He converted to Hurricanes and on 14 September he joined No 501 Squadron, moving with the squadron to France on 10 May 1940. His score during the Battle of France was one enemy aircraft destroyed, one possibly destroyed and two shared.
In the Battle of Britain Sergeant Farnes achieved a score of six destroyed, one probably destroyed and six damaged. He was awarded the DFM on 22 October.
Paul Farnes was commissioned, served as an instructor and fought in Malta with No 229 Squadron. He also served in north Africa and Iraq. As the war ended he commanded two squadrons in the UK. He remained in the RAF until 1958, retiring as a Squadron Leader, retaining the rank of Wing Commander.
More recently, the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust has been delighted to welcome Wing Commander Farnes many times to Memorial Day and other events.
