41 Sq 21 Feb 1941

[Stig Jarlevik]

Hi All

Andy Marden has discovered a discrepancy with regard to Spitfire P7816.

The National Archives in UK now claims it was lost on an operational flight on 21 Feb 1941 with a
Sgt Gildner missing!

All previous sources I have says P7816 crashed at Ashford on 22 Feb 1941

I have no information regarding any operational flights by 41Sq on the 21st

Anyone who knows more, both regarding P7816 and Sgt Gildner?

B Rgds
Stig

[MW Giles]

The ORB for 41 Sqn says the 21st as well.

Looks like what everyone has known all along might have been wrong

21st 12:10 Six aircraft ordred to patrol Ramsgate, Canterbury, Dungerness. P/O Ford leading top pair did not see Sgt Gilders who should have kept with him. Sgt Hopkinson reports that he saw a Spitfire doing a steep climbing turn below and then shoot away. He turned and saw the aircraft disappear through the haze at 20/25000ft. This occurred off Folkestone, the aircraft, presumably Sgt Gilder's being in a gentle dive. Patrol landed Honchurch 1405 hrs

Form 541 21.2.41
Six aircraft Patrol 12:10 to 13:55 Patrol as ordered P7750 F/L Mackenzie, P7610 P/O Briggs, P7508 P/O Ford, P7816 Sgt Gilders, P7689 Sgt Beardsley, P7371 Sgt Hopkinson.

Sgt JOHN STANLEY GILDERS
Service Number: 741587
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
41 Sqdn.

Date of Death
Died 21 February 1941

Age 21 years old

Buried or commemorated at
BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Martin

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Martin

Appreciate the very detailed information.
I have also received a separate answer that an article in Aeroplane Monthly, May 1995 covered
this incident in detail.

Always good to have it twice....

Many thanks again
Stig