Fg Off Wells 115 Sqn 1940

[Chris Goss]

Can anyone help me with the initials of the above pilot who was on the Sqn in April 1940?He was promoted to Flt Lt 30 May 1940. The only possibility is 39918 Richard John Wells but I stand by to be corrected

[Icare9]

A couple that you might need to follow..
THE LONDON GAZETTE, 7 MARCH, 1941 page 1375
Pilot Officer Wells Wintemute WELLSCOATES is granted the war substantive rank of Flight Lieutenant. wef 7th Jan. 1941.
(doesn't fit with your dates) but this might

page 5222 THE LONDON GAZETTE, 27 AUGUST, 1940
The undermentioned Pilot probation are confirmed appointments:— 3rd Apr. 1940.
Ronald Harrison Fitzgerald WELLS (31358)......"
and on the same page:-
The undermentioned Pilot Officers are promoted to the rank of Flying Officer:— 3rd July 1940, ........ Ronald Harrison Fitzgerald WELLS (31358) ........"
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/5222

In April 1940, while flying Wellingtons (and while on temporary loan to RAF Coastal Command) 115 Squadron gained the distinction of making the RAF's first bombing raid of the war on a mainland target-the enemy-held Norwegian airfield of Stavanger Airport, Sola.

Perhaps that explains the rapid promotion?

[Chris Goss]

Thanks. Definitely Wells not Wellscoates. Also he was Fg Off & aircraft captain 7 April and then promoted to Flt Lt 30 May 40

[SteveR]

The 115 Squadron history by Chris Ward lists him simply as "F/O Wells" (repeatedly - no other initials).

Couldn't find anything else in the F540 or F541 for the period, I'll try to have a look through the Appendices for the ORB later today (got a dentist appointment imminent).

[Martin Gleeson]

Chris,

I have him recorded as 37777 F/O Malcolm Lancaster Wells.

The ORB is actually recording his promotion to Acting Flight Lieutenant on 30 May 1940. The London Gazette of 4 October 1940 records his promotion from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant with effect from (or seniority ?) 3 September 1940.

Acting Flt. Lt. Malcolm Lancaster Wells was gazetted for the DFC (but no citation) on 30 July 1940 and the 115 Sqn. ORB records this award the following day.

This could be proved beyond doubt by reference to the relevant Carter DFC volume and the citation within. Sadly I do not have this, nor is Santa likely to leave it in my stocking.

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.

PS. I too had difficulty finding him in the 12 Squadron documents.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks guys. Most helpful. I will admit I did write 12 Sqn first as I was working on something at the time but 115 Sqn is correct

[paulmcmillan]

No Citation or Sqn in Carter for DFC does say Acting F/Lt though