Chris Le Roux - Hurricane pilot?

[keith A]

I have been intrigued for years with Chris LeRoux's service and with this in mind looked into contemporaries of his to see if could have flown Fairey Battles or Hurricanes in the Battle of France.

A look in the London Gazette however makes this very unlikely. He received his commission as an Acting probationary Pilot Officer in July 1939, Pilot officer on probation in February 1940 and then again w.e.f. 1 May 1940 (gazetted 20 August 1940).

On the latter date F.J. Aldridge also was made prob. Pilot Officer. Aldridge joined the RAF in June 1939 and therefore is contemporaneous with Le Roux. Aldridge joins his first squadron in September 1940 and therefore it seems reasonable that Le Roux did too. Like many others he may have been sent to 73 Squadron because they were resting, and this would give him the chance to accumulate flying hours.

This squadron left for the Middle East in October and therefore Le Roux may have joined 421 Flight. If so, again it may be possible he exchanged with PO Jas Storrar who joined 73 Squadron for their trip to the Middle East?

His lack of inclusion in those included in lists of fliers in the Battle of Britain shows he did not take part in the battle and therefore a non-operational role in a squadron would seem more likely.

Comments, arguments for and against etc. gratefully accepted.

regards

Keith