S/Ldr A. J. Banham joined 19 Squadron after completing his training in 1936.
He was with 264 Squadron flying Defiants during the early part of the Battle of Britain. He was shot down on 26th August 1940 off Herne Bay at 12:30hrs. He crashed his Defiant I (L6985) into the sea and escaped injury. His gunner Sgt B. Baker was not so lucky - he perished in the crash.

Arthur was promoted to Squadron Leader and took over command of 229 Squadron from 7th September 1940.
On 15th October 1940 he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3124) wounded with burns after being shot down by a Bf 109 over Kent at 10:00hrs. His aircraft crashed near Stockbury, Kent.