I. J. Fitch
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United Kingdom
Royal Air ForceIsaac John Fitch | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 October 1903 Bedford, England |
| Died | 25 July 1944 (aged 40) Florida Island, Solomon Islands |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Service years | 1926–1944 |
| Rank | Air commodore |
| Service number | 22162 |
| Commands | Commanding air officer, Tarawa |
| Conflicts | Second World War |
Air commodore Isaac John Fitch (3 October 1903 – 25 July 1944) was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force, deputy director of intelligence at the Air Ministry and commanding air officer of Tarawa during the Second World War.[1][2][3] His relatively brief career was cut short when, en route to Australia, the aeroplane carrying him crashed into a hilltop on Florida Island killing everyone on board.[1][3][4]
Career
Fitch joined the Royal Air Force in 1926 as a pilot officer on a short service commission. After flight training he served with Army co-operation squadrons at home and in India until 1929. In 1930, he was promoted to flying officer after completing a signals course and thereafter spent for five years in the Middle East.[1] In 1937, he passed the RAF staff College course in Andover[citation needed] and was promoted to squadron leader.[1]
During 1938 and 1939, Fitch was in the Directorate of Signals at the Air Ministry.[1][8] At the outbreak of the Second World War, he initially served on signal duties in France[1] and was made group captain on 1 June 1942,[9] and air commodore in September 1943.[1] Later that year, he was made deputy director of intelligence at the Air Ministry[10] and commanding air officer of Tarawa.[2][3]