Cecil Combes

Military
media-47437.jpeg UPL 47437 Cecil "Kip" Combes on Course 23 at Falcon Field 5 September 1944 to 1 April 1945 No 4 British Flight Training School collection

Son Richard Combes

Object Number - UPL 47437 - Cecil "Kip" Combes on Course 23 at Falcon Field 5 September 1944 to 1 April 1945

Cecil "Kip" Combes trained on Course 23 at Falcon Field starting on 5 September 1944 and graduating on 1 April 1945.



Kip volunteered for the RAF in 1941. After basic training in England he should have travelled from Liverpool to South Africa for his air training. When he was about to board the ship to South Africa he was redirected to board the Queen Elizabeth which was sailing to Monckton in Canada. From there he travelled on to Falcon Field in Arizona. The ship that sailed from Liverpool to South Africa was torpedoed.



Once in Arizona he was found to be a Scarlet Fever carrier and had to be isolated from his course and wait for the next one. He then missed a second course due to a leg haemorrhage. Kip was sent to recuperate in Hollywood where the community was well known for opening their homes to service people. He stayed with Richard Day who at the time was MGM's leading art director and lived next to Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Coleman. He was with them for some time enjoying Beverly Hills and the Coconut Grove.



Finally, he went back to complete his training on Course 23 at Falcon Field. During his time there he flew 150 hours over the Grand Canyon.

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Units served with

Places

  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Falcon Field No.4 British Flying Training School

Revisions

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ContributorKathryn_4BFTS
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Sources

Courtesy of son Richard Combes

Date
ContributorKathryn_4BFTS
Changes
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Son Richard Combes

Cecil Combes: Gallery (2 items)