234 Sqn, 19/8/43

[BruceMk11]

Could someone help with the claims of 234 Sqn, 19/8/43? I'm under the impression that this was the unit's last engagement-in which claims were
made-before 9/2/45; is that correct? Any help would be appeciated.

Cheers, Bruce

[SteveB]

Bruce

"Dragon Rampant" the sqn history by Nigel Walpole records that on 19/8/43 130Sqn and 234 escorted medium bombers to Amiens/Glissy a/f and fought a running battle with Me109s and Fw190s from the target back to the French coast. The CO Dave Glaser and F/Off Conroy each claimed a Fw190 damaged.

It looks like these were the last claims until 9/2/45. In September and October the future of the sqn seems to have become quite uncertain possibly disbanding, possibly going to Australia. In the book these events are linked with the formation of 548 and 549Sqn at Darwin. In the end the CO Dave Glaser formed 549Sqn and 234Sqn was reformed with a new cadre of pilots that included 8 Aussies.

Steve

[BruceMk11]

Thanks for those details Steve. From memory, F/O RJ Conroy, RAAF, was re-posted to 129 Sqn not long afterwards, possibly due to 234 Sqn's possible
disbandment.

Cheers, Bruce

[BruceMk11]

Almost forgot! Does someone know the a/c serial & codes of the Spitfire V
F/O Conroy was flying on 19/8/43?

Cheers, Bruce

[Frank Olynyk]

Conroy was flying Spitfire Vb AA973, and Glaser was flying Spitfire Vb BL669.

Frank.

[BruceMk11]

That was quick! Thanks Frank.