Richard J. Audet

[Michal R.]

Hello All,

I have two little question about this pilot.
Do somebody know when he arrived to No. 691 Squadron (or maybe it was still No. 1623 Flight, squadron was formed in December 1943) and then to No. 411 Squadron?
For first I have no date, for second September or October 1944.

Thanks for all answers!

Regards
Michal

[Leendert]

Michal,

According this website http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/Audet.htm
he was posted to 411 Squadron on 23 October 1944.

Regards,

Leendert

[Michal R.]

Hi Leendert,
thanks for answer. I know this web, there is lot of interesting info about pilots!
But in most of the book (for example in Aces High, 2nd TAF vol.3 or new No 126 Wing RCAF) is that Audet was posted to 411 squadron in September. So what is right

And with these is there one next question. In these book is that he was posted to 411 SQN in September and next month was promoted flight commander and had rank of Flight Lieutenant. But in citation to DFC from web is:
This officer has proved himself to be a highly skilled and courageous fighter. In December 1944 the squadron was involved in an engagement against twelve enemy fighters in the Rheine/Osnabruck area. In a most spirited action, Flying Officer Audet achieved outstanding success by destroying five enemy aircraft. This feat is a splendid tribute to his brilliant shooting, great gallantry and tenacity.
http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/Audet.htm
same text is in books I think. It was in London Gazette on 16 February 1945.
So really was he F/Lt when he arrived to 411 SQN?

Thanks for help!
Michal

[udf_00]

From Hugh Halliday's "The tumbling sky" P.26

At last, in July 1943, he was posted to No. 421 Squadron at Kenley, Surrey.
... Then, in mid-August, he was posted to Bournemouth.
... From December 1943 until July 1944 he operated as a tug pilot,
... Finally he was posted to Kirston-on-Lindsey, where a month was required to polish up
his operational flying. In August he was posted to the continent, and on September 14 he
joined No. 411 Squadron near Brussels.

[Icare9]

Ranks can be confusing as there were at least 3 types!
Permanent rank, say Flying Officer; Temporary (or War Substantive) say Flight Lieutenant (one rank higher) and Acting say Squadron Leader.
When it came to pay and demob, it was the PERMANENT rank that applied...
Hope that helps explain why sometimes the ranks don't tally with Squadron Reports etc...
I'm sure some more expert Pal will clarify iff I have anything wrong!

[Michal R.]

Thanks for both answers! Very helpful.

But to the ranks. I know that there were these 3 types. But it was normal (generally) that in citations were used permanent rank and not the rank which pilot had in time when he was awarded?

[SMF144]

Taken from his RCAF Bio-file:

1. Commissioned Pilot Officer October 23, 1942.
2. Posted overseas in November 1942, and after a course at an OTU, served with Nos.421 Squadron RCAF and 691 Squadron.
3. Posted to No.411 Squadron September 14, 1944 and served until his death, March 3, 1945.
4. Promoted to F/L October 23, 1944.

Hopefully this helps?

Stephen

[Tim Bishop]

Michal R,

From the No.691 AAC Squadron RAF Form 540 22.07.44 F/O AUDET posted to No.1 T.E.U.

Kind regards,

Tim

[Michal R.]

Hello Stephen and Tim,

thank you very much for info!
I have last question, can somebody confirm, than in October Audet became flight commander in 411 SQN?
He had still a few battle experience in this time.

Thanks!
Michal

[Michal R.]

Hello,

last ask to Audet. On 23. 1. 1945 he claimed one Me 262 shod down and one destroyed on ground, both around Rheine and around noon.
Is there some German lost? All destroyed Me 262, which I found in books, have it seems known opponents.

And it is true, that he was commander of flight in 411 SQN since October 1944?

Thanks all for help!

Michal