I was reading briefly of a RCAF squadron escorting PM Churchill to the “continent”, possibly 421 sqdn with WC Johnny Johnson leading, would anyone have any further info regarding exact times and dates and maybe who flew the escort? many thanks, Darrell
By: bolyman - 10th January 2009 at 15:57
Well shortly after D Day with WC Johnny Johnson lead the “Red Indian” 421 RCAF Sqdn to either B-1 or another airfield on France, I have seen a log book with the mission even stating that PM Churchill had spoke to the chaps prior to takeoff, was looking for some further info on this flight, thank you, Darrell
By: Monsun - 10th January 2009 at 15:13
Have not heard of an RCAF squadron escorting Churchill however I’ve been researching No.1 Squadron recently and they escorted him twice in March 1945.
The first occasion was on the 2nd when the PM flew in a C-54 Skymaster from Northolt to Brussels. The squadron performed a similar task on the 23rd when Churchill flew in a Dakota from Northolt to Volkel (ORB) although one of the pilots has Venlo down in his logbook.
Peter
By: Mark12 - 10th January 2009 at 12:41
I have a vague recollection of when researching the ORB of 126 Squadron for details of MK923 for Bill Ross/Cliff Robertson, the squadron escorted a very senior person to or from Europe. It was either the King or Churchill, but I favour the latter. We are talking some time June-December 1944.
This may be a lead to follow.
Mark
By: BSG-75 - 10th January 2009 at 12:15
May 16th – 1940
92 Squadron escorted a Flamingo to Paris that Churchill flew in.Robert Stanford-Tuck flew one of them. Too early for you I think but worth a mention?
By: johnnie - 10th January 2009 at 11:32
Do you have a rough date?
I have a log book to a chap who was flying Kittyhawks/Warhawks with 260 Squadron in 1943, and on the 3rd Feb he notes:
Kittyhawk III “B” Misurata to Castel Benito Escort to Rt Hon Winston Churchill Misurata to Castel Benito.
I am not sure how Churchill had made it to Misurata, and as Johnson didn’t join the Canadian Wing until March 1943 (I think), it probably has nothing to do with your question however I thought it might be of some interest.
I suppose there is always the chance that your question relates to an escort to get Churchill towards North Africa, however I would guess ut probably relates to a later escort after D-Day.
Johnnie
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January 9, 2009 at 8:16 pm