Squadron Leader Cyril Leonard Bessey was born on 2 August 1907 at 13 Junction Road, Norwich, Norfolk, the son of Leonard Harvey Bessey (1879-1955) and Gertrude Harriet Bessey née Malden (1880-1973). He was still living there with his parents at the time of the 1911 census in which his father is described as an ironmonger's assistant.
On 10 April 1939 he married Catherine Elizabeth Drury (1912-2000) in the Norwich registration district.
On 10 April 1941 he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Technical Branch (Engineers) in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and this was confirmed in the London Gazette dated 18 July 1941. He was assigned to No.121 Squadron as an Administrative or Special Duties Officer.
Electoral registers from 1953 to 1965 list him and his wife at 39 Powder Mill Lane, Twickenham, Middlesex and he is shown as Squadron Leader C. L. Bessey at this address in telephone directories from 1954 to 1981.
He died, aged 93 years, on 27 December 2000 at the West Middlesex Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
