Leonard Rochford

Born in Enfield on 10 November 1896, Rochford attempted to join the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) at the outbreak of the First World War but was rejected as being underage.[1] Instead he went to university and also learned to fly, being granted Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate No. 1840 after soloing an L. & P. biplane, at the London and Provincial School, Hendon, on 7 October 1915.[3]

Rochford finally joined the Royal Navy in early 1916 as a probationary temporary flight sub-lieutenant, to serve in the Royal Naval Air Service, and was confirmed in his rank on 14 May 1916.[4] He was posted to No. 3 Naval Squadron RNAS in January 1917.[1] Initially flying a Sopwith Pup, he gained his first three aerial victories between March and July 1917.,[2] also gaining promotion to flight lieutenant on 30 June 1917.[5]

Rochford's squadron was then re-equipped with the Sopwith Camel, and Rochford gained two more victories in September to attain "ace" status. He gained three more victories in January 1918, and six in March, bringing his total to fourteen. On 1 April 1918 the Royal Naval Air Service was merged with the Army's Royal Flying Corps to form the Royal Air Force (RAF), and Rochford's unit was renamed and renumbered as No. 203 Squadron RAF. He went on to gain five more victories in May, two in June, and four in July, and his final four between August and October. His 29 claims consisted of 13 enemy aircraft destroyed (including 7 shared), and 16 driven down out of control (including 5 shared).[2]

Distinguished Service Cross

Flight Lieutenant (Acting-Flight Commander) Leonard Henry Rochford, RNAS.
For consistent determination, bravery and skill as a fighting pilot and flight commander. He has destroyed and driven down out of control many enemy machines.[6]

Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross

Flight Lieutenant (Acting-Flight Commander) Leonard Henry Rochford, RNAS.
For consistent determination, bravery, and skill. As a flight commander he has shown considerable ability, and has always set a fine example when dealing with enemy aircraft. On 21 March 1918, when on offensive patrol, he attacked one of nine Albatross scouts. Enemy aircraft was seen to go down in the mist out of control. He has destroyed or driven down out of control many other enemy machines.[7]

Distinguished Flying Cross

Captain Leonard Henry Rochford, DSC.
This officer has already been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Bar for gallantry and devotion to duty – qualities in which he revels. Since the award he has accounted for twelve enemy aircraft – six destroyed and six driven down out of control.[8]

Rochford was transferred to the RAF unemployed list on 17 April 1919,[9] and received a mention in despatches in May "for valuable services rendered during the war".[10] He was restored to the active list for temporary duty, with the rank of flight lieutenant, between 13 April[11] and 4 June 1921, before being transferred back to the unemployed list.[12]

On 9 May 1939, as the threat of war with Germany loomed, Rochford was granted a commission (Class CC) in the Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO), with the rank of flying officer (honorary flight lieutenant).[13] On 1 September 1939, the day that the German invasion of Poland began, Rochford relinquished his commission in the RAFO, and was appointed a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.[14] He was promoted to squadron leader on 1 March 1942.[15]

Rochford remained a reserve officer post-war, eventually relinquishing his commission on 10 February 1954, and was granted permission to retain his rank.[16]

Rochford appeared as a contributor in the 1987 documentary 'The Cavalry of the Clouds', produced by British regional commercial television station 'HTV West'.

Rochford married Elizabeth Maud Moffet (1895–1964). They had a son, James Donald Henry Rochford (1921–1986), who joined the Royal Navy during the Second World War, to serve as a lieutenant in Combined Operations, then qualified as a barrister after the war.[17]

• Rochford, Leonard H. (1977). I Chose The Sky. London, UK: Kimber. ISBN 9780718300852.

Notes

Bibliography

• O'Connor, M. (2005). Airfields & Airmen of the Channel Coast. Pen & Sword Military. ISBN 1-84415-258-8.
• Shores, Christopher F.; Franks, Norman & Guest, Russell F. (1990). Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915–1920. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-0-948817-19-9.

• Kocent-Zieliński, Edward (2015). "Sopwith Camel". kagero.pl. Retrieved 26 December 2015.