FO Peter Gadsby Bullen DFC
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 77 Squadron
from:Cambridgeshire
My father, Peter Bullen DFC, was a very proud man who we know lied about his age to get in to the RAF. He was one year younger than the age for recruitment. On 16th September 1941, he enlisted in the ranks of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was mobilised on 9th March 1942. On 12th November 1944 he was granted an emergency commission in the general duties branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a pilot officer on probation. He was promoted to the war substantive rank of Flying Officer and confirmed in his appointment of Flying Officer Bullen.
I am aware that he flew in a Lancaster Bomber and was awarded the DFC at some stage. I also understand that he flew an incredible 36 missions which I am lead to believe is more than the average.
Dec 1943 Feb-1944 A.F.V. West Freugh, Wigtown, Scotland. Sergeant. Feb 1944-June 1944 21 OTU Moreton-in-the Marsh, Glos. Sergeant. July 1944-Aug 1944 1664 HCU Dishforth, Yorks. Sergeant (later Flight Sergeant). Aug 1944-March 1945 77 Squadron (Bomber Command) Full Sutton, Yorks. Flight Sergeant (later Pilot Officer). April 1945 - Air crew Re-Allocation Centre, Catterick, Yorks. Flying Officer. May 1945-Nov 1945 RAF Metheringham, Lincs (intelligence). Flying Officer. Nov 1945-March 1946. 8301 AD wing RAF, BAFO, BAOR (intelligence). Flying Officer. March 1946-May 1946. 8501 AD wing RAF, BAFO, BAOR (DG Administration). Flying Officer. May 1946. 5355 wing RAF, BAFO, BAOR (DG Administration). Flying Officer. At present, this is the only information I have found but the search goes on. He went on to have a very successful career and family life. He sadly passed away in 2005 without really telling his family much about his days in the RAF. Miss him so very much.
