[Reade F. Tilley oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Reade F. Tilley discusses his military service with the Royal Air Force during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the European and Mediterranean Theaters with No. 121 Squadron and No. 603 Squadron. Topics discussed include his initial attempts to become a volunteer pilot during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the Russo-Finnish War (1939-1940), his enlistment and training with the Royal Canadian Air Force, and notable events from his time stationed in England and Malta.

The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia.

Reade F. Tilley was born on March 15, 1918 in Clearwater, Florida. Determined to be an active duty fighter pilot, he tried to enlist with the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and with the Finnish Air Corps during the Russo-Finnish War (1939-1940). However, both conflicts ended before he reached the front lines. In 1940, Tilley enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was deployed to England the following year and served with No. 121 Eagle Squadron, flying defensive missions over England and fighter sweeps over France. In 1942, Tilley was reassigned to No. 603 Squadron and assisted in the defense of Malta. Later that year, he transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces. Remaining in the military after the end of World War II, Tilley served with Strategic Air Command (SAC) and on the staff of General Curtis LeMay. He retired in 1971 and passed away in 2001.