Identities of No.56 Sqdn pilot's sought!
 

Hi to all,

Can anyone please identify any of the No.56 Squadron pilot's in this group shot taken at North Weald during 1941? I know in the front row 1st from left is Deugo and 4th from left is Robinson, would dearly love to identify any of the remaining pilots. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Melvin

http://www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com/

Re: Identities of No.56 Sqdn pilot's sought!
 

Hello Melvin,

this photography is depicted in Norman Franks: RAF Fighter Command Losses of the Second World War - Vol. 1. All eight pilots are identified. I do not have the book at hand now but will check it for you.
Importantly the pilot second from right (wearing Mae West life-jacket) in the back row is identified as Sgt. Truhla.

During the period April - June 18, 1941 two Czech sergeants were serving with 56 Sgn. The pilot in the picture is not Sgt. Vaclav Truhlar (787486; POW April 10, 1942, 313. sgn RAF) but it is very likely Sgt. Josef Valenta (787681; KIFA January 11, 1942, 313 sgn RAF).

Best Regards.
David Sumerauer

Re: Identities of No.56 Sqdn pilot's sought!
 

As stated by David the photo is in FCL1 by Franks.
Back L-R, Coombes, Ewell, Truhla, Carvill.
Front L-R, Deugo, Myall, Seaman, Robinson.
Carvill & Robinsonj were killed on 17 June 1941, the victims of Me109's while on Circus 41.
Regards
Andy

Re: Identities of No.56 Sqdn pilot's sought!
 

Hello David & Andy,

Many thanks to you both for the information, it is really appreciated! Do you have any of their first names? The photograph I scanned from an original from the W/C Oats collection, I believe he was S/L at the time. I have also a picture of S/L Oats with another unidentified pilot of the Squadron which I have attached.

Best wishes to you both.

Melvin

http://www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com/