[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-04-02 AT 08:51 PM (GMT)]http://www.mod.uk/wewerethere/files/phot_08-03.html
The Caption says “RAF Pilot from India”
Does that mean 1. “An RAF Pilot based in India” Or 2. “An RAF Pilot of Indian Origin (Ala Majumdar)
From what i found out No.137 was never in India. So i assume it to be the second case . Any info on the name of the pilot?
By: Snoopy - 2nd July 2002 at 08:06
A snippet for both Jerry and Jagan
Thanks again to Jerry.
One tiny snippet, for both of you – I have just discovered (possibly this is old hat to both of you!!) that the Whirlwind was designed by W E W Petter … also perhaps remembered as the designer of the Folland Gnat??!!
Wonder if we can claim another India connection for Petter on that basis!!
Regards,
Snoopy
By: jerry brewer - 1st July 2002 at 21:06
RE: Thanks, Jerry
Hi
You are welcome, there were a lot of foreign origin pilots in the RAF, but they tend to get over looked in the history books.
Perhaps someone should do a book purely on non UK aircrew in the RAF,
I know there was a russian who flew locally here with a polish beaufighter Sq,
There are probably many interesting stories to be told.
cheers
jerry
By: Jagan - 1st July 2002 at 20:55
RE: Thanks, Jerry
Oh wow, Jerry thanks a heap for the info.
I never really expected to find out about the pilot and out of the blue…viola…thanks a lot mate.
regards
Jagan
By: jerry brewer - 28th June 2002 at 18:07
RE: Thanks, Jerry
Hi,
any excuse to turn thro’ my whirlie notes, shouldn’t need an excuse really, anyway in amongst my collection of info ( I started in about 1970 ) was the answer,
Pilot is P/O D.A.Samant of Bombay.
a/c is 137Sq P7121 SF-C Bellows Argentina No:7
A/c hit ground Manston 16.4.43
Well the memory almost got the name right! always happy to answer a whirlie question if I can !
Cheers
Jerry
By: Snoopy - 28th June 2002 at 13:33
Thanks, Jerry
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-06-02 AT 01:35 PM (GMT)]Jerry, many thanks for the info — seems to gel with what I vaguely remember. (Certainly the 137 Sqn does.)
Yes, if you can confirm (or deny!) that your recollection is correct, whenever you locate the original reference, I for one would be most grateful. Thanks again, and regards,
Snoopy
By: jerry brewer - 27th June 2002 at 21:08
RE: Would the MoD know?
Hi,
Just joined the forum, can’t place my finger on the reference at the moment but seem to recall it is a photo of ‘Samat’ from Bombay, he served with 137SQ.
When I find the reference I will confirm or change the above if it is wrong.
cheers
Jerry
By: Jagan - 2nd April 2002 at 15:21
RE: Would the MoD know?
Snoopy,
the MOD site had this picture for over an year. But even then they did not have a caption. As far as contacting the MoD is concerned, I will leave it to the chaps in UK!
BTW Did you get any of my PMs or emails?
Jagan
By: neilly - 2nd April 2002 at 09:01
RE: Would the MoD know?
I would’ve said, judging from the punctation, that the pilot was from India, flying with the RAF.
TTFN,
Neilly
By: Snoopy - 2nd April 2002 at 07:45
Would the MoD know?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 02-04-02 AT 08:35 AM (GMT)]Hi Jagan:
Good question. Have you tried asking the UK MoD themselves, since this picture appears on their site?
Iirc there used to be another picture in the same MoD gallery, of what looked like the same pilot, with a name attached. It’s not there any more, but I may just have printed a copy, a year or so ago (I think) — I’ll see if I can find it; fingers crossed.
Regards,
Snoopy
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April 1, 2002 at 8:41 pm