Plt Off "Ginger" Hooper 27 Squadron 1941/42

[BrianC]

Hi guys

Endeavouring to properly identify the above, possibly a South African in RAF. No initials recorded in ORB. Sgt pilot when joined 27 Squadron in early 1941, apparently commissioned later in the year.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Buckeye30]

Hi Brian. These are the SAAF pilots with RAF / RAAF squadrons; couldn't find a Hooper though. It may be useful in future.
Regards
Nick


https://biltongbru.wixsite.com/ww2-s...econded-to-raf

[BrianC]

Hi Nick

An interesting list, thanks. However, I don't believe that he was in the SAAF. Possibly a South African who joined the RAF in India. Maybe at Ambala FTS?

Cheers
Brian

[Buckeye30]

Brian. Not relevant to your original post but for future possible reference you can add 451 Sqn. RAAF to the list above, they had 6 SAAF pilots in the Desert in 1941.
Lt. W. Andrews
Lt. P. Campbell

Capt. M. Gardner
Lt. P. Haddon
Lt. T. Thomas
Lt. Smith (?)


Regards
Nick

[BrianC]

Thanks, Nick

But still no nearer to identifying the elusive "Ginger" Hooper !!!

Cheers
Brian

[AUS_RAAF]

Sorry Brian nothing further to add. I couldn’t even seem to find Hooper in the 27 Squadron ORB although, there were alot of pages to skim through!

A bit of a tangent - just wanted to add some detail to Nick’s response of SAAF aircrew with 451. Seven South Africans were attached from 40 Sqn SAAF to 451 Sqn RAAF, Oct 41 until Jan 42. Only five made it back. Thomas was lost 12 Nov 41 and Smith on 21 Nov 41. Thompson later killed 18 Jun 42 with 40 Sqn SAAF.

ANDREW W G (Peter?)
CAMPBELL Peter
GARDNER Charles Murray Shand DFC ‘Murray’ 102705
HADDON Temple
SMITH John Ascension 47300 'Smitty'
THOMAS John Desmond Kay P/102823
THOMPSON Donald Raymond ‘Tommy’ 102762

Pics for a few of list here
https://saafww2pilots2.yolasite.com/...ron-pilots.php

regards, Drew

[BrianC]

Hi Drew

Good to hear from you.

Sgt Hooper arrived at Singapore February 1941, flying Blenheim L8540, in company with other aircraft of 27 Squadron (see ORB!)

Cheers
Brian

[AUS_RAAF]

Hi Brian.

I was having a quick look at the 27 Sqn ORB online and his name is hidden behind the National Archives watermark during Feb 41! Am not a fan of their online viewer.

Frustrating there are so many other details for personnel in the squadron records and nothing for Hooper. Perhaps his name might show up in another Far East based Blenheim unit around the same period?

regards, Drew

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by AUS_RAAF

Hi Brian.

his name is hidden behind the National Archives watermark during Feb 41! Am not a fan of their online viewer.

Register for an account (which is free) and you can download the ORBs in series AIR 27 and the combat reports in series AIR 50 with no charge and no watermark.

[AUS_RAAF]

Thanks Nick. I have taken advantage of the free downloads previously and usually struggle to pick and choose documents within the monthly cap! Just thought I would have a quick look at the 27 Sqn ORB online in response to Brian’s query. Sometimes I find the names are easy to spot but Hooper was tucked behind that pesky watermark.

regards, Drew