No. 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron

[Mikkel Plannthin]

I have been looking for the history of this particular squadron, but has not yet been able to track down more than the general descriptions in e.g. Rawlings Fighter Squadrons of the R.A.F. and their Aircraft.

Would anyone be able to guide me to a reference covering this squadron in depth (1942-1945).

TIA,
Mikkel Plannthin

[Chris Goss]

Although there is a decreasing Sqn Association, nothing has been published on this Sqn as far as I am aware

[Andy Mac]

Not in depth, Mikkel, but hope this has some info that's new to you . . .


http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/h234.html

Cheers,

Andy.

[Mikkel Plannthin]

Thanks Andy. Well thought, and I have already read the short description. I'm a regular user of the RAF website for these matters.

I was - as you might have guessed - interested in something a bit more detailed. The reason is that I am researching a number of Danish pilots in this squadron. Have ordered a estimate for a copy of the ORB from Kew (appr. £ 170), and just wanted to get a head start and be able to narrow it a bit down :-)

- Mikkel

[atckyrre]

Fascinating that you should ask a question on 234 sqn this very day. I was just about to write a post about a certain 234 Sqn Mustang IV that crashlanded in Denmark on May 4 1945. Flown by Pilot Off P J W Bell the Mustang marked AZ*A with serial KH860 was damaged by flak but the pilot survived the crash landing with a few bruises.
It seems this was the final Coastal Command escort loss, though there was a Mosquito fatality on the same day.
Do you know any details about this event, Mikkel?

Regards,
Kyrre
Harstad, Norway

[SteveB]

Kyrre

4 May 1945 was a very bad day for Mustang pilots and so close to the peace! 19 Sqdn lost two pilots F/Lt 'Jock' Davidson and P/Off 'Baz' Natta both killed in a mid-air collision over Denmark on the escort for Banff Strike Wing. And of course Arne Austeen was killed with 126Sqdn over Flensberger Fjord.

P/Off P J W Bell did not escape with bruising. He reported that his aircraft was "riddled by bullets" and he was hit in the arm by an incendiary bullet. He was still in hospital on 1 June 1945.

I am interested that you have KH860 as AZ*A I have it as AZ*G.

Best wishes from Blighty

Steve