Born in Vancouver, Canada on April 1912 Wing Commander Read was the son of Major G.B Read. He graduated from the Royal Airforce College Cranwell in 1933. Served with No.99 and No.83 Squadrons pre-war until posted to HQ British Forces Aden in 1938. Continued to served in the middle east including a posting to RAF Cairo and with the American legation (admin).

Returned to England in June 1942. Assumed command of No.218 Squadron via heavy conversion at No.1651 on September 1 st 1942. Had successfully completed two 2 nd pilot operations with Squadron Leader Raymond prior to his death of October 1/2 nd 1942 with Flight Lieutenant Du Toit while attacking Hearnwyk near Lubeck. His aircraft Short Stirling HA-N (W7613) was shot down at 01.08hrs by Major Gunther Radusch of StII./NJG3, there were no survivors.

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