Spitfires – Dunkirk

Around this time 607 Sq had a Master as a squadron hack, it was lost in France IIRC. I believe other units did too, rather than it being specific to units converting from Gladiators to Hurricanes.

From http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Leathart_JA.htm

In 1940, prior to the fall of France [Leathart] undertook a rescue mission when the CO of No 74 became stranded in France at Calais/Marck airport. He commandeered a Miles Master trainer, and escorted by fellow squadron pilots, including Al Deere, he flew to France collected 74’s CO and flew him back to Britain. Five hours after the invasion of Normandy, he landed on the beach with a jeep mounted light radar unit, in order that he could control night fighters in the beach-head area.

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Service Order

Acting Flight Lieutenant James Anthony LEATHART (39625).

During May, 1940, this officer led his squadron on a large number of offensive patrols over- Northern France. On one occasion an attack was made on a formation of no less than 60 enemy aircraft. In company with his squadron he has shot down fifteen Messerschmitts, and possibly one Heinkel in and one Junkers 88, during the period mentioned. He also flew a trainer aircraft to Calais Marck aerodrome to rescue a squadron commander who had been shot down there but was uninjured. Whilst taking off, after the rescue, an attack was made by twelve Messerschmitt log’s but with great coolness and skilful evasive tactics Flight Lieutenant Leathart succeeded in shaking off the enemy and landing again without damage. Subsequently, he took off and flew back to England unescorted. This officer has displayed great courage, determination and splendid leadership.

(London Gazette – 11 June 1940)

One imagines a Messerschmitt “log” is a 109 by any other name. 🙂 I think the Bader ‘Fight for the Sky’ book has some more detail on this incident

Sky Tiger – The Story of Sailor Malan, written by Norman L R Franks, recently republished by Crecy (which I should have checked originally) introduces the Magister as the escaping aircraft. It also indicates that Sailor Malan was upset 74 Squadron were not allowed to rescue their own CO S/L White, who had received a bullet in the radiator while attacking a Henschel 126.

Malan’s upset was with Station Commander at Hornchurch who had ordered the method of escape, rather than 54 Squadron. On balance I think I would rather go with Al Deere’s 1959 personal recollection that it was a Master rather than the 1980 account.

Was this the rescue Sailor Malan was not impressed with ?

I do know that a book about the rescue is in the offing.

I would better believe a Master than a Magister. A Master would be better for the job and would be likely on the station for dual/hack at the time

Both Reckless Rat and I have given you different aircraft types. Deere’s text mentions “Master” several times, but could be a typo/memory lapse by either the author or Wiki.

Cheers for that, guys.

No idea what made me think it was 92 Squadron!!

Miles Master 54 Squadron

Hi,

Have a look at Nine Lives Al Deere Chapter 4, Rescue at Calais Marck. “Prof” Leathart, Flight Commander flew the Master, escorted by Al Deere and Johnny Allen. They rescued the CO of 74 Squadron who had force landed with engine trouble at Calais Marck. May 23 1940

Al Deere, wasn’t it?

On 23 May 1940, during the closing phases of the Battle of France, Deere and Pilot Officer J. Allen flew Spitfires escorting Flight Lieutenant James Leathart across the channel in a Miles Magister to rescue 74 Squadron’s commanding officer, who had made a forced landing. In sight of Leathart and White, Deere claimed his first combat victories, shooting down two Bf 109s. Later the same day he shot down a third Bf 109.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Deere

Regards,
Jeff