Hi guys, new to forum and need yr expert advice.
I am writing my dissertation for my masters in History, and was bequeathed a photo album from a relative who was a pilot in Burma in WWII.
He destroyed his logbook, but the album relates the story of his training in Canada 1941 through to Cairo, India/Burma and then to Berlin 1947.
He flew Thunderbolts and Tempest II’s, black and white photos.
I am putting the feelers out for anyone who knew Leo Matthew Tarelli?
Also, looking for the story of the campaigns, have most of the records, but not the human story, that’s what I really need?
If anyone out there can tell me more about the campaigns in Burma, especially when the Thunderbolts replaced the Hurricanes, I would be very very grateful. I just want to piece together a piece of history that is very much forgotten.
someone on the forum a while back asked about the code on the Thunderbolts at this time= OQ I have the pics.
Thanks Jussy [senior honours student Glasgow University]
By: shepsair - 28th May 2012 at 22:16
P47’s and Tempest II
Jussy
Assume you saw /knew this as well.
Can’t help with anything else I am afraid.
regards
Mark
By: Jussy - 28th May 2012 at 19:35
Hi Dave,
thank you so much for getting back to me. I saw that website too, and quite agree, there is not much info, but it is relevant in that it did substantiate some of the other info I had. I have been reading Wing Commander Russell’s account, however, he only goes up to 1944. I have quite a lot of textbooks.
I wish Matt was still here to talk to; the human story about how these planes flew, the men and the campaigns. Too many historians miss out the human story, and go for just details.
I saw the ‘County of Durham’ Matt was from Northumberland, and his wife is from Newcastle. He named his plane after her with the Alnwick Lion displayed, with ‘Dot’s Own’ on it.
I will scan and resize some of his photos that might be of interest to some on this forum.
thank you so much Jussy.
By: Thunderbird167 - 24th May 2012 at 22:05
From the code letters the aircraft are from No 5 Squadron RAF
A few details of their service in Burma are here http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/5_wwII.html
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May 24, 2012 at 4:14 pm