Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

R.N.V.R. J (P) G. B. C. Sangster (proby) 9 Dec 40

What does this mean? It is from the Navy List showing pilots of 760 Squadron. It is the entry for George Sangster (later flew Wildcats with 816, 819 Squadrons and led the Hellcats of 804 Squadrons) but what does J (P) mean? I assume trainee pilot because there's no rank and the last word I assume is "probationary".

I beleive he may have been with 895 Squadron 1942-43.

regards

Keith

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

The (P) indicates a qualified pilot. Similarly, (O) indicates a qualified observer.

I have him with 878 Sqn in 1943, joining on the 1st March.

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

Hello,

Gazettal of Sangster's DSC:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/3341

Col.

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

Cheers chaps....I didn't know he'd been in 878 squafron, I wonder if he was at Salerno with them? I know he was with the Wildcat flight in 816 Squadron early in 1944 and went to 819 squadron shortly after. I was a bit vague about the question I asked, sorry - what does the "J" signify?

regards

Keith

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

His DSC was for shooting down two German aircraft during convoty JW58.

Regards

Keith

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

Perhaps J for Junior?

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

Or perhaps B for Befuddled?

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

Hello,

Maybe "J" for Joker?

http://deriv.nls.uk/dcn30/9298/92984216.30.jpg

Col.

Re: Fleet Air Arm pilot in training?
 

Sorry chaps, we found it was actually the bottom part of a bracket:o

regards

Keith