Who is the most iconic RAF figure of World War Two?

Here at the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) we are holding a poll to find the most iconic RAF figure of World War Two. To vote please visit:

http://www.rafbf90.org.uk

The poll is featured on our special 90th anniversary website, “90 Faces of the RAFBF”, which features 90 stories about our history, fundraisers and supporters.
If you visit you can listen to Winston Churchill's famous 1951 radio appeal on behalf of the RAFBF, watch videos of beneficiaries and serving RAF personnel describe how we help, and learn about the enormous support we enjoy among the RAF family.

 

You'll never guess who I voted for !

 

I voted for Gibson. Bader is getting most of the votes, but he was out of the war in 1941.

 

I would say Bader. He inspired me as a kid.

 

I voted for Bader too. Quality of service is just as important as length of service. But they all did their duty

 

I voted for my hero, Keith Park

 

I found who was missing quite interesting:

Johnny Johnson
Robert Tuck
Alan Deere
Cocky Dundas
Sailor Malan

Any of them personified the RAF in WWII more than those listed, IMHO.

 

Many thanks for your votes in our poll to find the most iconic RAF figure of World War Two. At the moment Air Chief Marshal Dowding leads the pack, with Bader, Harris and Gibson following on close behind.

This poll has led to some great discussion about what constitutes an iconic figure, and plenty of debate about the merits of certain candidates, so we have decided to leave the poll open until the end of the year.

Please do cast your vote if you haven’t already, we would love to hear your views.

90 faces of the RAF Benevolent Fund

 

Park is my "intelligent choice", however I see Harris as the "face of the campaign". The thing that most has touched me is/was the courage and bravery of The Guinea Pig Club.

 

I'm not sure being a PoW counts as retirement.

Voted Harris myself.

 

The vote to find the most iconic RAF figure of World War Two is gathering pace. Air Marshal Dowding continues to lead but Bader is close behind, while Gibson and Harris are very nearly neck and neck.

However, the vote remains closely fought, so please do visit

www.rafbf90.org.uk

and make your choice if you haven’t already – every vote counts!

 

I would have to say Dowding. Hard to see how in the publics imagination Harris would be considered iconic. The same is true of Tedder. Both were vitally important airmen and did there jobs well but Harris' place in history is only just being rehabilitated really and Tedder I have always found to be too quiet and unassuming to be noticed.

Ross

 

I voted for Guy Gibson but I would of voted for Leonard Cheshire if he was listed.

 

..has to be Bader - none of the others have had films made of their life story. Bader never stopped taking the war to the enemy ..even when incarcerated ( and with no legs..)

 

Thanks to all who have cast their votes on the most iconic RAF figure of World War Two. The online poll has been very popular so we are keeping it open until the end of January.

So there’s still time to give your opinion – every vote counts!

http://www.rafbf90.org.uk/

At the moment Air Chief Marshal Dowding leads the pack, with Bader, Harris and Gibson following on close behind.

The game is hosted on the RAF Benevolent Fund’s special 90th anniversary microsite, “90 Faces of the RAF Benevolent Fund”. The microsite is full of stories and anecdotes about the charity, the people we help and our supporters. Please do have a look around the site after placing your vote, and learn more about the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

 

Kenneth More probably did a slightly better job with DB than Toddy did for GG. 'Iconic'? For me it's Bader. But 'Iconic' doesn't also mean 'Best'..............

 

Bader, I remember the Germans were particulary involved to make a wooden leg for him

 

Stood outside his room at Colditz. Gave me a bit of buzz did that, but then I'm sad like that................

 

Gosh what a hero, respected by both his friends and foes and still remembered after decades, and his story read as a legend by the youth.

 

dowding for me. No dowding no Raf? maybe a bit strong but it is ww2...if he lost in 1940..maybe we wouldnt be voting for the raf