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Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
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Air Commodore Sir
Louis Dickens
Louis Walter b: 28 Sep 1903 r: 22 Aug 1947 d: 30 Aug 1988
KT - 1 Jan 1968, DFC - 31 May 1940, AFC - 8 Jun 1939, MiD - 14 Jan 1944, MiD 1 Jan 1945, MiD 1 Jan 1946.
Plt Off: 19 Dec 1923, Fg Off: 19 Jun 1925, Flt Lt: 13 Nov 1929, Sqn Ldr: 1 Feb 1937, Act Wg Cdr: 12 Sep 1939, (T) Wg Cdr: 1 Mar 1940, (T) Gp Capt: 1 Mar 1942, Wg Cdr: 14 Apr 1942 [1 Jan 1940], Act A/Cdre: 5 Sep 1944, Gp Capt (WS): 5 Mar 1945, Gp Capt: 1 Oct 1946, A/Cdre: Retained.
3 Feb 1922: Flight Cadet, 'A' Sqn, RAF College.
19 Dec 1923: Pilot, No 207 Sqn. (arrived 19 Jan 1924)
xx Sep 1927: Supernumerary?
2 Dec 1927: QFI, No 4 FTS.
1 Apr 1931: Officer, No 2 Armoured Car Company.
20 Nov 1932: Supernumerary, RAF Depot.
8 Feb 1933: Staff, Directorate of Postings.
12 Nov 1935: QFI, RAF College.
3 Mar 1937: Supernumerary, No 139 Sqn.
3 Mar 1937: Attached to No 206 Sqn (twin-engined conversion course)
5 Mar 1937: Officer Commanding, No 139 Sqn.
2-16 Jan 1940: Officer Commanding (Temporary), No 71 Wing
17 Jul 1940: Air Staff, HQ Bomber Command.
xx xxx 1941: Staff Wing Commander, No 1 Training Command, RCAF
xx xxx 1942 Officer Commanding, RAF Breighton?
7 Dec 1942: Supernumerary, RAF Elsham Wolds
9 Dec 1942: Officer Commanding, RAF Elsham Wolds
1 Jan 1944 Acting Base Commander, No 13 Base
10 Feb 1944: Officer Commanding, RAF Lindholme.
5 Sep 1944: Air Staff, HQ Bomber Command
16 Sep 1946: SASO, HQ, No 1 Group
In the competitive selection tests for entry into Cranwell, held in mid 1921, he achieved a score of 5,304. He represented the RAF College at Cricket, Hockey, Rugby and Soccer. Retired at his own request. He was crerated a Knight Bachelor for his work as Chairman of Berkshire County Council.
Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross
Wing Commander Louis Walter DICKENS (16108).
This officer led nine Blenheim aircraft in an exceedingly determined and gallant attack which he succeeded in pressing home with success in the face of extremely heavy enemy opposition. While no exact estimate can be given as to the number of enemy fighters in contact, a formation of nine Messerschmitt 109's and four Messerschmitt no's attacking the leading formation were identified, and the remaining two sections were simultaneously heavily engaged by a superior number of Messerschmitt no's. The attack was of great moment and the courage and leadership displayed by this officer inspired the squadron in an operation which otherwise might have completely failed.
(London Gazette 31 May 1940)
This page was last updated on 03/12/23
H E Dicken 
