Gus Gowers 85 Sqn

[King Cobra]

Gus Gowers is credited with three victories during the Battle of Britain. His last one was a Bf109 on 31 Aug 1940 in the Folkestone area. Does anyone have details on this combat? Hurricane a/f number etc.

[Peter Clare]

On 30 August 1940 Gowers claimed a Bf 110 destroyed and a Bf 109 the next day. he was shot down in combat with Bf 109s over Oxted on 1 September, baled out, badly burned, and was admitted to Caterham Hospital. His Hurricane V7343. crashed near Merstham Tunnel.

Regads
Peter.

[King Cobra]

Thanks Peter. I'm the editor of the 85 Sqn Association magazine and am supposed to know all things historical. Thank goodness for this website! I have been asked for details on the final combat on 31 August so my original query still stands, but thanks anyway.

Rgds,

Ed Durham

[dp_burke]

From Uk National Archives, Documents Online

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/

You can purchase scans of the following Combat reports:

Name: Gowers Rank: Flying Officer Squadron: 85 01 September 1940 AIR 50/36
Name: Gowers Rank: Flying Officer Squadron: 85 Other Dates of Combat: 28 August 1940, 30 August 1940, 31 August 1940 18 August 1940 AIR 50/36

He may not have submitted them himself but he mut clearly be mentioned therein.

Dennis