Brothers in Arms

Commemoration 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.Pilot Officer Charles Anthony “Tony” Woods-Scawen DFC, (43 Squadron) was a Royal Air Force Officer, who flew during the Battle of Britain and as such is one of “The Few”.
He was shot down in combat with Bf 109s on 2 September 1940 but bailed out too low and was killed. His Hurricane, caught fire and crashed at Fryland, near Ivychurch.

P/O Tony Woods-Scawen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The award was gazetted four days after his death. The citation read: This officer has taken part in all engagements carried out by his squadron since the commencement of hostilities. He has destroyed a total of six enemy aircraft and seriously damaged several others. In June 1940, Pilot Officer Woods-Scawen was shot down, landing some 25 miles within French territory, but succeed in making his way back to his squadron. In spite of the fact this pilot has been shot down six times, he has continued to fight with unabated courage and enthusiasm, and has shown outstanding qualities as a resourceful and determined leader.

Pilot Officer Patrick “Woody” Woods-Scawen, DFC (85 Squadron): On 1 September 1940, Woods-Scawen’s brother Patrick Woods-Scawen was shot down in combat with Bf109s in the Kenley area; he baled out but was killed when his parachute failed. His body was not found until 6 September in the grounds of The Ivies, Kenley Lane. His younger brother Tony serving with No. 43 Squadron RAF was killed the day after him on 2 September 1940.

P/O Patrick Woods-Scawen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (gazetted 25 June 1940). The citation reads: During May 1940, this officer destroyed six enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of others. On one occasion, although heavily outnumbered, he attacked without hesitation a large formation of enemy aircraft, shooting down two of them. His own aircraft was hit by a cannon shell and he was slightly wounded, but succeeded in escaping by parachute and rejoining his unit. He has displayed great courage, endurance and leadership.

Biography P/O Charles Anthony "Tony" Woods-Scawen, DFC 
Biography P/O Patrick "Woody" Woods-Scawen, DFC