Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

The magnificent book " Beaufighter Squadrons " on page 67 has a picture of the eight crew who destroyed the Italian liner Rex on 8 September 1944. But not a single name of them !
Does anyone know their names?

Thanks in advance

Regards and Happy New Year

Re: Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

Hello Ruy,

I have it that the eight Beaufighters of 272 Squadron which attacked the Rex on 8 September were led by S/L. Roderick H. Rose. Sorry, no other crew details.

This comes from 'The Armed Rovers' - R C. Nesbit

Regards
Peter

Re: Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

In Flight Magazine of 16 Nov 1944 three other pilots who were awarded a DFC for the raid are mentioned: Flt Lt Chester Rideout (RCAF), F/O Eric Myring and F/O David Lampard.

Sq Ldr Rose received a DSO.


Regards,

Leendert

Re: Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

Rose's navigator was W/O L. Shaw.

Regards,

Leendert

Re: Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

RIDEOUT, F/O Chester Franklin (J21262) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.272 Squadron - Award effective 7 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 31 August 1919. Home in Sardis, British Columbia; enlisted in Vancouver, 9 May 1940. Posted to No.1 ITS, 27 May 1940; graduated 21 June 1940 when posted to No.2 EFTS although not promoted to LAC until 24 June 1940; graduated 17 August 1940 and taken on strengthth next day at No.1 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 26 November 1940. To Central Flying School, 30 November 1940; to No.7 SFTS to instruct, 19 January 1941. Promoted Flight Sergeant, date uncertain; promoted WO2, 1 December 1941. Posted away, 28 August 1941; to No.2 ANS, 30 September 1941; to No.1 CNS, 25 May 1942; to No.1 GRS, 7 August 1942. To “Y” Depot, 24 October 1942; to RAF overseas, 24 October 1942. Commissioned 1 November 1942. Further trained in UK; posted to Middle East, 15 September 1943. Tour-expired with No.272 Squadron, 30 September 1944 and attached to No.203 Group as Chief Test Pilot. On 30 January 1945, when interviewed, he claimed 1,900 hours flying on 20 different types of aircraft. Repatriated to Canada, 5 August 1945 Released 4 October 1945. Invested with award 29 January 1947.


This officer has completed a large number of sorties involving attacks on enemy shipping, airfields, radio installations, bridges and mechanical transport. He has set a fine example of skill and throughout his determination and devotion to duty have been unflagging. In a recent successful attack on a large enemy vessel Flying Officer Rideout flew with great distinction.


From airforce.ca Honours and Awards

Re: Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

Thanks a lot for your information.

I've got the indication that F/S J.Casqueiro also participated on the strike against the Rex. Have you ever heard of him?

Best Regards

Ruy

Re: Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

It appears that John (João) Casqueiro was a volunteer from Portugal who flew with 272 Squadron.

Regards,

Leendert

Re: Italian liner "Rex" and Beaus from 272 Squadron
 

That's true I had the chance to chat with his son some years ago about his R.A.F. militar career but there is a lot to be known.

Regards

Ruy