PO Russell Hamilton Ewens DFC RAFVR 156688

Russ Ewens DFC was born in 1920 in Plymouth, where he also grew up.  Much to the surprise of his naval family, he chose the RAF when he joined up in the early part of the Second World War.  Russ completed his pilot training in North America and in the summer of 1943 he formed his air crew, joining 49 Squadron based at Fiskerton, in Lincolnshire.  He and his crew completed a full operational tour with 49 Squadron, including eight trips to Berlin.  In the summer of 1944, he was awarded the D.F.C., London Gazette, 15th August 1944.

Whilst based in Nottinghamshire, he met his first wife – gaining some notoriety for buzzing the teacher training college in Sheffield where she was sitting her final teaching exams!

After the war, Russ continued flying with what became BOAC, eventually becoming the Training Captain of their VC10 fleet.  He was honoured to captain the aircraft which returned HM Queen from Australia to the UK for one of the 1974 general elections.

Russ was married twice and had six children.  He died in 2004.

As with so many of that generation, Russ rarely spoke about his wartime service.  However, an insight can be gained from the contribution of his Flight Engineer, Doug Tritton, in “Beware the Dog of War” by John Ward – a history of 49 Squadron (see page 285 – “Not Even Damp”).

March 1944

The photograph, from left to right, shows…

Flight Engineer Sgt Doug Tritton

Air Gunner Sgt Maurice Laws

Pilot Officer Russ Ewens

Navigator Sgt Joe Pitcher

Wireless Operator Sgt Phil Griffiths

Bomb Aimer F/O Bob Grainger

Extracts and photographs courtesy of his daughter, Susan Kitchen and granddaughter, Alison, also  of 49 Squadron Association.

Recent posts

A Pilot’s story – One hell of a bombing run

Flying Officer Roy Yule DFC – a Lancaster pilot and captain on No 626 Squadron based at RAF Wickenby, Lincs during 1945. ‘On February 7th 1945 we were briefed for a night raid on Kleve. This operation was to prepare the way for the attack by 15th Scottish Division across the German frontier near Reischwald. […]

Read More...

Flying Officer Navigator Reginald Henry Cornell

Reginald Henry Cornell, 152793, Squadron 627, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve from 1942 – 1944 Not much is known to me regarding my father apart from the fact that my mother was excited when she received a telegram from him telling her he was due to come home on leave in two days time. This […]

Read More...

In memory of Sgt Brian D West

In memory of Sgt Brian D West By Janice A Furze I was a close friend of the Fiancée of Sgt. Brian D West of 106 Squadron based at Metheringham, Lincolnshire. Occasionally my friend talked to me about Brian because I myself was a Private Pilot with a keen interest in aviation history, particularly the […]

Read More...