John B. Selby

Wing commander John Beauchamp Selby, DSO, DFC; 19 March 1915 – 5 September 1982) was a Royal Air Force flying ace during the Second World War. He was credited with 5 aerial victories.

Wing commander

John Beauchamp Selby

DSO, DFC
Selby beside his de Havilland Mosquito II, June 1943
Nickname(s)Dogsbody
Born(1915-03-19)19 March 1915
London
Died5 September 1982(1982-09-05) (aged 67)
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1940–1943
RankWing commander
Service number88705
Commands heldNo. 73 Squadron
No. 23 Squadron
Battles/warsSecond World War
  • Western Desert Campaign
  • Italian Campaign
AwardsDistinguished Service Order
Distinguished Flying Cross

In early 1942 he was serving with No. 73 Squadron flying Hawker Hurricanes. He scored his first aerial victory against a Regia Aeronautica Fiat CR.42 on the night of 25/6 May 1942. He was promoted to Squadron leader in October 1943. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in November 1942 and the Distinguished Service Order in March 1943.[1]

From February to April 1943 he was on leave and during this time he assisted Fitzroy Maclean in supply missions to the Yugoslav Partisans.[2]

in April 1943 Selby was promoted to Wing commander and given command of No. 23 Squadron at RAF Luqa, Malta equipped with the de Havilland Mosquito. On the night of 20/1 July 1943 he scored his 5th aerial victory attaining flying ace status.[1]

References
  1. Shores, Christopher; Williams, Clive (2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots of the British and Commonwealth Forces of WWII. Grub Street Publishing. p. 541. ISBN 9781898697008.
  2. Maclean, Fitzroy (1949). Eastern Approaches. Penguin Global. p. 392. ISBN 0140132716.
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