604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Hi all,

Is anybody here able to name the commanding officer(s) of 604 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force during 1936?

Thanks,

Tim.

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Sqn Ldr C P Gabriel from Apr 35 to Feb 39

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Thanks Chris, much appreciated!

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Actually Chris, whilst we're about it, you wouldn't happen to have a photo of Gabriel would you?

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Afraid not

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

No problem, you been a great help just naming the chap!

Cheers,

Tim.

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

There is a picture of him (out of uniform) in a 1936 edition of Flight magazine (I'm afraid the article has to be loaded a page at a time):

http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPD...20-%201816.pdf
http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPD...20-%201817.pdf
http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPD...20-%201822.pdf
http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPD...20-%201823.pdf
http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPD...20-%201824.pdf

The picture is on the second link (the missing pages between links 2 and 3 were adverts)

EDIT: oops, just noticed that there is another picture of him on page 1 too

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Thank you so much for those scans Amrit!

Very much appreciated!

Tim.

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Gabriel was one of the origianl members of the Sqn, appearing on a photo taken in 1931

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Chris, do you have any details on his career after 604? I can't seem to find anything more.

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

No idea; perhaps you should ask on the Allied Section of this board. He was not a casualty nor did he fly in the BofB. Not mentioned as a POW

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

I checked Ken Wynn's "MotBoB" on the off chance as well, but no he didn't fly.

I've no idea of his age by the start of the War but maybe he was an instructor or given an administrative position.

I'll ask in the Allied board then!

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

I don't know how much help this is but a check of the LG and Flight magazine produced the following:

The New Year Honours List:
O.B.E. (Military Division)
GABRIEL, Squadron Leader Christopher Parton, Auxiliary Air Force.

Squadron Leader C. P. Gabriel, O.B.E., is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander (June 21st 1939)

Wg. Cdr. to be Gp. Capt. (temp.).
C. P. GABRIEL (90204)-. 1st Mar. 1942
(Gazette Issue 35503 published on the 27 March 1942. Page 13 of 48)

Mentioned in Despatches
Group Captain C. P. GABRIEL, O.B.E., A.A.F
Gazette Issue 35841 published on the 29 December 1942

Mentioned in Despatches
Group Captains.C. P. GABRIEL, O.B.E., A.A.F
Gazette Issue 36329 published on the 11 January 1944

The undermentioned relinquish their commissions under the provisions of the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves Act, (1954, and have been granted permission to retain rank, as stated, with effect from 10th. Feb. 1954:—
Group Captains retaining their rank :—
C. P. GABRIEL, O.B.E. (90204).

There maybe more info in the LG but I've yet to find it.

Re: 604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...
 

Thanks Amrit, it's kind of you to dig this info out for me. The Mentions in Dispatches seems to point to an operational leadership position, and not just an administrative or instructorial postition.

Be interesting if anyone else can dig some more stuff up on him.

Once again thanks Amrit, I owe you one (or two)!

Tim.