23rd May 1940

[Evgeny Velichko]

Hi all!

Week ago I received a photoe:



Caption say:

23.05.1940, Spitfire Mk.I, GR-U, 92 Sqn RAF. Was shot down by Bf-110 over Dunkirk. Pilot, J.Gillies, was PoW.

[paulmcmillan]

BTW

On this date According to Battle of France Then and Now

253 Sqn Kenley

Hurricane. Shot down in combat with Bf109's over Bethune. "P/O. J D Ford believed captured"

I don't think so.. I believe this to be James Dudley Ford (41917) and he later transferred to Admin And Special Duties Branch (from Flying Branch) in 1943 - And was later a Flying Controller and awarded OBE and later Post War - Wing Commander

He may have been injured captured and repatriated or even got back home after being shot down.. But he was definately not in captivity in 1943! and as he was promoted to F/O in Jan 1941 so probably not captured at all

[Peter Cornwell]

Evgeny & Paul,

Excellent additional information on RAF casualties on May 23, 1940, which I have noted with thanks. Records concerning P/O FORD of No.253 Squadron were unclear prompting my caveat in BoFrT&N but this is now resolved. Thanks again.

[Alex Smart]

Hi,
Just to clear up the Ford note.
FCL vol 1 revised has
N2614 Patrol. Shot down in combat with Me109s. P/O D.J.Ford Safe see 18th May 1940.
So Norman Franks had picked up on this also.
Alex

[paulmcmillan]

Originally Posted by paulmcmillan

"Plt Off Woods-Scawen had to put Hurricane N2621 down at Parkhurst, on the Isle of Wight

Just a small addition, but Bowyers aircraft of the few also has N2621 and forcelanded on this date at Parkhurst, on the Isle of Wight

So it could have been repaired and THEN Lost on 28th July 1941 WHILE WITH 56 OTU

Paul