Cdr Robert Harvey Jennings 1921-54
 

A Pacific War ace of WW2 he served as an instructor with VF-100 and then as a test pilot. According to "Stars and Bars" he was KIFA while with VF-11 but this may not be the case. He was however flying a F2H-4 Banshee at the time, the aircraft used by VF-11.

Can anyone give me details of his service post war? He was with VF-100 in 1945 and a test pilot at various places 1952-54.

Keith

Re: Cdr Robert Harvey Jennings 1921-54
 

Keith,
I just pulled the accident report for Robert Jennings, and it states that the aircraft was in the custody of Fighter Squadron Eleven, which was also operating the aircraft, and that the operator of the aircraft was attached to Fighter Squadron Eleven.

I suppose it is possible that he was assigned to some other unit, and only attached to VF-11.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: Cdr Robert Harvey Jennings 1921-54
 

cheers Frank

Re: Cdr Robert Harvey Jennings 1921-54
 

I got my info from this site

https://thebrownshoes.org/story/robe...E2%80%9D-smyth

I initially assumed Jennings had been a fleet squadron fighter pilot with VF-11 but haven't found any results, He does appear to have transitted from an instructor to a test pilot. I don't think he served in Korea.

regards

Keith

Re: Cdr Robert Harvey Jennings 1921-54
 

Jennings was OinC VC-4 detachment 7 which, flying F2H-2Ns, made a Sixth Fleet cruise aboard FDR from January to May 1951 (the first jet night detachment). It seems that Smyth was one of the other pilots.

With his night fighter background it is not surprising to find him flying F2H-4s with VF11 in 1954.

Re: Cdr Robert Harvey Jennings 1921-54
 

Many thanks George

Re: Cdr Robert Harvey Jennings 1921-54
 

He could indeed be flying with VF-11 but he held the rank of Lieutenant Commander (or commander) and I assume therefore would be one of the senior staff of VF-11. I know that Hoke Sisk assumed command in July 1954 and was replaced six months later by Leo Feighter, therefore was Sisk a temporary commander? (he had led VF-41 prior to commanding VF-11). The short question is who commanded VF-11 in May 1954?

regards

Keith