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Old 14th April 2020, 15:58
keith A keith A is offline
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485 Squadron flight commanders

In pursuing my interest about the career of WVC Compton I find my notes are confusing.

Compton is identified as a pilot in B Flight, which he would eventually lead, but I have given the succession of flight commanders as Brinsden, Martin, Wells, Norris and Strang ( a rather heavy turnover considering none were killed or wounded).

Brinsden was a flight commander (March-22 July 1941).

Martin was with the squadron March-20 June 1941 before being "attached" (transferred?) to 222 Squadron.

Wells was a flight commander by 5 July 1941 and therefore I assume he replaced Martin but if Brinsden was still with the squadron this seems odd. Unless Martin was A Flight commander.

Norris led B Flight (August-October 1941) until replaced by RH Strang in mid-October 1941. Norris cannot have replaced Wells because Wells was still with the squadron leading a flight until promoted to acting squadron leader on 22 November 1941.

Based on the victory claims made I assume Compton served under Wells rather than Norris and that when both Strang and Compton took command of B Flight it was as a transfer from A Flight.

Tortuous reasoning I agree

Keith
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