Page 6 - Boyd drayton Sellick

th
Boyd was awarded the DSO on the 11 May 1945.
"This officer has displayed outstanding powers of Leadership and great skill, qualities which have
been reflected in the high standard of operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. Group
Captain Sellick has completed numerous sorties on his third tour of operational duty during which
he has attacked such targets as Ludwigshafen, Mannheim and Stettin. Throughout, he has shown
iron determination coupled with sound judgement, and his example has inspired all with whom he
has flown. His splendid work both in the air and on the ground has won great praise."

Post war the RAF reduced in size and Boyd deciding to make the service his career stood down
one rank to Wing Commander, this reduction in rank required of all officers staying on in the
service. Boyd then was appointed Commanding Officer 242 Squadron in December 1947 (The
Squadron operating Stirlings and York aircraft) and took part in the Berlin airlift.
After undertaking a course at the RAF Flying Collage at RAF Manby Boyd took Command of 216
Squadron, this being the first RAF unit equipped with the De Havilland Comet. This, for Boyd must
have been a very high profile and prestigious appointment. A notable early flight was to Moscow
nd
on the 22 June 1956 with Boyd at the controls of the De Havilland Comet full of British
dignitaries. During that visit, Boyd and his crew demonstrated the Comet to the
Russian technical officials.
He was awarded on the 1 January 1960 the CBE.
st
st
Boyd was promoted back to Group Captain on the 1 July 1957, and retiring from the service on
th
the 15 November 1966.
On retirement, Boyd moved to the village of Oundle, Peterbourgh and passed away in January
1999 aged 82 years.