He had intended to join Imperial Airways at the end of his service, but the outbreak of war changed that plan. On 20 November 1939 “Polly” Flinders was part of a section which attacked and damaged a Do 17 off North Foreland.
Flinders was posted to No 32 Squadron at Biggin Hill in April 1940 as a Pilot Officer. He was appointed Training Officer, responsible for acquainting new pilots with squadron flying and fighting procedures. He achieved success in the Battle of France, but on 23 May was shot down and reported missing, believed killed. In fact he had forced-landed in the area of Cap Gris Nez and got back to England by ship. He scored more victories during the Battle of Britain, including two Do 17s claimed shot down on 18 August.
He later became an A1 instructor and was attached to the RCAF. He left the RAF, as a Squadron Leader, in 1945, served in the RAFVR, eventually emigrated to Canada and died in 1998.
