John Sulman "One of the Few"

JOHN EDWARD SULMAN

Flying Officer Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 238 Squadron.

Service Number: 81344

Died 23 November 1941, age 25

Buried at KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA 4. G. 21. Libya

Son of Lt.-Col. Arthur Edward Sulman, M.C., and Muriel Winifred Sulman of Crofters, 45 Pine Grove, Totteridge, Hertfordshire.

Sulman participated in some of the most critical air operations of the early war years, including the Battle of Britain and the Western Desert Campaign.

Before the outbreak of World War II, Sulman worked at Coutts Bank, establishing his civilian career before duty called. In December 1938, with war clouds gathering over Europe, Sulman joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR), demonstrating his foresight and willingness to serve his country.

When war officially broke out in September 1939, Sulman left his banking position to serve full-time as a Sergeant Pilot in the RAFVR. His dedication to service and flying skills were recognised in June 1940 when he was granted a commission as an officer upon completing his flight training.

Sulman's first posting as a commissioned officer was to 607 Squadron, placing him in one of history's most pivotal air battles. The squadron spent much of the Battle of Britain at its home base at Usworth, re-equipping before returning south in September 1940 to participate in the crucial stages of the battle. The Battle of Britain reached its height during this period, with the Royal Air Force defending British airspace against the German Luftwaffe, marking a decisive turning point in the war.

As a member of 607 Squadron, Sulman was part of the force that helped prevent a German invasion of Britain. The squadron operated from RAF Tangmere during this critical period. Records indicate that Sulman was among the pilots officially recognised as a "Men of the Battle of Britain," a prestigious distinction honouring those who defended the United Kingdom during this crucial period.

Following his service during the Battle of Britain, Sulman was assigned as a Flying Instructor at an operational training unit. This role reflected the RAF's recognition of his skills and experience and the critical need to train new pilots for the expanding air war.

After several months of instructing, Sulman returned to his original unit, 607 Squadron. During this period, the squadron was engaged in dangerous low-level dive bombing attacks on targets along the French coast, representing a shift from defensive to offensive operations as the war progressed.

In November 1941, Sulman was posted to Egypt, joining the fight in the North African theatre of operations. He was assigned to 238 Squadron in the Western Desert, which was cooperating with Army forces in operations aimed at relieving the besieged garrison at Tobruk. This crucial campaign was part of Operation Crusader, a major British offensive launched in November 1941, aimed at relieving Tobruk and driving Axis forces out of Eastern Cyrenaica.

Tragically, Sulman had been with 238 Squadron for only a few weeks when he was reported missing over Cyrenaica on November 23, 1941. Flying Hurricane II aircraft, the squadron was engaged in hazardous operations supporting ground forces against Axis positions. In March 1942, he was officially reported killed in action, with his date of death recorded as November 23, 1941.