HOLMES Joseph W E Fl Lt RAFVR 263 Sqn

JOSEPH WILLIAM ERNEST HOLMES
114291 1916 – 1993
Donaldson’s Boys
263 Sqn was stationed at Exeter from 28th Nov 1940 having transferred from RAF Drem in Scotland after the Battle Of Britain. Under the command of Sqn Ldr A H Donaldson DFC AFC.
Joe Holmes started with Sqn 263 in March 1941. On 19/2/1942 during a patrol, the starboard engine of P7110 piloted by P/O Holmes disintegrated & caught fire 25 miles south of St Gowans Head. By using full flaps the pilot managed to gain sufficient height to reach the coast and land safely. On 18/9/1942 Holmes was posted to Sqn 263’s daughter squadron 137 as Fl/Lt. He was described on leaving as having “a good temper, a fine athlete and good companion. He will be missed in the squadron. He took part in nine offensive operations” He then returned again to 263 Sqn in 1943 as Flight Commander. In March 1944, he became Sqn Ldr of 266 (Rhodesia) Sqn. In retirement he taught at Victoria College in Jersey.
He is recognised as the pilot who wounded Field Marshal Rommel as he toured German frontline positions in Normandy 1944. Canon fire from a Hawker Typhoon fighter bomber of 266 Sqn caused Rommel to be struck in the face by broken glass. A blow on the left temple and cheek bone fractured Rommel’s skull and he was taken unconscious to hospital. Research later confirmed that Holmes was responsible for inflicting these injuries.