1435 squadron flight commanders in 1942

[keith A]

Geoffrey Wellum arrived on Malta on August 11, 1942 and left a few (three?) weeks later. Some calculations put this at early September 1942. His fellow flight commander Basil Friendship flew out on 27 August 1942 and was replaced as B flight commander by "Wally" McLeod. Does anyone know the date Wellum was struck off the strength of 1435 squadron? Did he leave with Friendship (both suffered from sinusitis)?

The reason I ask is that I thought his replacement as flight commander was Blair White, although White's brief time in the squadron seems to indicate he was just a supernumery appointment (he took command of 229 squadron within a fortnight). Intriguingly White seems a better fit as the replacement for McLeod whose tour finished on 23/25 October 1942. White arrived at 1435 Squadron on 22 October 1942. Flt Ian MacLennan possibly replaced White when the latter left to lead 229 Squadron..

I can find no mention in my sources of a second flight commander in 1435 squadron during the period August-October 1942 it appears SLdr Lovell led "A" Flight. All of this leaves one flight of 1435 squadron without a flight commander from August 1942 until several weeks later. Willam "Wally" Walton takes command of a flight in late 1942, I have no date for this event.

Comments, suggestions?

K

[keith A]

Found my answers in the 1435 Sqn ORB. McLeod replaced Friendship. Geoff Wellum was still with the squadron on 29 September 1942 but may have been off flying due to his ailments.

K