Victory
27
Biography
Robert Roland Stanford Tuck Born in Catford, London, he joined the RAF in 1935. At the end of his period of instruction, he went to swell the ranks of Sqn 65, then equipped with Gloster Gladiator models; the first Spitfires arrived at the very beginning of 1939. In May 1940, Tuck was appointed leader of 92 Sqn, and at the end of the Dunkirk operations on June 3, his record showed 7 enemy planes shot down, 1 aircraft collaboratively shot down and 2 others damaged.
He was one of the first pilots to achieve five victories while flying Spitfires. He was awarded the DFC in June. In the months of July and August, his prize list is enriched. In September, he rose in rank and became commander. He then took over command of 257 Sqn, which was then equipped with Hurricane fighter planes. In October he paid a visit to 92 Sqn, and after flying a loaned Spitfire he scored yet another victory. At that time, his record aboard Spitfires listed 14 enemy aircraft shot down, 2 shot down in collaboration, 1 probable destruction and the aircraft damaged in collaboration. He carried out the rest of his battles aboard the Hurricanes. This is where his record on board the Spitfires ends. In December 1941, he was appointed Wing Commander at Biggin Hill, which was equipped with Spitfire VBs. The following month he was sent on a mission to France and was taken prisoner. At the time of its capture, it had to its credit 27 aircraft shot down, 2 aircraft shot down in collaboration, 6 probable destructions, 6 enemy aircraft damaged and 1 aircraft damaged in collaboration.
Robert Tuck remained in RAF service until 1949. He retired that year, and began a career as a Lieutenant Colonel. He died in 1987.