140 Squadron Spitfires

[Andy Fletcher]

You're correct Graham the PR.IV was unarmed. As you say the Type G was the only early PR Spitfire that could retain armament.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[BABIN]

Hello Nick,

I'm searching, too, about 140 Sqdn.

My search concerns the loss of a Mosquito of this Sqdn, crashed in my area of France on 5th of June 1944. I can send to you the information I have about this crash : documents, pictures ... if you are interested, please send to me an e-mail : pierre.babin.babin@wanadoo.fr

Best regards

Pierre

[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Nick,

Thanks for sharing the photo with us. Can you name any of the individuals in the photo and the date it was taken.

Cheers

Andy Fletcher

[Andy Fletcher]

Nick,

This is what I have on your grandfather - somewhat fragmented

1416 Flt (14Sep41)-17Sep41, 140 Sqn 17Sep41-?, Flt Cdr 140 Sqn (27Mar43-18Aug43) (Act C/O 140 Sqn (30Apr43-16May43)), Wg Ldr (C/O?) 34 Wg ?-?, Wg Ldr 124 Wg Apr45-02May45

KIA 02May45 (flak), Typhoon Ib (SW530)

Any additions/corrections to the biographical data would be very welcome.

The only other pilot I know who was with 1416 Flt when it was re-designated 140 Sqn was the C/O Eric Clive Le Mesurier

[oowebb]

Andy,

the best I can do on names for now is:

Back row L-R: 1. ? 2. ? 3. H. S. W Chessum 4. ? 5. C. D. Harriss St John

Middle row L-R: I don't know any!

Front row L-R: 1. ? 2. ? 3. ? 4. E. C. Le Mesurier 5. G. F. H. Webb 6. H Rigby 7. ?

I can probably add more names at a later date but I would need to check through other albums. There are planty of other photos but this happen to have been scanned onto my PC!

Nick.

ps. just spotted your addition. I'll post a full service record for my Grandfather in a while!

N

[Andy Fletcher]

Originally Posted by oowebb

I'll post a full service record for my Grandfather in a while!

N

Excellent. I look forward to it. Thanks for the other names.

Andy Fletcher

[oowebb]

Here is another 140 Squadron photo dated 7th March 1943

L-R: S/Ldr G. F. H Webb DFC*, Sir James Grigg, W/Cdr E. C. Le Mesurier DSO, DFC. , Maj. Gen. Pagett, ?, ? (probably an ADC??!!)

My grandfather flew the blenheim behind for the General and Sir James to view exercise "Spartan"

Nick.


The Scotsman in the previous photo would appear to be Major Menzies at a guess!

N

[oowebb]

Wing Commander George francis Herbert Webb DFC and Bar, AE, AAF (90987).

1. RAF Reserve - Sergeant 4/8/1936
2. Commissioned AAF P/O 1/8/1939 - 613 Squadron (City of Manchester)
3. Promoted F/O 3/9/1940
4. Promoted F/Lt 21/6/1941
5. Promoted S/Ldr 1/4/1942
6. Promoted W/Cmdr 21/5/1943

613 Sqn 1/8/1939
School of Army Cooperation 4/9/1939 (course)
613 Sqn
1416 Flight 10/3/1941
140 Sqn
34 Wing (16 Sqn, 69 Sqn, 140 Sqn)
RAF Staff college (course)
34 Wing Support Unit 29/9/1944
HQ 83 Group 25/2/1945 - 2/3/1945
C. F. E. Tangmere 2/3/1945 (course)
HQ 124 Wing (181 Sqn, 182 Sqn, 187 Sqn) 5/4/1945
KIA 2/5/1945 flying Typhoon

DFC awarded LG 26/6/1942
Bar to DFC awarded LG 29/12/1944
Bronze Lion (Netherlands) awarded LG 1/1/1946
Air Efficiency Award awarded AMO N526/43 6/5/1943

I hope that this is helpful!

Nick.

[Andy Fletcher]

Thanks very much Nick. Just a couple more questions - what date did he leave 140 Sqn and between what dates did serve with 34 Wg?

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[oowebb]

Andy,

The dates I have on his Record of Service state:

34 Wing, 12 Gp - 27/6/1943 (on promotion to W/Cmdr)
Staff College 6/12/1943
34 Wing - 6/3/1944
34 Wing Support Unit - 29/9/1944
Main HQ 83 Group - 25/2/1945
83 Group Support Unit - 25/2/1945
Central Fighter Command Tangmere - 2/3/1945
124 Wing HQ - 5/4/1945

Does that help?

Nick.