Cyril Ellen standing on the footboard of a North Western Railway carriage, circa 1920. At the time, Cyril was serving with No. 31 Squadron in the North-West Frontier region of British India.
Cyril Norman Ellen wasn’t just a distinguished Air Commodore – he was Harvey’s grandad, a man whose life read like an adventure story. From dodging enemy aircraft in a burning seaplane to carving air routes across desert wilderness, surviving earthquakes and helping rebuild a nation after war, his integrity shaped every chapter of his extraordinary journey.
To Harvey, he wasn’t just a decorated officer with rare medals and a remarkable service record – he was a man remembered for his steadiness, his intelligence and the quiet strength that carried him through some of the most turbulent decades of the 20th century. His story is one of courage, resilience and duty, lived not for glory, but for the people who depended on him.
It’s an honour to share the remarkable life of the man Harvey knew simply as Grandad Ellen – steadfast, brilliant and unforgettable! Discover his full legacy on our family history page.
