Dec 1927, Fg Off: 17 Jun 1929, Flt Lt: 1 Apr 1933, Sqn Ldr: 1 Oct 1937, (T) Wg Cdr: 1 Jun 1940, (T) Gp Capt: 1 Sep 1942, Wg Cdr (WS): 14 Feb 1943, Wg Cdr: 1 Dec 1943, Act A/Cdre: 1 Jul 1944?   

14 Jan 1926:            Flight Cadet, 'A' Sqn, RAF College.

17 Dec 1927:           Pilot, No 17 Sqn.

 3 Apr 1929:            Attended School of Naval Co-operation.

19 Aug 1929:           Pilot, No 405 (Fleet Fighter) Flight FAA.

18 Jun 1931:            Pilot, RAF Base Gosport.

 5 Oct 1931:             Instructor, RAF Training Base, Leuchars.

xx xxx xxxx - 16 Apr 1932:    Attended Instructors' Course, CFS (graded A2)

 5 Jul 1933:               QFI, Central Flying School.

xx xxx 1935:             Re-categoried as a Flying Instructor from A2 to A1.

20 Apr 1936:            Navigation Instructor, No 10 FTS. (Tern Hill)

 7 Mar 1937:            Air Staff, HQ RAF India.

14 Mar 1938:           Group Navigation Officer, HQ No 4 (Bomber) Group.

16 Dec 1939:            Navigation Specialist, A & AEE

xx xxx 1941:             Officer Commanding, ? Flight

19 Nov 1941:           Staff, Directorate of Operational Requirements (Navigation).

xx Jan 1943:             Special Duty with RAF Delegation, Washington

 1 Jul 1944:              AOC, No 106 (Photo Reconnaissance) Group

He represented the RAF College at Athletics and Rugby and attained the rank of U/Off.   He was the younger brother of H R D Waghorn, who won the Schneider Trophy in 1929 and was to become a member of the RAF High Speed Flight team two years later, setting a new World Air Speed record in ? of ?.  He was killed on active service whist flying Spitfire XIX, PS831 (nominally of No 541 Sqn) at Boscombe Down.

Citation for the award of the Air Force Cross

"WAGHORN, David John, W/C (26046, Royal Air Force) - Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment

As navigation specialist for the past twelve months this officer has been instrumental in developing and simplifying more accurate methods of astronomical navigation.  His enthusiasm and ability in air experiments have resulted in the production of an integrating sextant, and efforts have now been diverted to the development of pressure cabin aircraft, both of which should prove valuable contributions to aerial navigation.

(Source - Air 2/8894)

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