263 Squadron recoveries from Norway

[alex crawford]

Hi,

I am trying to compile an accurate account of 263 Squadrons operations over Norway. During the weekend I was attempting to list the Gladiators that went to Norway with 263 Squadron on both expeditions. 1st Expedition was during April and the 2nd was during May-June. On both expeditions 18 aircraft were used.

The amount of Gladiators recovered from Norway helps in identifying the aircraft that were used. In an issue of Aeroplane Monthly there is a list of aircraft recovered from Norway, although I have a few queries about some of the serials.

The magazine lists N5643 as being recovered from Lake Lesjaskog and now in Norway for restoration. In RAF Serials L1000-N9999 it lists N5643 as being with the Shetlands Fighter Flight. On 20 March 1940 it was damaged beyond repair in an accident. Could it have been repaired and issued to 263 Squadron?

The list also states that quantities of airframe components and equipment have been recovered from N5628, N5632, N5638, N5647, N5693, N5704, N5705, N5905, N5907.

The forward fuselage of N5628 now resides at the RAF Museum, Hendon. N5632, N5647, N5693, N5705, N5905 and N5907 did go to Norway and were lost, although some sources state that N5907 was lost on HMS Glorious. N5638 was issued to 152 Squadron and according to RAF serials it went to the Admiralty in 1942. Again it may well have went to Norway with 263 Squadron and the paperwork was mixed up or not filled in properly. One example being N5914. Its last known operator was Prestwick Fighter Flight yet it ended up in Norway and was recovered in the 90's and is now awaiting restoration with the Jet Age Museum.

N5704 is reported to have ben sold to the Finnish Air Force. If so how did its remains end up in Norway? I do know that panels from one aircraft could end up on another and as such can cause confusion.

My sources for my research is Mason, Shores Fledgling Eagles, RAF Aircraft L1000-N9999 Air Britain, Shores Aces High and Those Other Eagles, Franks Fighter Command Losses Vol1, Hakans Biplane Aces site plus various magazine articles. I also have 263 Squadrons ORB for this period but it doesn't really mention serial numbers.

From these sources I get between 20-22 aircraft for each expedition so its not as clear cut as it looks. I know 8 Gladiators were lost during May/June but if I add all my sources together then I can get 11.

If anyone can help with further details on the recovered Gladiators from Norway or more detailed info on N5643, N5638 and N5704 I would be grateful.

Regards,

Alex