Drake was serving with No 1 Squadron (Hurricanes) when war broke out, and went with the squadron to France. He was credited with a number of victories, but on 13 May 1940 he baled out wounded, was admitted to a French hospital and was then treated in hospital in England.
He was posted to 6 Operational Training Unit, Sutton Bridge on 20 June 1940 as an instructor. He flew a patrol with No 1 Squadron on 15 August and was posted to No 213 Squadron on 2 October. He was appointed to command ‘A’ Flight on the 7th. His last flight with the squadron was on the 21st and it was probably on the 23rd that he joined 421 Flight. After more success he was awarded the DFC at the beginning of 1941.
Following a further period as an instructor, Drake reformed and commanded No 128 Squadron in West Africa. He then commanded No 112 Squadron in the Middle East. He continued to destroy enemy aircraft, both in the air and on the ground.
During 1942 Drake was awarded a bar to the DFC and then a DSO. He commanded a Spitfire Wing in Malta. Later appointments included the leadership of a Typhoon Wing and Deputy Station Commander at Biggin Hill. In September 1945 he took part in the first Battle of Britain flypast over London. He retired from the RAF in 1963 as a Wing Commander, retaining the rank of Group Captain.
Billy Drake had various business interests, lived in Portugal and south Devon and died in 2011.
