promotion to Flight Lieutenant in July 1943 to No 1 Aircraft Delivery Flight at RAF Hendon, a squadron he went on to command in 1943. Air Sea Rescue Wallens was classified "Unfit for operational flying" in 1943 he was posted to No. 277 Air Sea Rescue Squadron at RAF Hawkinge, Kent. He assumed command of the squadron in 1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in July 1944. The citation read: In the early phases of the war, Squadron Leader Wallens took part in a large number of sorties during which he destroyed at least 4 enemy aircraft. In combat in September, 1940, he was wounded in the leg by a cannon shell. Since his return to operational duties he has undertaken many air/sea rescue sorties and has been responsible for saving a number of personnel from the sea. He has set a splendid example of gallantry and devotion to duty. In October 1946, Wallens transferred to the Administrative and Special Duties Branch. He left the RAF in 1949. Post war After the war he worked in the motor trade and ran pubs and hotels. In 1990, Wallens published his autobiography Flying Made My Arms Ache. It contains an evocative account of the Battle of Britain. (The day) started off well, but was to end in a terrible shambles. I was petrified but had to grin, six Spitfires against so many 109’s was a bloody tall order... we were literally flying above the backs of the Jerry bombers... I had been petrified earlier but now I was s******* blue lights at the sight of so many swastikas and black crosses... wishing to hell the CO would call it off and come back tomorrow. Wallens married Violet Bate in 1961 and their daughter Karen was born that year. He died at Banbury, Oxfordshire, in November 1995, at the age of 79. Works References People educated at Worksop College Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) Royal Air Force officers The Few 1916 births 1995 deaths Royal Air Force pilots of World War II