Battle of Britain London Monument – S/Ldr. L C Bicknell 
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN LONDON MONUMENT 
"Never in the field of human
conflict was so much owed
by so many to so few." 
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Privacy Statement The Airmen’s Stories – S/Ldr. L C Bicknell
Leslie Charles Bicknell was born on 9th April 1913 and joined the RAF in January 1930 as an Apprentice. He signed an engagement for 12 years on 9th April 1931, his 18th birthday.
Bicknell entered the RAF College Cranwell on a cadetship in January 1933. He graduated 15th December 1934 with a permanent commission and joined 29 Squadron at North Weald on the same day.
He was posted to 65 Squadron at Hornchurch on 30th December 1936 as a Flight Commander. In April 1938 Bicknell collided with P/O RRS Tuck whilst they were practising aerobatics and although his tail unit was sheared off he managed to land safely. Bicknell went to the School of Photography at Farnborough on 1st January 1939 as a supernumerary.
He joined 23 Squadron at Wittering from HQ 6 Group on 20th January 1940 and assumed command on the 23rd. He held the appointment until 12th August 1940 when he was posted away to Fighter Sector Wick for Ops Room duties.
Bicknell later graduated from the RAF Staff College. He retired from the RAF on 20th June 1949 as a Wing Commander, retaining the rank of Group Captain.
He later went to live in South Africa and died there in 1991.
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