Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Could Forum members help identify pilots of 257 Squadron who appear in a film made by Pathe News after the squadrons combat with Italian aircraft on the 11 November 1940. Those involved appear towards the end including R S-Tuck who did not fly that day.

I have included a link to the film:

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=26073

I appreciate any help offered by Forum members.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Oh Malcolm, this event is well documented and I wish I could help but I don't have my reference handy. I am sure the likes of Brian Cull or Andy Saunders will be able to assist with reciprocal duties.

Stephen

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Hello Stephen,

I have checked MofBofB and found some possible candidates. However, I would appreciate any help or advice that other Forum members can offer.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

I somewhere have a still from this film and I think it has them all named. All I have to do is find it....although I suspect Gerry Burke might have a good idea, too?

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Hello Andy,

Thank you for the reply.

I would be eternally grateful if you are ever able to locate this picture and its details!

I have tried to match individuals from the film with other pictures, but as my knowledge of those is limited I am having some difficulity, to say the least, in matching them up. I was hoping that all nine 257 pilots involved on the 11/1140 might be in the film: Blatchford, North, Davey, Mortimer, Pniak, Andrews, Kay, Lucas and Barnes. However, I suspect that it contains pilots other than those mentioned ie Tuck etc.

I have my fingers crossed!

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

The pilot clambering out of his cockpit is 'Cowboy' Blatchford. As you say, Tuck, also seen sitting in the cockpit, played no part in the sortie.

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Hello Peter,

Thank you for the helpful reply and id.

I wonder if the group could include a few members of 46 Squadron also involved that day? Just a thought based on no evidence!

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Karol Pniak is seated on the ground

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Was the photo in question not covered in Paul Richey's book?

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

Hello Stephen,

Can you give me the title of this book?

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

I have found this link on the IWM website that has a still taken from the film.
It contains a photo taken at the time of the film mentioned above:

http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk/dbt...&BG=0&FG=0&QS=

Although not very clear it might compliment the link relating to the film clip.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Re: Help to identify 257 squadron members needed
 

I have made a montage from film the clips that I could email to any Forum member willing to help me with identities. PM me with your details and I will forward it.

Kind regards, Malcolm.