Information on WW2 RAF Pilot Robert Westlake

A tad late to the party… The incident in the OP was on 30 August 1945 while he was serving with No. 174 Squadron at RAF Warmwell. He was taking off in Hawker Typhoon Mk IB JR510 when his port tyre burst. The tyre-burst caused the aircraft to swing and subsequently overturn.

Thank you RB. 83 GSU being based at Dunsfold was that? There is a family story of him being there for a short while post his pilot training in Rhodesia. I have somewhere an article on one of the training bases there, apparently he was a bit of a boxer for the unit, and there is a write up there. But, if I recall correctly, this was in 1942/3 some time before his posting to 137 Sqn. There is some story about him having an accident during training that put back his pilot progression, but yet to find details on that unfortunately.

FB

Information on WW2 Pilot Robert Westlake

Hi FB

I only have info on his time with 137 Sqn. He joined 137 on 21 April 1945 from 83 GSU, being promoted to Flight Sergeant on the same day, and flew 4 Ops before the end of the war. He was still with the Squadron when it was re-numbered 0n 25th August 1945 and remained in the post-war RAF being transferred to the Training Branch as a Pilot Officer (s/n 924127) on 18 July 1952 and retired on 2 December 1954.

RB

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Been playing with the scanner, Photos of Bob Westlake with 137 Sqn – note captured 109 in the second picture. ORB gives Bob flying a few sorties with 137Sqn right at the end of WW2

Any further leads much appreciated!

FB