Early Life and RAF Service
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Brian Carbury joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1937. After completing his initial training, he was assigned to No. 41 Squadron, which operated Hawker Fury fighters. Following retraining on the Supermarine Spitfire, Carbury continued his service with No. 603 Squadron, where he assisted personnel in mastering the new fighter aircraft.
Carbury achieved his first aerial victory on May 7, 1940, by shooting down a Heinkel He 111 over the sea near Aberdeen. His squadron, No. 603, was subsequently redeployed to Hornchurch on August 28, 1940, placing him at the forefront of the Battle of Britain.
Battle of Britain Ace
During the intense period of aerial combat, Carbury’s combat score rapidly increased. For his distinguished service and bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in September 1940. By the end of 1940, Carbury had personally shot down 15 enemy aircraft, shared credit for two more, claimed two probable victories, and damaged an additional five.
Post-Combat Career and Later Life
At the close of 1940, Brian Carbury was transferred to No. 58 Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Grangemouth Airfield, where he served as a flight instructor. He did not participate in further combat operations. After the war, Carbury returned to his native New Zealand and passed away in 1962.