W/C Denis Holcombe Carey RAF – OC 103 Squadron – 1936/37
I believe Denis Carey ( pictured above ) was born at Detling, Kent about 1899
Educated at Eastman's Naval Academy, Winchester and at London University (Engineering) and enlisted in the Royal Navy Air Service, 1917
Carey family group. Denis middle of back row.
I seem to recall reading he did at least part of his training at the RNAS seaplane base at Killingholme in North Lincolnshire. A site quite near where I live and I know well.
Denis H Carey WW1 RNAS
In 1918 he was a test pilot at the Isle of Grain Kent not too far from his home. There he seems to have flown mostly float planes and seaplanes of various types and may have taken part in early deck landing trials on HMS Argus and Eagle. He certainly left a huge collection of photos of various aircraft types from his time at the Isle of Grain.
On the 23 May 1923 he was appointed to No I School of Technical Training ( Boys ) at Wendover, Buckinghamshire.
In 1926 he was engaged in rewriting the Armament Instructions
On the 7 December 1926 he was Supernumerary Flight Lieutenant ( Qualified Air Armament Officer ) Coastal Area.
15 June 1930 he was posted to 99 Squadron – Wessex Bombing Area.
1929 was posted to Iraq as Command Armaments Officer but was invalided home in 1930.
5 November 1932 he was posted to the Home Aircraft Depot Inland Area 21 Group Henlow Camp Bedfordshire for Armament Duties.
1 June 1934 he was then posted to 142 Squadron Netheravon, Salisbury Wiltshire and from there to the RAF Barrage Balloon Centre, Inland Area No 22 Group Rolleston Camp Salisbury.
1936/37 he promoted S/L and appointed OC 103 Squadron on its reformation at Andover and subsequent transfer to Usworth.
Denis Carey front row middle pictured at RAF Andover on the reformation of 103 Squadron in 1936
It is not clear what his duties were from there but I believe he left the RAF in 1943.
At some stage during his career pre 1936 he seems to have suffered a serious injury to his left arm. This must be why he was invalided home from Iraq in 1930. Probably due to a flying accident.
Denis Carey passed away in 1956
A lovely photo of a Felixstowe flying boat with Denis Carey pilot.
During his service career he flew over 80 different aircraft and also may have taken part in deck take off and landing trials. That is an impressive flying career.
Compiled by David Fell. Photos from my archive and Daily Mail article
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