Air Commodore Henry Probert RIP

Kyt · Jan 30, 2008

Air Commodore Henry Probert - Telegraph

Air Commodore Henry Probert, who has died aged 81, was recognised as one of the most eminent authorities on the history of the RAF; he was head of the RAF's Air Historical Branch, and before that the RAF's director of education.

At one stage in his career Probert served at Headquarters, Bomber Command, where he became fascinated by the part played by it during the Second World War.

He believed firmly that its commander, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris, had been treated badly by those who had the benefit of hindsight, and that the contribution made by Harris and his men to the ultimate victory was grossly undervalued.

Probert was given access to all of Harris's own, extensive papers and wrote the widely acclaimed biography Bomber Harris - His Life and Times (2001), in which he provided a sympathetic, balanced and critical account of the life and service of one of the Second World War's most controversial commanders.

Henry Austin Probert was born on December 23 1926 at Cheadle, Cheshire, and read Modern History at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.

After graduating in 1948 he joined the RAF for national service - whereafter he chose to remain in the RAF, for the next 30 years working in the education branch. He spent time in Northern Ireland and Germany before an appointment at RAF Changi, Singapore.

It was there that he developed a deep interest in the role of the RAF in the Far East and in the Japanese occupation of Singapore. His later appointments were to the RAF Technical College at Henlow, and as a member of the directing staff at the RAF Staff College, Bracknell. After serving at Headquarters, Bomber Command, he was appointed director of education.

On retirement from the active list in October 1978, Probert was chosen as head of the Air Historical Branch (AHB), where in addition to his administrative duties he undertook many writing projects.

He directed the writing of the in-house history of the RAF in the Falklands campaign, and assisted with the autobiography of Marshal of the RAF Lord Cameron. After 11 years as director Probert retired from the AHB, and thereafter carried on part-time work as an historian.

In retirement Probert continued to indulge his interest in the history of the service he loved. He interviewed all the RAF's senior commanders who had held high office during the Second World War.

For more than 20 years he was a guest lecturer at the RAF and Defence Staff Colleges, where all the senior RAF officers and commanders now working benefited from his insights into the RAF's history and the roles played by its wartime commanders.

He was one of the founders of the RAF Historical Society in 1986 and remained a great supporter to the end of his life, rarely missing the twice-yearly events. He made a very significant contribution to the seminars organised by the society over many years, and his outstanding service to the study of RAF history was recognised by the award of the Air League Gold Medal in 2002.

Probert wrote extensively and contributed to many learned journals and historical narratives. His History of Changi, the RAF's largest air base in Singapore, occupied by the Japanese during the war, was first published in 1965, and then updated in 2006 at the request of the Singapore Museum.

The Forgotten Air Force (1995) is a history of the RAF in Burma during the war*; The Rock and the RAF (2005) chronicles the long association between the RAF and Gibraltar; while High Commanders of the Royal Air Force (1991) remains the prime source for accounts of the lives of those who have served as the RAF's Chief of Air Staff and of other senior wartime commanders.

Having joined the RAF Club (at No 128 Piccadilly) in 1966, in 1974 Probert was appointed to represent RAF Strike Command on the club's general and executive committees. Two years later he became an elected member. His particular roles included running the club's lecture programme, providing historical advice and establishing the club's library. He was co-author of '128' The History of the Royal Air Force Club (2004).

Rowing was among Probert's lifelong interests. Having rowed at Cambridge, he later coached RAF crews, eventually becoming president of the RAF Rowing Association. For many years he was a member of the commentary team at the Henley Royal Regatta.

He was a perfectionist in his detailed research and a scholarly, articulate and gentle man who was always ready to help others in their own individual pursuit of the study of the RAF's history. He was appointed MBE.

Henry Probert died on Christmas Day. He married, in 1955, Audrey Horlock, who survives him with a son and a daughter.
Click to expand...

* The Forgotten Air Force is an excellent introduction to the history of the RAF (etc) in the Far East and Burma:

Amazon.co.uk: The Forgotten Air Force: History of the Royal Air Force in the War Against Japan 1941-1945: Amazon.co.uk:: Air Commodore Henry Probert

Antipodean Andy · Jan 30, 2008

I knew the name but couldn't link it. Didn't know about his Changi book. That'll be an interesting read.

RIP.

Kyt · Jan 30, 2008

The History of Changi

HISTORY OF CHANGI - Compiled by Squadron Leader H A Probert
77 pages plus map.
First printed by Prison Industries 1965. Reproduced by Score 1988, Changi Prison.

FOREWORD by Group Captain BC Bennett, AFC Officer Commanding RAF Changi:

The history of Changi is unique in the annals of Royal Air Force Stations. I am therefore delighted to be in the position to sponsor the publication of this booklet which was set in train some three years ago and has since occupied the time and research of many people. I am particularly grateful to Squadron Leader H A Probert for compiling and editing this work, and to the many contributors of facts, photographs and 'snippets'. The story told here of transformation from jungle and swamp land, through Japanese occupation to the present day when Changi is one of the largest and most colourful RAF stations in the world makes fascinating reading which I commend to you all.
Click to expand...

Antipodean Andy · Jan 30, 2008

We've been meaning to spend some time in Singapore for a short break so hopefully we can get organised enough to see Changi etc in detail rather than the airport terminals!

Kyt · Jan 30, 2008

Well we expect loads of pictures then.

Antipodean Andy · Jan 30, 2008

Oh, my knees! Speaking of which, have some pics of Denmark War Memorial to post.

spidge · Jan 30, 2008

Andy in West Oz said: ↑

Oh, my knees! Speaking of which, have some pics of Denmark War Memorial to post.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't ask you to photograph the 200 on the Singapore Memorial however there are only 14 at Kranji Cemetery:becky:

Antipodean Andy · Jan 30, 2008

Either wouldn't be a prob!

Log in or Sign up

Air Commodore Henry Probert RIP

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

spidge Active Member

Antipodean Andy New Member

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Air Commodore Henry Probert RIP

Thread Tools

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

spidge Active Member

Antipodean Andy New Member

Share This Page

Useful Searches