Hornchurch Wing

[keith A]

Can anyone tell me who commanded 129 and 222 Squadrons in 1943? I know that Phil Tripe and Wag Haw commanded 129 in late 1943.

cheers

[Brian]

Hi Keith

According to 'Fighter Squadrons of the RAF', the CO of 129 Squadron between 9/42 and 9/43 was Sqn Ldr HAC Gonay; he was followed by Tripe and Haw.

222 Squadron was commanded by Sqn Ldr EJF Harrington 9/42-7/43; Sqn Ldr GJ Stonhill 7/43-2/44

Cheers
Brian

[keith A]

Cheers Brian,

I found Harrington was flying in Malta with 249 in 1941, but can't find anything on Stonhill. I can't find anything else about this pair in any of my sources. Does anyone have details of their careers prior to 1943?

ta

Keith

[Brian]

Hi Keith

I have a feeling Harrington was killed, and that Stonhill DFC was ex-260 Squadron. That's without checking, so may be wrong on both counts.

Cheers
Brian

[BruceMk11]

I was curious about GJ Stonhill myself; this might be of some interest.

http://rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8793

Cheers,

Bruce

[keith A]

Thanks for the info gang. Stonhill is an odd case isn't he? Pre-war bomber pilot. Could he have transferred during 1940 when there was a push for more pilots?

I am going to search Fighters in the Desert/FOT to see if I can find him with 260. He must have reached F/Lt rank by 1942.

regards

Keith