Information needed on W/Cdr. J K Buchanan.

[wingcowyn]

I wonder if anyone has any information on this Officer, whom I am at present researching.

John Kenneth Buchanan. Born 1918, 25 Livingstone Rd. Southsea.
Commissioned as PO in May 1937 No. 39628.
He initially flew Wellingtons in 37 Squadron, awarded DFC with this unit in July 1940.
Later in 1940 posted to 14 Squadron in the Sudan where they were converting to Blenheim IV’s. Saw action with this unit over Eritrea during late 1940, subsequently moved to Egypt in April 1941, then Iraq.
In November 1941 moved to the desertfor operation “Crusader”, became CO and remained in this role until May 1942.
Following a rest, posted to Malta in November 1942 to take command of 272 Squadron flying Beaufighters.
Rested in June 1943 and returned to operations in October 1943 as CO of 227 Squadron based in Berka, Lybia, I think.
Unfortunately he was KIA, being shot down on 16th Feb 1944 off the coast of Greece.
I would be grateful if anyone has any information or knows of sources of information about W/Cdr. Buchanan.
Thanks,
Peter.

[RossGmann]

Any help/interest?


Note: The link has a photograph


http://www.torontoaircrew.com/Bomber...uchanan_2.html





Though the Beau’s particular forte in the Middle East was low-very low-strikes against land and shipping targets, its performance in the air against the Luftwaffe and or/ Regia Aeronautica proved equally doughty, and no few Beaufighter pilots accumulated impressive aerial combat kill tallies over the desert and Mediterranean Sea. Probably the most successful, certainly one of the greatest Beaufighter pilots in this context was Wing Commander John Kenneth Buchanan. A native of Southsea, “Buck” Buchanan joined the RAF with a Short Service Commission on 3 May 1937, and after training at No 8 FTS, Montrose was posted to No 101 Squadron at Bicester on 27 November 1937 to pilot lumbering Boulton Paul Overstrand bombers, though in June 1938 the unit replaced these with Blenheim I. Buchanan was to remain a bomber pilot during the following four years, being posted to the Middle East and gaining a DFC in July 1940.
By November 1941 he had become commander of No14 Squadron, succeeding Wing Commander Deryck Stapleton ( later, AVM, CB, CBE, DFC, AFC), flying Blenheim IV’s from LG75 and Gambut. By then he had already gained a considerable reputation in the Middle East RAF bomber circles as an adventurous, even cavalier pilot, yet never foolhardy. His constant interest in and obvious love of flying were exemplified by his mounting total of operational sorties flown, apart from seizing every oppurtunity to be airborne between sorties on training flights, testing flips, or simply “to keep my hand in”(sic).
His appearance, in view of his high reputation, was highly misleading to newcomers. Of slender build- to quote one pilot’s description, “a figure like a girl’s...”- “Buck” was always immaculately turned out, no matter what form of dress or uniform, with carefully combed hair and a neat Ronald Colman Moustache. To his ever-neat appearance he added a coolly “English” Oxford accent and almost affected gestures when discussing any subject, yet beneath his studied, near-effeminate pose Buchanan’s natural authority and leadership qualities soon emerged when the occasion demanded. His quiet self-confidence and instinctive charm obviously captivated Morley Lister, the female American war correspondant from Life magazine, when she visited Gambut on 13 January 1942. During the next ten days she accompanied Bucanan on at least two bombing sorties, before a shocked Cairo-based superior ordered her to return from her unauthorised flights over enemy territory.

Kind regards
Ross

[wingcowyn]

Hi Ross,
Thanks for your email. I have actually seen this website, but I appreciate your efforts and hope that if you come across any further information, that you will pass it on to me.
Thanks,
Peter.

[montana]

There is mention of Buchanan and his arrival in the 272 Squadron in an old book "Escadrille du Désert" (written in French and published in 1958) and today out of print. This book tells the story of a Belgian pilot in the 272 Squadron. Two chapters are devoted to "Buck".

[dp_burke]

I have an English translation of that Book, Desert Squadron, small little book. I'll try to recall to look at it this evening.

[wingcowyn]

Thanks Montana and dp burke. I have just sent for this book from a second hand book shop.
Peter.

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Hello to all!
Although not very detailed ( on markings, serial numbers, and Geographical locations ), this book "Escadrille du Désert" offers some insights about the activities of 252 and 272 Squadrons at Gambut. There are some black and white photographs and some information about Buchanan´s claims. I fully recommend it and it is very sad that such a "character" like Buchanan was still not choosen for a whole biography. All the best on your search Peter and keep us advised if a book arise from it.
Adriano Baumgartner

[wingcowyn]

Thanks Adriano,
I'm sure this book will prove to be quite interesting. I'm just starting this project so there is some considerable way to go yet. Thanks for your encouragement.
Peter.

[James Daly]

Hello there, I'm carrying out some research into the people of Ptmu
Portsmouth who died in the Second World War, and I’ve just come across Wing Commander Buchanan’s name. I haven’t had a chance to do any research as of yet, but I obtained his name from the Portsmouth Grammar School Memorial. If I find out any more I will let you know.

James

[wingcowyn]

Hi James,
Thanks for your post. I would be very grateful if you would let me know if you find anything further.
Thanks,
Peter.