RAF/RN pilot H.F. Bromwich

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Sturtivant & Burrows mentions the following:

UNIDENTIFIED.

10.12.41

805 Sqn, Bf 110 down smoking, probable N of Ras el Milh, own engine damaged 1055 (Lt HF Bromwich) - FAA A/c 1939-1945/p.249.

Col.

[AUS_RAAF]

Thanks Col for the quick look up and reply!

[bearoutwest]

The detail which I find fascinating is that the aircraft in the photo (better detail in the Getty site) is a Brewster Buffalo (or F2A), not a Grumman Martlet.


I wonder if the photo was taken in a FAA operational training unit in the UK; or with 805 Sqn in the desert or Crete where RN Buffalos were used for a short period of time.


...geoff

[AUS_RAAF]

Hi Geoff,

Yes, it’s an interesting one. From my understanding 805 Sqn was part of the RNFS from Aug of 1941. According to Getty Images the pics was created 1 May 41 and was published in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph in June of 1941.

There’s a bit of a gap in Bromwich’s timeline from 759 Sqn in Sept 40 until his time with 805 Sqn in late 41. However, photo could be taken during time with 759 Sqn as it appears they had Buffalo Mk.I between Sept 40 and 1941 at RNAS Eastleigh.

Hoping some Buffalo or FAA experts can narrow down or confirm a bit further.

Drew.

[BruceMk11]

Interesting thread! Thanks Drew.

He also led 801 Squadron: www.wings-aviation.ch/32-FAA/4-Sqn/801.htm

Cheers,
Bruce