261 Squadron and Operation Y

[alex crawford]

Hi,
Operation Y was the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran that took place betwen 25-28 August 1941. 261 Squadron operated Hurricanes and Gladiators during this short campaign. They had at least four Gladiators, K6147, K7928, K7984 and K7989, on strength.

261 Squadrons Hurricanes and Gladiators flew over fifty sorties during the first day. They strafed Ahwaz airfield three times, destroying three Audaxes during one strafe.

During the 26th eleven sorties were made against Ahwaz airfield. During one of them Sqn Ldr Mason and Sgt Hitching encountered an Iranian Audax which had just taken off and Mason promptly shot it down. One of 244 Squadrons Vincents was intercepted by a Hurricane and inadvertently shot down, the Hurricane pilot mistaking it for an Iranian machine.

Would anyone have any further info regarding the Gladiators role in this campaign? Any details of the 61 sorties that were flown would be appreciated, also the names of any pilots who flew Gladiator sorties.

I have Chris Shores' book 'Dust Clouds in the Mid East' where most of the above comes from.

Thanks in advance,

Regards,

Alex