126 Squadron Malta October 1942

[keith A]

It does seem odd, but I don't see any other explanation. He is however quite specific that there was a replacement, and recalls Jackie Urwin-Mann's career prior to joining 126 accurately. WCdr Peter Prosser Hanks often leads the squadron during the period from the death of Wicks until Urwin Mann takes over, and had done this during Wicks'period of command too. Flt RIA Smith does not mention any replacement and does mention "Prosser" as leading the squadron in this period and confirming his promotion to Flight Lieutenant on 18 October 1942 after the death of FLt Ripley "Rip" Jones. "Rip" Jones was lost in action on 17 October and was leading the squadron as senior flight commander on occasion. (Rolls mistakenly calls him "Dave" in his book). I wonder if the missing "Squadron Leader" was Jones and that Rolls comments about this unnamed squadron leader and his tactics are a veiled criticism of Jones?