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Warren, Charles(Entry 1-38)Born on the 15th November 1918 at Witham, Essex, Charles Warren was educated at St. Crispin School and the Royal Grammar School, Colchester. Joining the RAF in January 1935, he attended No. 1 School of Technical Training RAF Halton (31st entry), where he was promoted to Sergeant Apprentice passing out as an AC1 in December 1937.In January 1938 Warren earned a Flight Cadetship to Cranwell, where his logbook was signed by Chief Instructor Squadron Leader Dermot Boyle. He flew 120 hours and was awarded his wings on 6 April 1939, earning promotion to Flight Cadet Sergeant. The course was shortened due to war being declared and Warren was transferred to the RAFVR as an airman u/t Pilot on 7th September 1939. His pay was 5 shillings a day.Warren received a Permanent Commission as Pilot Officer on 1 October 1939 and joined No 152 Squadron at RAF Acklington the same day. The squadron converted from Gloster Gladiators to Supermarine Spitfires under Wing Commander Shute, and by 6 January 1940 had commenced operational patrols off the northeast coast. On 12 July 1940 No 152 Squadron moved to Warmwell in Dorset under 10 Group, positioning it for the Battle of Britain campaign.During the early phase of the Battle of Britain, Warren flew nine %u201cX raids%u201d and numerous convoy patrols between 1 and 15 July 1940, predominantly in Spitfire P9440. On 16 July, flying Spitfire P9456, he intercepted three Messerschmitt Bf109s but lost sight of them in heavy fog. Two days later, on 18 July, as Yellow 3 over Portland, he engaged a Staffel of Bf109s that dove on his section. Warren went on to share in the destruction of a Dornier Do 17 on 22 August 1940, marking his first confirmed victory in combat.On 15 June 1942 Warren was appointed Flight Commander of No 466 (RAAF) Squadron, later serving with No 243 Squadron and at British Commonwealth Air Force Headquarters in Iwakuni, Japan. He earned a Mention in Dispatches on 1 January 1943 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 10 September 1943, praised for his coolness and courage on heavily defended targets. Post-war, he qualified as a flying instructor and air accident investigator, took the Japanese surrender in Hong Kong, and commanded various training and transport units. He was appointed MBE on 12 June 1947 for his distinguished service.Warren retired as a Wing Commander on 14 December 1957 and passed away on 19 October 2005 in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire. His career spanned fighter, bomber, transport, and training commands, and he remains one of the RAF%u2019s most versatile and decorated pilots from the Second World War era. His personal example and leadership under fire sustained high morale and contributed significantly to Allied air operations.