Loss of 3 Hurricanes of 85 Sqn 20 May 1940

[B.F.M. Droog]

Hello Peter,

I understand you're not the CWGC. Why I asked is that I've seen many men listed by the CWGC with a rank one step higher than they have when mentioned by other sources, and rarely the other way round, as in the case of M.F. Peacock.

Regards,

Bart

[Peter Cornwell]

Bart,

Understood. Michael PEACOCK was possibly only 'Acting Squadron Leader' and this rank not substantive on his death.

[Yellow 6]

Peter,

I would support the view that Michael Peacock was only Acting or given a field promotion and his movement from 601 Squadron was precipitated by Squadron Leader Oliver's move to HQ. We do know that on May 20th 1940, No. 85 Squadron received orders to destroy its ciphers and records; in all probability the postings in/out of the Squadron, records of promotions etc. did not survive to enable us in confirming the theory.

I wrote to CWGC last year indicating my suspicion that the records were possibly incorrect but without the necessary proof, the History will for the time being remain as it is.

An intriguing situation nontheless.