Indian PoWs April / May 1945

[Steve Smith]

During late April and May 1945 hundreds of ex Indian PoWs were flown direct to RAF Methwold to be greeted by Brigadier H.A Rich CBE OC the Indian PoW Reception Committee. These were flown in direct to RAF Methwold, but not by the resident squadron, No.149 (East India). On landing they underwent registration, followed by refreshments. Once these formalities were completed, the Indian troops were transported to Didlington Hall for a period of ‘rest and rehabilitation’. Didlington Hall was a large country house located just about four miles from Methwold. Can anyone tell me who flew these PoWs from Europe to the UK. I cannot locate any RAF Bomber Command squadron doing this, perhaps Transport Command, 38 Group, or the Yanks. Any pointers welcome

TIA

Steve

[edwest2]

I hope the following is helpful.

https://blogs.bl.uk/untoldlives/2022...ian-pows-.html

[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by edwest2

I hope the following is helpful.

https://blogs.bl.uk/untoldlives/2022...ian-pows-.html

Ed,

I had found that, but thank you. Very interesting document, but sadly it does not answer who was flying in the Indians. Thanks again.

Kind regards

Steve

[Zoran Petek]

Hello,
Check documents of No. 187 Squadron RAF (Dalota IV) based at Merryfield, Somerset, for trooping flights between the United Kingdom and Poona & back, undertaken by the Squadron from April 1945 to March 1946.
For example Dakota IV KN381 PU-G was in India in April 1945.
Zoran

[Steve Smith]

Originally Posted by Zoran Petek

Hello,
Check documents of No. 187 Squadron RAF (Dalota IV) based at Merryfield, Somerset, for trooping flights between the United Kingdom and Poona & back, undertaken by the Squadron from April 1945 to March 1946.
For example Dakota IV KN381 PU-G was in India in April 1945.
Zoran

Hi Zoren,

Thank you I have checked this squadron, but sadly no its not them. It would appear that the Indian PoWs were captured in North Africa / Italy and flown back from Europe. I'd really like to know who was flying them into Methwold in April / May 1945. Any pointers most welcome.

Thank you again.

Steve

[Chris Goss]

I know that 83 Sqn participated in such repatriations

[Steve Smith]

Chris,

Sadly not 83 Squadron.

Steve