A Long Shot

You are welcome Jason, only too happy to help with a morsel of information.

It is for the sharing of information, and the chance to learn, that I hang around this forum. I’ve learnt a lot here and received some very useful help, so I’m only too glad to give a little back.

Have you tried the RAF Commands forum for any further information?

Blimey, now those are what you call replies, from all of you…. well done.

Hello Jason,

You’re more than welcome 🙂 Yes it’s the same Bob Doe, he was supposed to have been ‘resting’ at Hawarden but he chortled when telling me one story involving beer, a revolving door and any unfortunate caught in it having their trousers pinched and hoisted up the flagpole outside so I’m not sure how much resting was done!

I put the following together using the ORB and various other sources and with lots of help from Steve Brew when doing some research on AR213, unfortunately it doesn’t contain any info on Sgt Thomas but it may be of help, apologies about the formatting of the database lower down the page, I’ll try to PDF it if poss:

57 O.T.U. Personnel

“A” Flight – Flight Lieutenant J.H. Lacey DFM & Bar – 501 & 602 Sqns

“B” Flight – F/Lt A.F. Sunderland-Cooper – Instructor – Posted from 91 Sqn ?????, Posted to 222 Sqn 19/11/41 – poss ‘F’ Flight C.O.

“C” Flight – Flight Lieutenant D.H. Watkins – 611 Sqn – posted in 09/06/41 out 17/11/41

“D” Flight – Flight Lieutenant J.C. Freeborn DFC & Bar – 74, 602, 118 Sqns & 286 Wing C.O. – IN -6/6/41 – 145 Sqn 15/12/41

“E” Flight – ??? F/L F.H. Baraldi – in – ? – out – 12/3/42 ???

“F” Flight – F/Lt K.C. Jackman – posted from 1 Sqn as flying instructor 12/6/41 – 22/11/41 posted to 416 Sqn – probably killed – RAF Peterhead in Nov 41 during bombing raid.

“M” Flight –

“X” Flight –

Unit Commander – W/C D.F.W. Atcherley DFC.
Chief Flying Instructor – W/C M.H. Brown.
Vice-Chief Flying Instructor – S/L R.F. Boyd DFC & Bar.

Three concurrent courses began training on 17th March under the 81 Group scheme for re-organising day O.T.U’s. This commenced with number 33 course. Flights re-arranged as follows:

“A” Flight – Flight Lieutenant G.H. Francis, DFC 610, 602 & 485 sqns – in – 12/03/42 – out –

“B” Flight – Flying Officer F.A.O. Gaze, DFC – 610 sqn – in – 19/11/41 – out – 04/06/42

“C” Flight – Flight Lieutenant R.F.T. Doe, DFC & bar – 234 & 238 sqns – in – 22/10/41 – out – /43

“D” Flight – Flight Lieutenant W. Armstrong – 54 & 74 sqns – in ? – out – 26/05/42

“E” Flight – Flight Lieutenant David B. Bell-Salter – 253 sqn, 53/61 OTU – in – ? – out – ?

“F” Flight – Flight Lieutenant Stuart Nigel Rose, DFC – 602 sqn – in – 17/11/41 – out – ?

“M” Flight – Flying Officer Robert Ferguson Philo – 151 Sqn – in – ? – out – 16/08/42

“X” Flight – Flight Lieutenant Desmond A.P. McMullen, DFC – 2 bars – 222 & 54 sqns – in – 05/12/41 – out – 16/05/42-

Flying Statistics

Average hours per effective pupil 19½
No. of ½ days unfit for flying 36
No. of ½ days fit for limited flying 8
No. of ½ days fit for full flying 18
Total hours for month 2894

There was no output of pupils during the month. No. 31 course which was due to complete its operational training on the 17th March was retained for a further three weeks. The flying of this course has been seriously affected by the adverse weather.

“A” Flight – Flight Lieutenant G.H. Francis, DFC 610, 602 & 485 sqns – in – 12/03/42 – out –

“B” Flight – either – F/O D.A.S. Colvin – in – 29/5/42 or F/Lt J.D. Keynes – in – 3/6/42 or

“C” Flight – Flight Lieutenant D.A. Barnham – 601 Sqn Malta – in – 19/7/42 – out – /3/43

“D” Flight – Flight Lieutenant W. Armstrong – 54 & 74 sqns – in ? – out – 26/05/42

“E” Flight – Flight Lieutenant David B. Bell-Salter – 253 sqn, 53/61 OTU – in – ? – out – ?

“F” Flight – Flight Lieutenant Stuart Nigel Rose, DFC – 602 sqn – in – 17/11/41 – out – ?

“M” Flight – Flying Officer Robert Ferguson Philo – 151 Sqn – in – ? – out – 16/08/42

“X” Flight – Flight Lieutenant R.F.T. Doe, DFC & bar – 234 & 238 sqns – in – 22/10/41 – out – /43

F/O Alan Frederick Aikman (J7460) – Toronto, Canada – Pupil – 29 Course – 11/9/41 – 6/1/42 to 154 Sqn
F/L Phillip Leslie Irving Archer (J3508) – Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, 1917. Joined RCAF in Montreal, 6 June 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS , No.6 EFTS, and No.1 SFTS. Posted overseas immediately; to No.57 OTU – 19 Course – 17 February 1941; to No.92 Squadron, 5 May 1941
F/Lt W Armstrong – ‘D’ Flight C/O – 17/3/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 12/5/42, posted to 43 Sqn for flying duties 26/5/42
Bill Ash
W/C D.F.W. Atcherley DFC – posted from 25 Sqn as Unit Commander 24/10/41 – posted to RAF Fairwood Common 2/4/42
F/O Ayerst – posted to 11 Group 9/6/41

P/O J.R.A. Bailey – ex-264 Sqn Malta??? posted from H.Q.F.C. (ex-overseas) for Flying Instructor duties 31/8/42, attached to Rolls-Royce Works for Engine Handling Course 28/9/42
F/L F.H. Baraldi – posted to 111 Sqn 12/3/42
F/L Robert Bruce Barker, trained at No.57 OTU 27 June to 442 Sqn 13 October 1944
F/Lt D.A. Barnham posted from No. 2 P.D.C. (Ex overseas) for Flying Instructor duties 19/7/42, attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 26/10/42 – LOOK IN FORTRESS MALTA FOR CURRENT ADDRESS
S/L B. Barthold – ferried Spitfire R6620 to R.A.F. Milfield 2/11/42
F/Lt D.B. Bell-Salter ‘E’ Flight C.O. 17/3/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 18/5/42
Sgt George Beurling – pupil – posted 21/10/41 from SFTS Montrose where he flew with Bill Allen (possibly Bill Ash), Paul Forster and Bob Seed – pupil of 28 Course – posted to 403 Sqn 9/12/41, to 41 Sqn 4/42 then to Malta, flying off HMS Eagle on 9/6/42, to 249 Sqn, again with Bob Seed.
Sgt J.S. Bird (Canadian) – R.84118 – killed in flying accident at Plaswinter, Flintshire – 12/12/41
F.L. J.R. Blackburn –ferried Spitfire R7202 to R.A.F. Station Milfield 2/11/42
F/O J. Boardman – 13/6/41 posted from RAF Halton for Medical Duties, Instructor – posted to 350 Sqn 1/12/41
Sgt A.C. Bone (Canadian) – R.85712, Pupil 29 Course – killed in flying accident at Rhosemor, Flintshire – 12/12/41
P/O Foss Henry Boulton – born 8/1/1919 Coleman, Alberta, Pupil 35 Course – 57 OTU, 28/4/42 to 416 Squadron 4/8/42
F/L Russell Reginald Bouskill (J10254) Pupil – 57 OTU, 12/10/43 to 401 Squadron 10/1/44
S/L R.F. Boyd DFC & Bar – Chief Flying Instructor 18/10/41 – posted 14/12/41 to Kenley
Sgt Bradshaw – 1375855 – Pupil 29 Course – killed in flying accident at Chester 7/12/41
F/Lt Brett – ‘C’ or ‘D’ Flight C.O. – posted to 11 Group 9/6/41
P/O C.E. Broad – ex-185 Sqn Malta (Spitfires), posted from H.Q.F.C. (ex-overseas) for Flying Instructor duties 31/8/42, attached to Rolls-Royce Works for Engine Handling Course 5/10/42
F/L A.J. Brooks – ferried Spitfire AR213 to R.A.F. Station Milfield 2/11/42
Sgt. Pilot J.L.D. Brophy – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training – 16/8/42
W/C Mark Henry Brown – posted from 58 O.T.U. 1/7/41 as W/C Training, vice W/C Hallings-Pott posted as W/C Takali, Malta 10/41, KIA – Gela, Sicily 12/11/41.
P/O D.M Brown (American) – Pupil – killed in flying accident in Spitfire X4239 on Cwmbowydd Mountain, Nr. Blaenau Pfestiniog, North Wales 5/4/42 – wreck found on 30/4/42.
P/O J.T. Brown killed in flying accident at Dolwydellan 26/5/41
Sgt Browne – killed in flying accident 11/8/41
P/O J. Browne killed in flying accident, funeral – Hawarden Church 29/4/41
F/O A. Buchan – flying instructor, posted to 501 Sqn 20/6/41
S/L F.B.R. Burton – Posted from No. 5 F.T.S. as C.F.I. 10/4/41 –
Sgt. R. Burton – R.60228 – killed in flying accident on training flight 9/4/41

Gregory Donald Angus Tunnicliffe Cameron, Instructor – 6/43 – 10/43
F/Lt D. Carlson – posted to 74 Sqn 28/5/41
P.O. J.W. Carr – killed in flying accident at Talacre 7/8/41
P/O B.H. Castelow – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training 24/7/42
Charron, Philip, Marcel – Instructor – ?/43 – 11/43
Sgt. Pilot S. Coates – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training – 15/8/42
Sgt Cocks – killed in flying accident on Ruabon Mountain 16/11/41
P/O D.C. Coleman – killed in flying accident at Queensferry – 13/2/42
F/O D.A.S. Colvin – posted from 64 Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 29/5/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 29/6/42
P/O J.P. Considine (American) killed in flying accident 11/4/42
A/F/O D.G.S.R. Cox – posted from 19 Sqn 12/9/41, to CFS Upavon for instructor’s course in October ‘41, posted to 72 Sqn for flying duties 29/5/42
P/O R.D. Crozier (American) – killed in flying accident at Bagillt 22/8/41
F/O Hugh Harold Stephen Cush (J20642) Pupil 57 OTU 23/3/43 to 122 Sqn 3/8/43
P/O G.R. Cushon – crashed into hangar whilst taking off and was killed 17/6/41

F/L K.B.L. Debenham – ferried Spitfire N3035 to R.A.F. Station Milfield 2/11/42
P/O R.J. Del Marmol (Belgian) – killed in flying accident at Ruabon, Wrexham 3/7/41
F/L R.F.T Doe – posted from 130 Sqn 22/10/41. Attached to Central Gunnery School for Pilot Gunnery Instructor’s course 8/7/42, posted to Milfield Fighter-Leader’s School 9/6/43
P/O Donald Charles Dougall (J3710) Pupil 57 OTU 10/3/41 – Course 19 (Canadians and Australians) to No.92 Squadron
5 May 1941
F/O G.A.P. Duhy – posted to Hawarden for technical duties, from 65 Sqn 15/5/42
S/L F.P.R. Dunworth – C.F.I. – posted to No. 21 (F) Group – Air Staff duties 31/8/41
P/O C.M.J. Dupret De Becco (Belgian) – killed in flying accident at Ruabon, Wrexham 3/7/41

Sgt. J.J.M. Echivard (Free French Air Force) and No. 30044 Sgt. L. Masse killed in flying accident in Master aircraft – 14/2/42

W/C J.N.W. Farmer – posted as W/C (Flying) Training Wing – 1/1/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 4/5/42
Sgt. Pilot R.I.D. Forsyth – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training – 16/8/42
F/L Charles William Fox (J6364) Born in Guelph, Ontario, 26 February 1920, Pupil 57 OTU, 12/10/43 to 412 Squadron 10/1/44
F/O John Philip Wiseman Francis (C26866) – Born 1 August 1913, Battleford, Saskatchewan, Pupil 57 OTU, 8/8/44 to 13/10/44 Posted to No.442 Squadron on 30 October 1944
F/Lt J.C. Freeborn D.F.C. posted from 74 Sqn, flying instructor –‘D’ Flight C.O. from 6/6/41 – 145 Sqn 15/12/41
P.O. Graham Howe Francis – 485 Sqn, posted from RAF Kenley 12/3/42. Along with P/O F.A.O. Gaze posted to Messers. Rolls-Royce for engine handling course 28/4/42. – died 10/10/87 – Ipswich

P/O P.H. Gaskin – posted from 485 Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 29/5/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 29/6/42
P/O F.A.O. Gaze – posted from 610 sqn 19/11/41 as flying instructor. Along with F/Lt G.H. Francis posted to Messers. Rolls-Royce for engine handling course 28/4/42, posted to 616 Sqn for flying duties 4/6/42
P.O. Don. S. Gentile – Pupil of 32 Course – 2/42 – 6/42 – ex-9 SFTS – Hullavington – posted to 133 ‘Eagle’ Sqn – June ’42 – was put in front of Disciplinary court for low-flying/beating-up a local dog track after discovering that he was to be posted as a Flying Instructor.
P/O William MacMillan “Mac” Gilmour – posted from 611 Sqn 7/41? – Flying Instructor, posted to 611 Sqn April ‘42
P.O. J.A. Gilbert – killed in a Flying Accident at Ewloe, Flints 8/10/42
P.O. John Godfrey – Pupil – 24/12/42 – 4/43 – transferred to USAAF upon completion of flying training
Gordon, Malcolm James – Pupil – 5/43 – 7/43
P.O. K.C. Gundry – ex B of B 257 Sqn, posted from 145 Sqn, flying instructor from 30/5/41, KIA with 112 Sqn as F.O. 22/5/42 in Egypt.

G/C J.R. Hallings-Pott D.S.O. – Unit Commander – 24/10/41 to Northolt as Base Commander
F/Lt A.T. Henman – posted from No. 51 O.T.U. for Station Adjutant duties 20/9/42
F/L David William Armstrong Harling (J11481) Born in Liverpool, England, 10 January 1921; educated at McGill University; member, COTC. Home in Montreal; enlisted there, 20 July 1940 Pupil 57 OTU, 11/5/43 to 1/8/43; on strength of Station West Kirby, 1-11 August 1943; to No.57 OTU again, 11/8/43 to 8/10/43; with No.416 Squadron, 8/10/43 to 1/1/45 killed in action, Spitfire SM304, while attempting to take off during German air attack. Buried in Belgium.
W/C J.H. Hill – posted to Exeter to command 28/4/41
F/O A.C.W. Holland – posted from No. 1 R.A.F. Depot (ex-overseas) for Flying Instructor duties 21/8/42
Sgt B.E. Hopkins – pupil – killed in flying accident with F/Sgt R.L. York in Master A/C 28/3/42
P.O. O. Hruby (Czech) – posted from 313 Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 22/6/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 13/7/42

F/L Donald Edward Jenvey (J11309) – Born 9 January 1921, West Oxford, Ontario. Home in Ingersoll, Ontario, to 59 OTU 2/12/43 to 25/1/44, to 57 OTU as Instructor 26/1/44 to 2/5/44; promoted to Flight Lieutenant on 24 April 1944); at No.3 Tactical Evaluation Unit, 2 May to 24 June 1944; to No.83 Group, 25 June 1944; to No.440 Squadron, 30 June 1944. 1942. Shot down on 29 December 1944 (Typhoon RB201) and evaded capture until 25 March 1945 when he was taken prisoner; he was killed attemting to escape
P.O. Joseph Jack – – Pupil – 24/12/42 – 4/43 – transferred to USAAF upon completion of flying training – originally from New York
F/Lt K.C. Jackman – posted from 1 Sqn as flying instructor 12/6/41 – 22/11/41 posted to 416 Sqn
P/O R Johnson – attached to Rolls-Royce Works for Engine Handling Course 28/9/42
S/L N.R. Johnstone – posted to 412 Sqn for Flying Duties 29/10/42

F/Lt D. Kain – posted to 122 Sqn 26/5/41
F/O Fred Ronald Kearns (J36758) Born 11 March 1924 at Quyon, Quebec, Attended 57 OTU, 29/2/44 to 16/5/44 (Masters and Spitfires). To No.83 GSU, 31 May 1944; to No.443 Squadron, 19 June 1944
F/Lt J.D. Keynes – posted from 616 Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 3/6/42, posted to 59 O.T.U. for Flying Instructor Duties 13/7/42
P/O K Kosina (Czech) – posted to 310 Sqn 22/3/42

F/Lt J.H. Lacey – posted from 501 Sqn – flying instructor ‘E’ Flight C.O 18/8/41, posted to 602 Sqn 9/3/42.
F/L Ronald George Lake (J11283) Born 21 November 1919 in Timmins, Ontario; home in Longstaff, Ontario. Served in No.441 Squadron, 13/2/44 to 10/12/44, to 57 OTU as Instructor 10-27 December 1944.
F/Lt K.A. Lawrence – posted from No. 52 O.T.U. for Flying Instructor duties 3/9/42, attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 11/10/42
F/O J.R. Lee (American) – killed in flying accident 8/4/42
Sgt S. Lee – 1379536 – killed in flying accident at Picton, Chester 6/12/41 – spun into ground Picton Cheshire in MKIa Spitfire P9434
G/Capt. R.H.A. Leigh – posted from No. 12 Group to Command No. 57 O.T.U. 30/9/42
P/O A.S. Linney – posted to 145 Sqn 26/5/41

F/Lt Markham – posted from Coltishall 9/10/41 – Permanent Duty Pilot
A/F/Lt C. Martin – posted from 121 ‘Eagle’ Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 22/5/42
F/Lt D.G. Marshall ceased to be attached from H.Q. No. 81 Group 31/8/42 poss malta hurri ferry pilot pg277 malta hurricane yrs
P/O F. Masarik – Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 13/7/42, posted to 313 Sqn for flying duties 16/9/42
Sgt. L. Masse – No. 30044 and Sgt. J.J.M. Echivard (Free French Air Force) killed in flying accident in Master aircraft – 14/2/42
A/F/O W. McGilmour (Instructor) – Posted to 611 Sqn for flying duties 13/5/42
P/O McLeod, Henry Wallace – Pupil – 5/41 – 7/41
F/Lt D.A.P. McMullen D.F.C. & 2 Bars – posted from 55 O.T.U. 5/12/41 as Flying Instructor, posted to 124 Sqn for flying duties 16/5/42
P/O J.M. Milmine – killed in flying accident at Upton, Chester 1/7/41
F/O Mitchell – posted from 266 Sqn as flying instructor 9/6/41
F/L Leslie Albert Moore (J17857) Born in Hamilton, Ontario, 5 February 1921 but was educated in the United States and was an American citizen (home in Philadelphia) Home state given variously as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to 57 OTU 13/10/42 to 402 Squadron 26/1/43, KIA 25/3/45 – 402 Sqn
Sgt Morau – killed in flying accident at Kimmel Park, Bodelwyddan 2/11/41
Sgt N.W. Mowat – killed in flying accident at Arran Mountain, Waenfren 26/9/41

P/O R.L. Newell – killed in flying accident at Picton, Chester 7/12/41
Sgt. R. Nickerson (Canadian) – killed in flying accident at Ledsham, Cheshire 10/7/41 – overshot landing Hawarden crashed Two Mills nr Ledsham, Cheshire in MKIa Spitfire R6601.
P/O Ron F. Noble – ex-605 Sqn Malta, posted from No. 2 P.D.C. for Flying Instructor duties 27/6/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 29/6/42, attached to C.G.S. Sutton Bridge for Gunnery Course 28/10/42
F/Lt H.L. North – No. 3 Delivery Flight Commander 7/4/41
F/O R. Norwood (Instructor) posted to 54 Sqn 18/4/42

G/C H.D. O’Neill A.F.C. – Headquarters – posted to Air Ministry (D.T.O.) – duty as D.D.T.O. 20/7/41

Sgt. Pilot A. Page – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training – 15/8/42
Sgt. Pilot S.J. Palandri – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training – 14/8/42
P/O A.W. Park (South African) – killed in flying accident at Bagillt 22/8/41
P/O J.T. Parrott (American) – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training 29/5/42
F/Lt C.O.J. Pegge – posted from 610 Sqn – flying instructor from 18/5/41
F/L Warren Brock Peglar (J7892) to 57 OTU 23/3/43 to 31/5/43 posted to 501 Squadron 1/6/43 to 25/9/44, attached 335th U.S. Fighter Group, 6 July to 26 October 1944; No.274 Squadron, 25 September to 11 December 1944
P/O L.E. Philpotts – posted from 610 Sqn 2/9/41 as flying instructor, posted to P.R.U. Benson for Flying Duties 2/10/42
F.O. R.F. Philo – 42433 – ‘M’ flight C.O. 17/3/42, posted to 51 O.T.U. for Navigation Instructor duties 16/8/42
P.O. T.G. Pickering – attached to Central Gunnery School for course of instruction 30/9/42
F/Lt L.A. Popham attached to P.D.C. West Kirby (proceeding overseas) 26/8/42
P.O. R.H.C. Powling (Instructor) Posted to 164 Sqn 11/4/42
P/O Pronk – killed in flying accident at Kimmel Park, Bodelwyddan 2/11/41

F/L V. Raba – posted in for Flying Instructor duties 1/10/42, attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 19/10/42
P/O J.D. Rae – attached to No. 3 F.IS. Hullavington for course of instruction 30/9/42
F/S Donald George Reid (R67906) Born Lacombe, Alberta, 6 June 1922; home in Windsor, Ontario, to 57 OTU 5/9/41 to 152 Squadron 21 October 1941, to No.412 Squadron (28 October to unknown date, 1941), No.161 Squadron (unknown date to 15 December 1941), No.601 Squadron (15-23 December 1941), No.19 Squadron (23 December 1941 to 30 April 1942). Posted to Malta, arriving with major reinforcement (Operation “Bowery” via aircraft carriers on 9 May 1942; assigned to No.185 Squadron. Commissioned 7 July 1942 (but not gazetted until November). Killed in action 22 July 1942 (Spitfire BR203 coded “X” during engagement with Bf.109s
P.O. Robert H. Richards – Pupil – 24/12/42 – 4/43 – transferred to USAAF upon completion of flying training – originally from Newburgh, New York – September 26, 1943, Joined 4th FG March 4, 1944, KIA, Crashed and killed near Framlingham, UK due to unknown causes upon return from escort mission to Berlin. P-51B 43-6786 ‘VF-G’.
P/O Ricard-Cordingly (Free French Air Force) killed in flying accident near Sealand, Cheshire – 26/1/42
S/L C.L.C. Roberts – posted from 56 O.T.U. 28/8/41 as C.F.I., vice S/L F.P.R. Dunworth, posted to 486 Sqn 9/3/42.
F/Lt Stuart Nigel Rose – posted from 54 Sqn 17/11/41 as flying instructor, to CFS 11/11/42, returned to 57 O.T.U. (Eshott) 11/2/43.
Sgt. Pilot G. Rosenthal – killed in Flying Accident during course of operational training – 10/8/42

F/L Joseph Jean Paul Sabourin (J3519) Born at St.Isidore de Prescott, Ontario, 8 January 1915, to 57 OTU, March to May 1941. With No.145 Squadron, 5 May to 30 October 1941. With No.112 Squadron, North Africa, 12 November 1941 to 28 December 1941. On non-operational duties until May 1942. No.145 Squadron, 18 May to 16 September 1942 (killed in action) Aerial victories as follows: 5 December 1941, one G.50, one Ju.87 and one Bf.109 destroyed plus two Bf.109s and one G.50 damaged (Tomahawk AK457); 8 June 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed (shared with another pilot; this was the first Spitfire victory in North Africa); 12 June 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed; 8 September 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed; 16 September 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed. The book Canada’s Air Forces by Brereton Greenhous and Hugh Halliday has three photographs relating to his career
F/Lt J.H. Sanderson – posted from 56 O.T.U. for Flying Instructor duties 22/4/42
P.O. R.H. Sargeant – posted from H.Q.F.C. for Flying Instructor duties 22/5/42. Attached to Central Flying School for Flying Instructor’s course 7/7/42
Sgt G.M. Scott (Australian) killed in flying accident at Llandwrog 28/7/41
P/O Robert ‘Bob’ Seed – pupil – posted 21/10/41 from SFTS Montrose where he flew with Bill Allen (possibly Bill Ash), Beurling and Paul Forster – pupil of 28 Course – posted to 222 Sqn 9/12/41, to 111 Sqn 7/42 then to 249 Sqn, again with Beurling, on 11/8/42
F/L W.M. Sizer posted to 52 O.T.U. for flying instructor duties – 14/1/42
P/O F.C. Smith – posted from 121 Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 30/5/42. Attached to Rolls-Royce Works for engine handling course 22/6/42, transferred to U.S.A.A.C. 6/10/42
G/C C.B.S. Spackman D.F.C. posted on 2/4/42 to Command No. 57 O.T.U. Posted to 14 Group, as S.A.S.O. 20/8/42
Sgt S.W. Steenson (R.C.A.F.) – pupil – killed in flying accident – Chester 16/3/42
W/C F.E. Stokes – Maintenance Wing – Commander – posted to East Fortune 7/12/41
F/Lt J.E. Storrar D.F.C. – Instructor – posted to 55 O.T.U. 6/12/41
P/O J. Strihavka – posted from 310 Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 15/8/42, posted to No. 56 O.T.U. for Flying Instructor duties 8/10/42
F/Lt A.F. Sunderland-Cooper – Instructor – Posted from 91 Sqn?????, Posted to 222 Sqn 19/11/41
P/O R. Sulwalski (Polish Air Force) killed in flying accident near Sealand, Cheshire – 26/1/42

S/L D.M. Taylor – ferried Spitfire P9335 to R.A.F. Station Milfield 2/11/42
F/L Hugh Charles Trainor (C1697) Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 17 July 1916, No.8 SFTS, 5 July to 23 October 1942); described in Canada as a hard working and conscientious instructor, to 57 OTU 5/1/43 to 23/3/43. Served with No.402 Squadron 23 March to 411 Squadron 5/5/43 to 41 OTU 28/9/43 as Instructor to 30/11/43. Returned to No.411 in December 1943 until 26 July 1944. Posted on latter date to No.401 Squadron; reported missing (POW) 19 September 1944; he had been flying a high patrol over Eindhoven. After switching from auxiliary (drop) tanks to main tank he developed fuel trouble and resorted to gliding; Yellow Section led by F/O J.C Hughes gave cover. He glided from 23,000 to 4,000 feet when engine poured white smoke and he baled out just east of Eindhoven. Liberated in April 1945, released 4 October 1945. Aerial victories as follows: 28 June 1944, one FW.190 destroyed and one Bf.109 destroyed; 29 June 1944, one Bf.109 destroyed; 30 June 1944, one Bf.109 destroyed. 1 July 1944, one Bf.109 probably destroyed, Caen; 4 July 1944, two Bf.109s destroyed near Caen plus one Do.217 destroyed (shared with another pilot); 27 July 1944, one Bf.109 destroyed, Caen; 31 July 1944, one FW.190 destroyed, Domfort. Photographs of him are PL-28371 (standing by Spitfire wing), PL-36581 (studio portrait) and PL-44213 (with S/L G.U. Hill).
W/C J.K. Tough – Maintenance Wing – Commander

P/O T.S. Wade – posted to Fighter Wing at C.G.S. 22/3/42
P/O T.C. Wallace – posted from 71 ‘Eagle’ Sqn 17/3/42, Instructor ‘X’ Sqn.
Douglas ‘Duke’ Warren – 35 Course – posted in 28/4/42 – out ?
F/Lt D.H. Watkins – posted from 611 Sqn 9/6/41 – flying instructor –‘C’ Flight C.O. – 17/11/41 to 611 Sqn to Command
F/Lt Leonard Nelson Watt (J6381) Born at Point Pelee, Ontario, 6 May 1919 Farmer. To 57 OTU. Served with No.401 Squadron (5 October 1944 to 27 June 1945 – 184 sorties) and briefly with No.411 Squadron
F/L A.C.G. Wenman posted from 145 Sqn for instructor duties – 21/12/41
F/L James Henry Whalen (J15005) Enlisted in Vancouver, 26 June 1940. Arrived in UK 6 March 1941. Further trained at No.57 OTU. To No.411 Squadron, 24 July 1941, and to No.129 Squadron 1 August 1941. Credited with two Bf.109s destroyed, 17 September 1941, and one Bf.109 destroyed, 21 September 1941. To No.30 Squadron, India, 25 February 1942. Shot down three Type 99 dive bombers, Colombo, Ceylon, 5 April 1942. To No.17 Squadron, 15 March 1943; No.34 Squadron, 11 August 1943. Killed in action 18 April 1944 when hit by light anti-aircraft fire near Kohima, Assan
F/O Thomas Ross Wheler (J18199) Born 14 February 1921 in Tignall, Georgia. Parents were Canadian; returned to Canada in 1927. Lived five years in Ottawa. Home in Toronto. Former mail clerk and hardware clerk, 8 SFTS (graduated 2 January 1942). Sailed overseas in January 1942 (SS Vollendam). First flying in Britain was at Thame (Oxford), on Hotspur gliders, training to fly them into Europe on sabotage operations. Tried to get into a fighter OTU but was switched to glider tug duties (Hind, Hart, Audax, Hector). Posted to No.57 OTU (Eshott, Northumberland) at end of 1942; posted to No.411 Squadron, commissioned on 11/7/43. Settled in Pickering. Appointed Honourary Colonel, No.411 Squadron, January 1985
P/O C.L. Whitnell – posted from 288 Sqn 19/3/42, posted to 111 Sqn for flying duties 18/5/42
F/L D.M. Wiggins – O.C. Servicing Sqn
P/O John William WILLIAMS (J15604) Born 1 February 1922 in Kamloops, British Columbia. Educated there and in Chilliwack (1936-1940). Name changed from “Larson” to “Williams” following his mother’s second marriage. Enlisted in Vancouver, 24 October 1940. No.32 SFTS, Moose Jaw 4/5/41 to 16/7/41; graduated as Sergeant, 30th in a class of 61; school mates included J.H. Turnbull and H.J. Everard). Arrived in Britain, 30/8/41. Trained at No.57 OTU, 5/9/41 to 132 Squadron 21/10/41 to 30/3/42 (promoted to Flight Sergeant, 1/2/42); with No.603 Squadron, 30/3/42 to 164 Squadron 28/4/42 to 249 Squadron 9/5/42, commissioned 22 June 1942; to No.2 SPTC, 29 June 1942; to No.145 Squadron, 21 July 1942; to No.1413 Flight, 8 September 1942. NOTE: the last three postings appear in pencil in his file and are questionable. Known in Malta as “Willie the Kid”. Killed 31 October 1942 in crash of Liberator AL516 (No.511 Squadron), Gibraltar.
Sgt Wither – killed in flying accident at Chester 23/11/41
P/O R. Wood – posted from 222 Sqn for Flying Instructor duties 10/8/42
G/C A.B. Woodhall, C.B.E. – posted from No. 2 P.D.C. (ex overseas) as Commander of RAF Station Hawarden 17/8/42, posted to R.A.F. Station Fairwood Common to Command 1/10/42
Sgt H.A. Womack (American) killed in flying accident at Upton, Chester 1/7/41
P.O. G.M. Wyemouth – killed in a Flying Accident near Malpas, Cheshire 20/10/42

F/O S.N. Yeomans – posted from 58 O.T.U. for Adjutant duties, Training Wing 25/10/42
F/Sgt R.L. York – pupil – killed in flying accident with Sgt B.E. Hopkins in Master A/C 28/3/42
Sgt A.J. Young – killed in flying accident at Wrexham 16/6/41

LOOK UP

Finucane
Johnny Kent

Course details

COURSE DATE OF ARRIVAL DETAILS DATE OF DEPARTURE DETAILS PUPILS
18 21/04/41 14 Officers & 23 Sgts. – Polish – 4 Officers, 1 Sgt, Rhodesian Trained – 6 Officers, 5 Sgts. Canadian Trained – 4 Officers, 13 Sgts. English Trained – 4 Sgts.
19 17/02/41 05/05/41 12 Officers and 28 Sgts. Archer,
20 23/04/41 8 Officers and 23 Sgts. From 9 F.T.S., 4 Officers & 11 Sgts. Canadian Trained. 1 Officer & 11 Sgts – Australians. 09/06/41 6 Officers and 24 Sgts.
21 30/06/41 8 Officers and 30 Sgts.
22 09/06/41 24 Officers and 23 Sgts. 21/07/41 13 Officers and 10 Sgts.
23 01/07/41 13 Officers and 26 Sgts. 11/08/41 10 Officers and 27 Sgts.
24 21/07/41 8 Officers and 32 Sgts. 01/09/41 10 Officers and 31 Sgts.
25 09/08/41 10 Officers and 32 Sgts. 23/09/41 10 Officers and 29 Sgts.
26 05/09/41 8 Officers and 33 Sgts. 21/10/41 8 Officers and 30 Sgts.
27 23/09/41 12 Officers and 31 Sgts. 11/11/41 14 Officers and 28 Sgts.
28 21/10/41 – 09/12/41 10 Officers and 31 Sgts. Beurling
29 11/11/41 16 Officers and 24 Sgts. 06/01/42 11 Officers and 23 Sgts. Aikman, Bird, Bone,
30 09/12/41 16 Officers and 31 Sgts. 24/02/42 12 Officers and 26 Sgts.

31 06/01/42 9 Officers and 36 Sgts. 07/04/42 12 Officers and 30 Sgts.
32 24/02/42 – 28/04/42 5 Officers and 16 Sgts.
33 17/03/42 8 Officers and 22 Sgts.
34 07/04/42 6 Officers and 23 Sgts. 09/06/42 13 Officers and 30 Sgts.
35 28/04/42 10 Officers and 34 Sgts. 30/06/42 5 Officers and 32 Sgts. Duke Warren
36 21/06/42 11 Officers and 28 Sgts.
37 09/06/42 13 Officers and 31 Sgts. 01/09/42 5 Officers and 15 Sgts. granted 18 days Embarkation Leave prior to posting overseas.
3 Officers and 11 Sgts. posted to operational Sqns.
38 30/06/42 3 Officers and 40 Sgts. 22/09/42 1 Officer and 13 Sgts. Posted.
15 Sgts. granted leave pending postings.
39 21/06/42 4 Officers and 36 Sgts.
40 01/09/42 19 Officers and 23 Sgts.
41 22/09/42 5 Officers and 30 Sgts.
42 13/10/42 6 Officers and 19 Airmen
43

I believe I posted this on the old site, but am posting it here again, partially in response to a query on the main board concerning the length of OTU courses. These seem to have varied depending on the time or war and necessity.

Cheers
Steve

57 OTU Course Numbers and Dates, 1940-1945

The below information has been extracted from the 57 Operational Training Unit (OTU) Operations Record Book (ORB), in TNA AIR 29/683, and shows all of the OTU’s course numbers and their dates of commencement and completion (where available), between 1940 and 1945.

57 OTU originally formed as 7 OTU at Hawarden, Flintshire, on 15 June 1940, but was re-numbered to 57 OTU on 28 December 1940. On 10 November 1942, the OTU was moved to Eshott, Northumberland, and remained at this location until May 1945. Throughout its existence, 57 OTU’s main equipment was the Spitfire.

01 – 17JUN40-28JUN40
02 – 01JUL40-12JUL40
03 – 15JUL40-28JUL40
04 – 29JUL40-09AUG40
05 – 12AUG40-22AUG40
06 – 22AUG40-02SEP40
07 – 02SEP40-16SEP40
08 – 16SEP40-23SEP40
09 – 23SEP40-29SEP40
10 – 29SEP40-?????40 – Completion date wanting
11 – ?????40-?????40 – Commencement and completion dates wanting#
12 – ?????40-?????40 – Commencement and completion dates wanting#
13 – ?????40-?????40 – Commencement and completion dates wanting#
14 – ??NOV40-02DEC40 – Commencement date wanting
15 – ??DEC40-06JAN41 – Commencement date wanting
16 – ??JAN41-10FEB41 – Commencement date wanting
17 – 17JAN41-10MAR41
18 – 10FEB41-21APR41
19 – 10MAR41-05MAY41
20 – 23APR41-09JUN41
21 – ??MAY41-30JUN41 – Commencement date wanting
22 – 09JUN41-21JUL41
23 – 01JUL41-11AUG41
24 – 21JUL41-01SEP41
25 – 09AUG41-23SEP41
26 – 05SEP41-21OCT41
27 – 23SEP41-11NOV41
28 – 21OCT41-09DEC41
29 – 11NOV41-06JAN42
30 – 09DEC41-24FEB42
31 – 06JAN42-07APR42
32 – ??FEB42-28APR42 – Commencement date wanting
33 – 17MAR42-19MAY42
34 – 07APR42-09JUN42
35 – 28APR42-30JUN42
36 – 19MAY42-21JUL42
37 – 09JUN42-01SEP42
38 – 30JUN42-22SEP42
39 – 21JUL42-13OCT42
40 – 01SEP42-03NOV42
41 – 22SEP42-15DEC42 §
42 – 13OCT42-?????4? – Completion date wanting, probably 02FEB43
43 – 15DEC42-03MAR43
44 – ??JAN43-?????43 – Commencement and completion dates wanting
45 – ?????43-?????43 – Commencement and completion dates wanting
46 – ?????43-?????43 – Commencement and completion dates wanting
47 – 12APR43-27JUN43 – Not confirmed
48 – ?????43-?????43 – Commencement and completion dates wanting
49 – ?????43-20JUL43 – Commencement date wanting
50 – ?????43-11AUG43 – Commencement date wanting
51 – ?????43-14SEP43 – Commencement date wanting
52 – 20JUL43-12OCT43
53 – 10AUG43-02NOV43
54 – ?????43-07DEC43 – Commencement date wanting
55 – 12OCT43-04JAN44
56 – 09NOV43-01FEB44
57 – ??DEC43-22FEB44 – Commencement date wanting
58 – ??JAN44-28MAR44 – Commencement date wanting
59 – ??FEB44-18APR44 – Commencement date wanting
60 – 29FEB44-16MAY44
61 – 28FEB44-13JUN44
62 – 25APR44-04JUL44
63 – 16MAY44-25JUL44
64 – 13JUN44-29AUG44
65 – 04JUL44-12SEP44
66 – 08AUG44-10OCT44
67 – 29AUG44-07NOV44
68 – 19SEP44-05DEC44
69 – 10OCT44-02JAN45 – Not confirmed
70 – 07NOV44-23JAN45
71 – 05DEC44-20FEB45
72 – ?????45-?????45 – Commencement and completion dates wanting*
73 – ?????45-?????45 – Commencement and completion dates wanting*
74 – ?????45-??APR45 – Commencement and completion dates wanting*
75 – ?????45-15MAY45 – Commencement date wanting
76 – ?????45-15MAY45 – Commencement date wanting @

# The ORB is missing the pages for October and most of November 1940. These pages cover the dates 01OCT40-21NOV40.

§ Of the five Officers and 30 NCOs that commenced Course 41 on 22SEP42, two Officers and ten NCOs were sent to other (unidentified) OTUs to complete their training on 03NOV42 (One such Australian pilot [Sgt. A. R. Cope] is known to have completed his training at 58 OTU, Grangemouth, Scotland). No reason for the posting of pupils on 03NOV42 is given, as the rest remained and passed out on 15DEC42.

* The pages of these months are present in the ORB, but the courses are not mentioned by number or dates

@ Course 76 was the final course held at 57 OTU. It was “suspended” on the same day that Course 75 passed out and the pupils were posted elsewhere (un-identified) to complete their courses.

Hello TomW,

Thank you for helping out with this, any information you can share will be very much appreciated, you mention a Bob Doe, was he a pilot on 234 sqdn during the BoB?

Regards

Jason

The London Gazette has a series of promotions for Thomas John Thomas, but no further indications of postings in General Duties Branch.

Zidante,

Thank you so much for your help, never knew about the London Gazette so I am saving the link for the future, so glad that Thomas John Thomas survived the war staying in the RAF well into the 1950’s, you are correct with H.D.Y Primrose, had another look at the rear of the photo and what I took as “A” it is a “H”..must go to specsavers :highly_amused:

Jason

Hello Jason,

I have seen Thomas’ name in the 57 OTU ORB which I have on my backup drive, it might say where he was posted to so I’ll have a look and let you know. If it is the ‘Tommy’ Thomas I think it is then he was part of Bob Doe’s X-Flight which was the gunnery section and he certainly went on from 57 OTU to see further front-line service.

Regards Tom

The London Gazette has a series of promotions for Thomas John Thomas, but no further indications of postings in General Duties Branch.

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35508/page/1461
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36417/supplement/1162
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/41277/supplement/152

H.D.Y Primrose?
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37007/supplement/1726

Hello Archieraf

Thank you so much for this information, I did not expect so much detail, it is very sad that he was one of many who gave so much and did not make it through.

Do you have any advice on where I can start the research on the others?

Regards

Jason

Hello Jason,

I found one on the CWGC website
CLIFTON, ALFRED JOHN
Rank:
Flight Sergeant
Trade:
Pilot
Service No:
1582530
Date of Death:
23/03/1945
Age:
21
Regiment/Service:
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

101 Sqdn.
Grave Reference:
14. D. 4.
Cemetery:
SAGE WAR CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of Alfred and Pattie Clifton, of Birmingham.

Sad that he didn’t quite make it through the war. He died age 21 in 1945 and had been a pilot in the RAF since 1941, he must have started very young. If you go to the 101 Squadron Operation Record Books at the National Archives you should be able to trace his movements backwards from the date of his loss.

He was onboard Lancaster LL755 SR-U on an op to Bremen. Crashed near Stottinghausen. Source. W R Chorley Bomber Command Losses 1945.

Hope that helps. Good luck with the others.
Linzee aka archieraf
www.archieraf.co.uk