Czech Pilots

[Beetle2]

This pair were with 310 Squadron at Duxford in 1940 I believe. Can anyone name them please?

[Michal R.]

The first one might be James A. MacLachlan.
MR

[Fairlop]

007.JPG ... it is P/O Karel "Sudl" Vykoukal. With 310 Sqn from 12/07/40 to 17/08/40, MIA 21/05/42 as "A" Flight Leader of 41 Sqn.

Regards,
Michal

[Michal R.]

You are right. But on this photo he looks like J.Mac Lachtan. And I was marvel at thus, that the pilot has not DFC nor DSO…
MR

[Beetle2]

Thank you both Michals! So who is the other pilot - they were both on the same page in my father's album. There are a number of more informal photos of Czech pilots I will scan and post soon.

[Fairlop]

Beetle2 - other pilot might have been P/O Vaclav Bergman who was with 310 Sqn from 12/07/40 to 01/10/42. He survived war awarded by DFC. When crazy communists made thier coup he emigrated again for RAF, served in Korea and was awarded by Bar.
I welcome if you contact me by PM
Michal - "One armed Mac" MacLachlan was in close service with CZ airmen from late 1941. And for example if you look on picture(s) you see VR badge on uniform. He wasn´t Volunteer Reserve.

Michal

[Brian]

Hi guys

Definitely NOT James MacLachlan!


Brian Cull (author of ONE-ARMED MAC)

[cz_raf]

Originally Posted by Beetle2

Thank you both Michals! So who is the other pilot - they were both on the same page in my father's album. There are a number of more informal photos of Czech pilots I will scan and post soon.

Will be also glad to help you with identification!
Have some experience from past when we were able to agree on the same names with Fairlop:-)

[jiri]

Originally Posted by Beetle2

This pair were with 310 Squadron at Duxford in 1940 I believe. Can anyone name them please?

Left: P/O Karel Vykoukal (KIA 21 May 1942 as No 41 Sqdn flight commander),
Right: P/O Frantisek Kordula
Both photos were taken on 6 Aug 1940 in Duxford where No 310 was Established.

[Beetle2]

Thank you all for your interest and help. Nice to hear from you Pavel - I've left a couple of messages on your web page in the past. That was a good exact reply Jiri, can I count Frantisek Kordula as a positive? (I think I have a Christmas card from him to my aunt somewhere). As the uniforms are new and unmarked and there are no decorations I presume the photosession on August 6, 1940 was to mark the issue of RAF uniforms?
There is more coming but my scanner is not connecting at the moment..
Cheers
Martin