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Branse Burbridge Military person

Wing Commander Bransome Arthur "Branse" Burbridge DSO* DFC* (born 4 February 1921) is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) night fighter pilot and night fighter ace—a pilot credited with at least five enemy aircraft destroyed—who holds the Allied record of 21 aerial victories achieved at night during the Second World War. Burbridge is the most successful British ace still living.Born in February 1921 into a family with strong Christian and pacifist beliefs, Burbridge was not an ambitious man. After leaving school he worked as an officer clerk for an insurance company. Upon the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe on 3 September 1939 Burbridge registered himself as a conscientious objector. By 1940, with the Battle of Britain underway he came to the conclusion the British cause was just and enlisted in the RAF. A competent pilot and a quick learner he completed his training within a year and was posted to No. 85 Squadron RAF, a night fighter unit which was equipped with the American-designed Douglas A-20 Havoc before re-quipping with Bristol Beaufighters. His time on the Havoc brought only one probable claim against enemy aircraft with a further damaged in 1942. Burbridge was then posted to a Operational Training Unit (OTU) as an instructor before spending a year as a staff officer attached to various squadrons. By July 1943 he had reached the rank of flight lieutenant. Burbridge returned to operations in late 1943 with 85 Squadron. The unit was to perform night defence operations in the British Isles. 85 Squadron was equipped with the de Havilland Mosquito. In January 1944 the Luftwaffe returned to British skies in strength. Operation Steinbock targeted Greater London in retaliation for RAF Bomber Commands campaign against Berlin. Teaming up with radar operator Bill Skelton, Burbridge achieved success in a relatively short time period. By the end of the German air offensive in May 1944 he had shot down five enemy aircraft making him an ace. For these achievements both men were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in May 1944. In June 1944 Operation Overlord and the Allied invasion of German-occupied Europe began and the Western Front, dormant since 1940, was now reactivated. Burbridge flew a number of sorties as an intruder pilot with No. 100 Group RAF over the front. He achieved a further two aerial victories with one probable and another damaged in combat in these operations. Burbidge also destroyed three V-1 flying bombs over southern England. In September 1944 85 Squadron returned to intruding over Germany and supporting Bomber Command. Burbridge was awarded a Bar to his DFC in October 1944 and a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) the following month. From 11 September 1944–3 January 1945 Burbridge claimed 13 enemy night fighter aircraft destroyed. This included four on the night of the 4/5 November 1944. In February 1945 both men were awarded a bar to their DSO. After the end of hostilities in May 1945, Burbridge stayed in the RAF for a further seven months before leaving in December.After the war he studied at Oxford University and then Cambridge University before entering the Christian ministry. He remained in its service until his retirement. In 2013 Burbridge came to prominence again when it was reported in the national media that his family had been forced to sell his medals to pay for his care and worsening Alzheimer's condition. Burbridge currently resides in Chorleywood.