Sergeant L. H. B. Pearce

[Håkan]

Hello everybody,

I have Sergeant ‘Len’ Leonard Hilary Borlase Pearce (RAF no. 741920 ) claiming 3 and 1 shared destroyed, 1 damaged while flying with 32 Squadron in July-August 1940. What I’ve found he was posted to 92 Squadron in October 1939 and then to 32 Squadron in early July 1940. He was killed on 9 April 1941.

However, I also have a Sergeant L. H. B. Pearce claiming 2 shared destroyed and 1 damaged while flying with 79 Squadron in France during May 1940.

Is this the same guy?

If not – is there anyone with the “second” Pearce’s full name?

Best wishes/Håkan

[Brian]

Hi Hakan

I believe that this is one and the same.

Cheers
Brian

[Håkan]

Hello Brian,

Thanks for the help!

Best wishes/Håkan

[udf_00]

From http://oldrafrecords.com/

[Håkan]

Thanks udf_00!

//Håkan

[Tom Semenza]

A brief bio of Pearce can be found in Those Other Eagles. He was later in 46 Sqn. where he was WIA on 13.10.40 and then KIFA on 09.04.41, as you noted.

Cheers,
Tom

[Håkan]

Hello Tom,

Thanks for your input!
It was the bio in Those Other Eagles that prompted my question since the three claims I had with him in my files wasn't included in this.

Best wishes/Håkan

[Tom Semenza]

As wonderful as Those Other Eagles and Aces High are, there are often gaps in individual service histories and other details. It's good that researches such as yourself can fill in the gaps and post them on great websites like yours.

It would certainly be highly unlikely that two sergeant pilots would have the same three initials and last name, especially a relatively uncommon one like "Pearce." I also found the three claims in France you mentioned in Twelve Days in May with the latter two also listed in Foreman's Fighter Command Victory Claims.

Cheers,
Tom