29/8/40

He returned to the UK, where he briefly served with 41 Squadron.

http://brew.clients.ch/PilotsA.htm

Commanded 41 Squadron for one week in the absence of Sqdn. Ldr. Lionel M. Gaunce He commanded 129 Squadron from September 1941 – January 1942, when he was posted to:

Air Ministry (Directorate of Plans).

On 1 July 1943 he was promoted to Wing Commander. Abrahams ended the war with 2 biplane victories, these being claimed while flying Gloster Gladiators.

He remained in the RAF after the war, reaching the rank of Group Captain on 1 January 1954.

Abrahams retired from the service on 27 July 1967, having been awarded an OBE.

Acworth  Plt Off)

DFC (25 July 1941)

POW 1.5 victory claims

NOT CONFIRMED

possible James Boucher "Paddy"

Not Confirmed

Possible NCO 745107

Officer

133806

 5/6/ 42 

31/3/43

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.

GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

To be Plt. Offs. on prob. (emergency): —

Flt. Sgts.

745107 James Boucher AGNEW (133806). 

2nd Aug. 1942.

Fig. Off. to Fit. Lt. (war subs.): 

2nd Aug. 1944.

J. B. AGNEW (133806)

Ahern  (Flt LT)

DFC

2066 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 5 May 1944, Flight Lieutenant Lance Neville AHERN (Aus.4O2781),

Royal Australian Air Force, No. 112 Squadron. This officer has completed a very large number of sorties and has invariably displayed a high degree of skill and courage, qualities which have been well illustrated on many recent occasions. One day in April, 1944, he flew with much distinction

in a successful attack on ground targets. The next morning, Flight Lieutenant Ahern led a formation of aircraft in an attack on shipping

during which an enemy motor vessel was, sunk. The same afternoon he led the squadron in an engagement against a number of fighters, 3 of

which were shot down. By his inspiring leadership and outstanding determination, Flight Lieutenant Ahern contributed materially to the

successes obtained.

went on to become Sqdn Ldr discharged 26 Oct 1945

42583

Fought in Battle of  Britain earned CBE and AFC retired 1972 from RAF

Pilot Officer Charles Francis AMBROSE (42583)—

No. 46 Squadron. This officer has taken part in 100 operational missions during which he has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft and damaged several others. He has displayed outstanding courage and a

fine fighting spirit throughout.

Arthur (Canadian) 

(Wg Cmd 

239 Wing))

with 239 wing

22/5/42

To be Pit. Offs. on prob. (emergency):— Wt. Off. 518517 William BAIN (47993). 2 Jan. 1942.

The above entry makes this fellow confirmed.

William Bain  went on to be a  Pilot Officer (47993) with 2 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, shot down, 23/10/1942, Son of George Smith Hendrie Bain and Isabella Lawson Bain)

NCO

518517

OFFICER

47993

7/6/41

?

?/?/42

Barclay ( Fg Off)

M.B., Ch.B.

Alonzo Roy Trevallon "Buckshot"

thought to  have been demoted and posted out for this incident and posted to 31 Air Stores Park (Fuka), From there he was posted into 211 Sqdn on

3 January 1940

Then F/O Barnes got out his shot gun and started stalking the Orderly Officer, P/O Evans, his favorite target, with the result that F/O Barnes was posted to a ground job in the desert and nicknamed ‘Buckshot’.

August 1938 Alonzo Roy Trevallon Barnes Acting Pilot Officer
January 1939 as above (no unit) London Gazette 6 September 1938 p5678
The under mentioned are granted short service commissions as Acting Pilot Officers on probation on the dates stated
20 August 1938 Alonzo Roy Trevallon Barnes

London Gazette 4 October 1940 p5833
The under mentioned Pilot Officers are promoted to the rank of Flying Officer:
3 September 1940
Alonzo Roy Trevallon Barnes (40980) 

London Gazette 35387, 

19 December 1941 page 19 of 58

Flg. Offs. to be Flt. Lts. (war subs.): 

3rd Sept. 1941.

A. R. T. BARNES (40980).

London Gazette Second Supplement Tuesday, 4 July, 1944
Transfer to reserve
The undermtd. (and called up for air force service):
Flt Lts:
27 June 1942
London Gazette Supplement, 23 April, 1946 p2013
RESERVE OF AIR FORCE OFFICERS
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH
Commission relinquished
Flt Lt ART BARNES (40980) (on account of medical unfitness for Air Force service), retaining his rank, 10 April 1946.

Harold James Martin 

(Boomerang ?)

40875,  takes rank and precedence as if his appointment as Pilot Officer bore date, 01 Aug. 1939. Reduction to take effect from 28th Nov. 1939. (From A/Flt Lt)

POW Crete escaped ,originally  from Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Canada

Prior service with 654 Squadron

Hey don’t you come from Olney?’ He was from Weston Underwood a couple of miles from Olney. He took my name and address and wrote home for his folk to tell my folks he’d seen me and that I was O K. I think they were pleased

Anthony Peter Questil BLUETT, D.F.C (43539), R.A.F., 112 Sqdn.

COMMISSIONED ENGINEER OFFICERS. The under mentioned Warrant Officers are granted commissions as Flying Officers on probation with effect from the dates stated and with seniority of I2th June 1939: 14th Aug. 1939. William Arthur BOOTH (35358).

NCO 779035

Officer 89773  

Southern Rhodesia Air Unit / absorbed by the RAF, 1939, 

RAFVR  

SUPPLEMENT- TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 OCTOBER, 1943 4357, DFC, Flight Lieutenant Neville BOWKER (89773), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 112 Squadron, awarded with effect from 6th January, 1942.

Leonard Darke Dashwood

 (Intel Off)

3/4/41

Served with PeterWykeham-Barnes and Pattle, 1938 while in 80 Sqdn at Ramleh on "Airpin" operations

NCO 779034

Off 

89774  

NCO 1210837

Officer 119713

POW, 

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.

GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

To be Pit. Offs. on prob. (emergency): —

Sgts.12 October 1943

1210837 John Alexander BURCHAM (119713)

Fg Off 24 January 1944

John Henry  

Cypher Officer

Camm (Flt Lt)

M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.

Geoffrey "Jeff"

(Intel Officer)  

Chapman (Plt Off)

Promoted to Flying Officer 6 July 1940

to Flt Lt  6 July 1941

Flt Lt to Sqdn Ldr temp 1 July 1943

Sqdn Ldr substantive, 10 August 1945,extends service for 4 years on active list 18 December 1945 with seniority date of 1 December 1942 relinquishes Sqdn Ldr to Flt Lt 1 November 1947, 

NCO

1337230

Off

114723

My father, was killed on 15 th July 1955 at the age of 33 in a peacetime flying accident in Germany, 71 Eagle squadron

Best wishes
Angela Simmons (editors note....I think they where flying Sabres out of Wildenrath, Germany in 1955) Confirmed Thanks Rob, He was in 71 Sqdn in '54/'55 as well, in Wildenrath, Germany. He was landing in Bruggen when he was killed, moving his Sqdn to his new posting there.
Thanks again
Angela

1425541 (NCO)

191882 (OFF)

As Plt. Offs. on prob. (emergency): —

Wt. Offs.

1st Feb. 1945.

1425541 Kenneth Newton COCKRAM (191882)

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.

Flg. Offs. (war subs.): —

1st Aug. 1945.

K. N. COCKRAM (191882).

Survived the war

Went on to 204 Group and then 238 Sqdn posted to CO 112 Sqdn 6/10/41 he had 159 sorties behind him on 7/11/41 he was sent to train Turkish Pilots  From Vernon B.C., like his brother enlisted in the RAF as a pupil pilot prior to the outbreak of the war. He flew with Nos. 112, 238 and 525 Squadrons racking up a score of 9 enemy aircraft destroyed, 2 probable, and one other damaged.

During the Albanian campaign his squadron encountered a vastly superior number of enemy aircraft. Cochrane, observing his leader's plane being attacked by four enemy aircraft, went to his assistance and the leader escaped. During the air battle Cochrane destroyed two enemy aircraft. DFC, 4864 THE LONDON GAZETTE, 22 AUGUST, 1941, 

Acting Flight Lieutenant Homer Powell COCHRANE- (40991), No. 112 Squadron

18/4/42

1/5/42

Possibly :

ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE.

GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

To be Pit. Offs. on prob.. (emergency):

4th Oct. 1941.

Colin Gerald CRAWFORD (108075). NOT Confirmed

Crews (F/Lt)

L.M.S.S.A.

107

111

 "Tommy"

Went on to serve with 1 SAAF Fighter Squadron 

Frequently the Gladiators scrambled at the sound of aircraft but no contacts were made until 4 October 1940.

Captain Boyle, Lt. A. Duncan and Lt. S. de K. Viljoen took off from Azzoza that morning with the intention of looking for trouble over Tessenei. As they mounted into the early morning sky they encountered a patrol of

three C.R.42's flying some 500 feet above them on the starboard beam. The Italians flying in line astern broke on sighting the Gladiators and went into the attack.

The South Africans accepted the Italians' head-on attacks and flew straight at the enemy-right into the tracers streaking from the Fiat's cannons. Captain Boyle felt his Gladiator (N5852) being hit but pushed on with his

attack and saw the Italian going dow n to his ow n guns. It was Boyle's first victory. L t Viljoen downed another. The third escaped. It is almost certain that their opponents were 412 a Squadriglia.

 (de K. Viljoen (Capt) Servaas Estate file dated 1972 for Servaas de Kock VILJOEN, born in Cape Town, married to Maureen Gladys VILJOEN (maiden name BOSMAN). Held at the National Archives of South Africa (Pietermaritzburg) "Anne" <zafamilyhistory@gmail.com> 

Fit. Lt. P. J. DORRINGTON (70186) resigns his commission. 2nd Sept. 1942

Past connections to 112 Sqdn pilots:

The under mentioned Pilot Officers on probation

are confirmed in their appointments

on the dates stated: —

I5th Dec. 1939.

Henry Bell KIRK (70808).

2nd Jan. 1940.

Arthur Richard BUTCHER (70104).

20th Mar. 1940.

Philip James DORRINGTON (70186).

RESERVE OF AIR FORCE OFFICERS.

Fit. Lt. P. D. M. DOWN (39934) to the Admin.

and Spec. Duties Br. 15th Feb. 1945.

Drake (Sqn Ldr)

DFC and Bar, DSO

Acting Squadron ^ Leader Billy DRAKE, D.F.C. (39095)", No. -112 .Squadron.

Squadron Leader Drake is a skilful pilot and a fine leader. He has displayed great energy and has led his squadron on every sortie in the latest battle of -Libya. One day in June, 1942, an attack was made against Gazala aerodrome which resulted in a number of enemy aircraft being destroyed or damaged on the ground. Squadron

- -'Leader Drake has personally scored hits on enemy transport vehicles and on a heavy tank. In addition he has destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft and damaged a number of others in air combats.

4 December 1942, 

THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO

The London Gazette Of TUESDAY, the 1st of DECEMBER, 1942, 5265, Distinguished Service Order

Squadron Leader Billy DRAKE, D.F.C. (39095), No. 112 Squadron. Since being awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross, Squadron Leader Drake has continued to display the utmost courage and determination in operations against the enemy. In September 1942, he led his wing with great determination, against a formation of enemy dive bombers escorted by fighters. In the ensuing combat 4 bombers and 1 fighter were destroyed. On a number of other occasions this officer has led bombing and low-level machine gun attacks with devastating results. His leadership and magnificent fighting spirit have been an inspiration

went to 203 Training group,1 & 213Sq, 421 Flight, 128 & 112Sq, 20 Wing

DREW  (Flt Sgt)

DFM

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JUNE, 1943 2679, DFM, Aus-4O7415 Flight Sergeant Roy Arthur DREW,

Royal Australian Air Force, RAF  No. 112 Squadron (deceased). Awarded with effect from 2nd June,1942.

KIA, BNF

Duff (Plt Off)

(Austrailian)

Bert Benjamin Edye 

(Bertie)

Flg. Offs. to be Fit. Lts. (war subs.): 3 September 1941

Fit. Lts. (temp. Sqdn. Ldrs.): 7 March 1942, We have completed our checks, and although Bertie Applied for a cadetship with the RAAF he did not go on to serve with the RAAF. His file has a notation that he was accepted into the RAF, therefore not eligible for inclusion on our WW2 Nom inal Roll.

Duke  (Plt Off)

DFC

THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 MARCH, 1942 1215, DFC, Pilot Officer NevilleFrederick DUKE (61054), Royal

Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 112 Squadron. One day in February, 1942, Pilot Officer Duke was the leader of a section of a wing when he sighted 35 enemy aircraft. He informed the wing leader and led his section to attack. In the ensuing combat n enemy fighters were destroyed by the squadron, 2 being destroyed by Pilot Officer Duke. This officer's leadership contributed materially to the success achieved. He has destroyed 8 enemy aircraft and probably destroyed and damaged a further 6.

 24/4/42 went to Ballah joining Conversion and Refresher School converting pilots to Kittyhawks via Harvard's and Tomahawks,92, 112 & 145Sq

Evans (Plt Off)

P/O 26 June 1940, Fg Off 1 February 1941

David 

(Orderly Officer)

42491 not confirmed

153

Flight Lieutenant Paul Melville FORSTER (106650),

R.A.F.V.R., 112 Sqdn.

This officer has completed a large number of sorties during which he has most effectively attacked a variety of enemy targets, including aircraft on the ground, locomotives and mechanical transport. In March, 1945, Flight Lieutenant Forster piloted an aircraft in an attack against the harbour installations at Venice. Despite heavy fire from the ground defenses, Flight Lieutenant Forster pressed home a most accurate attack which resulted in the destruction of a portion of the quayside. This officer displayed great skill and courage

throughout.

 "B" Flight Cmder, 112 Sqdn

also commanded the original detachment sent to Greece,1902 THE LONDON GAZETTE,  1 April 1941, Flight Lieutenant Joseph Frederick FRASER (70229), No. 112 Squadron. This officer has led a detached flight with great success. He has destroyed at least 10 enemy aircraft, 9 of which he destroyed within a period of 14 days. He has proved a skilful and courageous fighter pilot.

POW , DFC, 4864 THE LONDON GAZETTE, 22 AUGUST, 1941, 

Flight Lieutenant Charles Horace FRY (40047),

No. 112 Squadron

31219

EQUIPMENT BRANCH.

The under mentioned are granted permanent

commissions as Pilot Officers on probation.

2nd Jan. 1939:—

The under mentioned Pilot Officers on probation

are confirmed in their appointments

and promoted to the rank of Flying Officer

on the dates stated:—

2nd Jan. 1940

Air Ministry,11th March, 1941.

ROYAL AIR FORCE.

The under mentioned promotions are made

with effect from 1st March 1941:

James Oswald GALE (31219).

16/5/39

To be Pit. Offs. on prob.

(emergency): Sgts.25th Feb. 1942. (Seny. 10th Dec. 1941.)

516486 William James GALE (48026)

Actg. Pit. Offs. (prob.) to be Pit. Offs.

(prob.): — 25th Apr. 1942. (Seny. 10th Feb. 1942.)

W. J. GALE (48026).

Garton  (Flt LT) DFC, London Gazette, 36041

17 Feb. 1943

Andre Joseph 

 (Intel Off)

Edward David

 (Eng Off)

EQUIPMENT BRANCH.

Fig. Off. E. D. GOSSCHALK (75940) is transferred. to

the Admin, and Spec. Duties Br. 17th Dec. 1942. London Gazette, 35837

11/12/44

2/5/45

23/1/45

13/5/45

Missing, RTU

KIA

Went on to RAF 315 Sqdn, shot down in Spitfire 11/09/1943 age 32

buried in Ireland

GROVES  (Plt Off)

DFC 30 January 1942

POW, (four years on the Active List followed by four years on the

Reserve, period of service to count from date of commencement of extended aircrew service, 8th

Mar. 1946).

Hamlyn  (Plt Off)

promoted to Flying Officer 12 July 1940

207359V

Acting Squadron Leader John Stewart HART (41696), R.A.F.O., 112 Sqdn. This officer has participated in a large number

of varied sorties, including many attacks on heavily defended targets such as road and rail bridges, gun positions, strong points and

mechanical transport. Throughout, he has displayed skilful leadership, great -determination and devotion to duty. In April, 1945, Squadron

Leader Hart took part in an armed reconnaissance during which n locomotives were successfully

attacked. Some days later, Squadron Leader Hart

-- -participated in another sortie during which a number of locomotives and trucks were most

effectively attacked. This officer has invariably

displayed the greatest keenness and has set a fine example to all.

7/7/45

22/5/43

29/7/44

17/11/43

18/2/45

1st tour

KIA, 2nd Tour

Possible: 

The under mentioned Acting Pilot Officers on probation are graded as Pilot Officers on probation on the dates stated: — 6th Nov. 1939.

Arthur Joseph HILL (42004).

The under mentioned Pilot Officers are promoted to the war substantive rank of Flying Officer: —  6th Nov. 1940. Arthur Joseph HILL (42004).

NCO

1190809 

Off

176564 

26/9/43

31/12/44 

21/5/44

16/11/45

1st Tour

2nd Tour

3620 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 13 JULY, 1945

(176564), R.A.F.V.R., 112 Sqn.

This officer has proved a valuable asset to the squadron.. He has participated in a large number

of varied sorties and has displayed skill, courage and tenacity of a high order. On three occasions in April, 1945, Flight Lieutenant Hirons led small formations of aircraft in attacks on various targets in the battle area. On one occasion the target was a fortified factory and four gun sites. The attack was well pressed home. The factory was

demolished and the gun sites, rendered useless. On another occasion the target consisted of several field guns well placed for defense and which were giving considerable trouble to our ground forces. Flight Lieutenant Hirons led his section into the attack with great skill. As a result three of the gun positions we're put out of action. In other sorties this determined pilot has been responsible for destructive attacks on much mechanical transport, several barges and a number of locomotives. He has at all times displayed the greatest

coolness and set a splendid example to all.

420401 or

748555 ?

 ? 

Sergeant W. E. Houston; born Hastings, 7 May 1922; clerk; joined RNZAF Jul 1940; killed on air operations, 12 Dec1941 KIA.BNF,

I am researching my uncle Bill and his time with 112 and have found this site to be a treasure trove. W E Bill Houston RNZAF 402473,KIA 12/12/41 Any info or contacts will be appreciated. mark.houston@clear.net.nz

4/3/43

Duncan Edward

Promoted to Flying Officer 23 March 1940

IBBOTSON  (Sgt)

DFC, 23 February 1943 while with 601 Sqdn

KIA,  DFC, 

Pilot Officer Desmond IBBOTSON (129238), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 601 Squadron. In the campaign in the Western Desert, Pilot Officer Ibbotson has flown with great distinction and has destroyed at least 7 enemy aircraft. Throughout, his keenness and determination have

been inspiring. On one occasion, he crash landed near Mersa Matruh but, aided by friendly Arabs, he was enabled to rejoin his unit.

Jenkins

From Gunby & Temple's recently published ' Royal Air Force Bomber Losses in the Middle East and Mediterranean' , pub by Midland Counties:

Via E-mail from Errol Martyn

17 Nov 1941

14 Sqdn Blenheim IV T2241

Swung on take off 0630, LG15 (Maaten Bagush Satellite), in poor visibility and hit a tent, killing three off-duty 14 Squadron aircrew. The crew escaped with only slight injury to the air gunner, though the aircraft caught fire and the bomb load exploded. The dead are buried in El Alamein War Cemetery.

Sgt V C Royals

P/O G L A McKenny

Sgt C C Murfitt injured

F/Sgt R W Chubb +

F/Sgt A L Ellis +

F/Sgt B L Jenkins +

Is he :

BRIAN LESLIE

Flight Sergeant

RAFVR

747945, age 21

KIFA 17/11/1941

14 Sqdn

Son of Capt G. W. Jenkins, D.C.M., and W. Jenkins; husband of Joan Jenkins, of Earley, Reading, Berkshire

He may have been part of "B" Flight transferred to "K" Flight which in time came under 14 Sqdn control

Possible:

6 Nov 1939, P/O probation David Nicholas Owen JENKINS (41930)

23rd Nov. 1939.

P/O probation Stanley Gordon JENKINS (74291).

P/O 

23rd Nov. 1939 to P/O substantive

Stanley Gordon JENKINS (74291).

I doubt he is any of the men listed due to what appears to be ribbons under his wings, which where probably earned in WW I  

6 Nov 1939

P/O probation Reginald Hugh JENKINS (75138)..

(London Gazette) GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

To be Pit. Offs. on prob. (emergency) 2nd Dec. 1941 (Date, 17 March 1942, Issue number, 35491, Page number, 1218) Pit. Offs. (prob.) to be Fig. Offs. on prob. (war subs.), 1st Oct. 1942: — (Date, 1 December 1942, Issue number, 35809, Page number, 5274

Fig. Offs. to be Fit. Lts. (war subs.): — 2nd Dec. 1943 (Date, 7 December 1943, Issue number, 36280, Page number, 5383) POW, 26 July 1942 - May 1945

??/12/41 another source has 30/5/42

18/9/42 another source has 7/7/42

Herbert  T  "Bert"

(Eng Off )

Only one I can find so far is Ldg. Acm,  31st July 1942.

1388947 Hugh Percival LEGG (127535) to P/O probation, 

Pit. Offs. (prob.) to be Fig. Offs. on prob. (war subs.): —

31st Jan. 1943. H. P. LEGG (127535).Fig. Offs. (prob.) confmd. in appls.: — H. P. LEGG (127535). 31st July 1943

THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 MARCH, 1942 1215, DFM,

AUS 7404178 Sergeant Rudolph Morris LEU, Royal Australian Air Force, No. 112 Squadron.One day in January, 1942, (25 January 1942,  Sgt R M Leu Kittyhawk Mk. I AK637, 1 Bf 109F, Agedabia, head on attack Leu shot the wing tip off, it was seen to go in by Msus, pilot parachuted to safety) Sergeant. Leu was fly hag at the rear of his formation, which was operating as close escort to a squadron of bombers, when an attack was made by a formation of German fighters. In an engagement lasting over

20 minutes, this airman repeatedly engaged the enemy, destroying one of their aircraft and probably destroying another. The enemy was

finally beaten off. Sergeant Leu has led the squadron and wing on many occasions and has dis-played outstanding courage and ability. He has destroyed at least 7 enemy aircraft. POW, discharged from 450 Sqdn, 10 Dec 1945

265

When he completed his tour with 112 Sqdn he went on to work out of Cairo with Transport Command. He survived the war.

271

Was with the Unit Feb 1942

"Doc" 

MEDICAL BRANCH.

The under mentioned are granted commissions

for the duration of hostilities as Flying

Officers on the dates stated:

25th Sept. 1939.

'Donald MCGREGOR, M.B., Ch.B. (75359)

Murdock

 ( Engr Off)

330978 NCO

46140 Off

McKenzie (Ft Lt)

M.B., Ch.B.

299