604 Sqn, Auxiliary Air Force...

[Chris Goss]

No idea; perhaps you should ask on the Allied Section of this board. He was not a casualty nor did he fly in the BofB. Not mentioned as a POW

[Smithy]

I checked Ken Wynn's "MotBoB" on the off chance as well, but no he didn't fly.

I've no idea of his age by the start of the War but maybe he was an instructor or given an administrative position.

I'll ask in the Allied board then!

[Amrit1]

I don't know how much help this is but a check of the LG and Flight magazine produced the following:

The New Year Honours List:
O.B.E. (Military Division)
GABRIEL, Squadron Leader Christopher Parton, Auxiliary Air Force.

Squadron Leader C. P. Gabriel, O.B.E., is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander (June 21st 1939)

Wg. Cdr. to be Gp. Capt. (temp.).
C. P. GABRIEL (90204)-. 1st Mar. 1942
(Gazette Issue 35503 published on the 27 March 1942. Page 13 of 48)

Mentioned in Despatches
Group Captain C. P. GABRIEL, O.B.E., A.A.F
Gazette Issue 35841 published on the 29 December 1942

Mentioned in Despatches
Group Captains.C. P. GABRIEL, O.B.E., A.A.F
Gazette Issue 36329 published on the 11 January 1944

The undermentioned relinquish their commissions under the provisions of the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves Act, (1954, and have been granted permission to retain rank, as stated, with effect from 10th. Feb. 1954:—
Group Captains retaining their rank :—
C. P. GABRIEL, O.B.E. (90204).

There maybe more info in the LG but I've yet to find it.

[Smithy]

Thanks Amrit, it's kind of you to dig this info out for me. The Mentions in Dispatches seems to point to an operational leadership position, and not just an administrative or instructorial postition.

Be interesting if anyone else can dig some more stuff up on him.

Once again thanks Amrit, I owe you one (or two)!

Tim.