Adolph "Sailor" Malan.

[nick de carteret]

Do any of our friends from Czech Republic or Slovakia have any idea why "Sailor" Malan was apparently awarded the Czechoslovak War Cross? Thanks for any info.

[Ota Jirovec]

Hello Nick,

I am not sure if this could be the reason, but G/C Malan was in head of No 19 Fighter Sector to which the 134 (Czechoslovak) Wing was subordinated (together with 132 (Norwegian) Wing) at the time of Normandy invasion. Also, Malan led the Czechoslovak Wing on a rather significant sortie - wing´s first patrol over Normandy beachhead on D-Day (concretely over Juno Beach, take-off at 0720 hours). However, I have to add that other sources, namely Aces High by Chris Shores and Clive Williams, say that Malan was in lead of 145 (Free French) Wing during Invasion period.

Hope this might help a little,

Ota

[nick de carteret]

Thanks for that information Ota, much appreciated.

[Fairlop]

Nick and Ota,

There were three Fighter Wings (No.132, 134 and 145) under the 19 Fighter Sector which was led by Malan, according to my info from 01/11/43. We can say he led (also) French.

Regards,
Michal

[Brian]

Hi guys

I am sorry to intrude on your Sailor Malan thread, but I can't post a new thread for some unexplained reason, so please excuse my interruption, but I enquire about another top RAF ace, the legendary Canadian Screwball Beurling. I have written extensively about Beurling at Malta, but can anyone confirm his claims prior to posting to Malta, and also on his return.

1/5/42: FW190 while serving with 41 Squadron - over Channel
3/5/42: Fw190 while serving with 41 Squadron - off Cap Gris Nez

24/9/43: FW190 while serving with 403RCAF Squadron - Poix area
30/12/43: Fw190 while serving with 412RCAF Squadron - possibly Uffz Heinz Wyrich of 5/JG26.

Any info will be appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Larry]

Regarding Sailor Malan, when did he actually give up Command of 74 Sqn. I have suggested dates in 1941 and 42?

[Chris Goss]

In command August 1940 to March 1941 according to Fighter Sqns of the RAF. 8 Aug 40 to 10 March 1941 according to Aces High