"Manston Mutiny" August 1940

[BrianC]

Hi guys

What's the verdict?

"By now, after four all-out raids, few building;, were even tenable. With all water cut off, men shaved at the pre-war swimming pool - if they shaved at all. Many were close to breaking point; in the nick of time Squadron Leader James Leathart, 54 Squadron, stopped an overwrought technical officer firing blind down the shelters to flush the scrimshankers out. Manston's chaplain, the Reverend Cecil King, acted as promptly. Near-berserk, another officer had burst wild-eyed into the mess. a revolver trembling in his hand, threatening to finish off himself and every man present. Gently, King led him from the room, talking of God’s infinite mercy, until the man broke down and surrendered his gun”

The Stress of Battle: Quantifying Human Performance in Combat by David Rowland, Great Britain: Ministry of Defence. Page 188

All comments appreciated, together with any additional relevant information.

Thanks in advance
Brian

[Chris Goss]

I have seen evidence that a number of groundcrew were reported to have been hospitalised by what is now known as PTSD as a result of continued bombing of Manston so yes this is realistic. However, 54 Sqn was at Hornchurch.............

[Peter Cook]

Hi Brian,

There are good accounts of the mutiny in History of RAF Manston, Bamford/Williams, 2015, pp. 141-2; Gentlemen in Blue: 600 Squadron (History of No. 600 City of London Squadron), Onderwater, 1997, p. 447-51; and an alternative account in Messerschmitt Bf 110... Erprobungsgruppe 210 in the BoB, Vasco, 2002, p. 56-9. If you don't have access to these three let me know and I can send you a transcribed version as a text file.

Peter

[BrianC]

Hi Peter

Good to hear from you once again. Trust you are fit and well.

I have two of the books mentioned but the 600 Sqn tome. So, yes please, I would appreciate a scan of the relevant page/pages.

Many thanks
Cheers
Brian

[Peter Cook]

Hi Brian,

Yes, all well here, still busy on my BOB database project... just 2 years to go...

I have sent the transcript to your gmail address.

Peter

[BrianC]

Many thanks, Peter

Received safe and sound.

Cheers
Brian