Scotty Edmiston

[Brian]

Hi guys

I believe that I have found an error in the biog of a Battle of Britain pilot!

Guy A.F. Edmiston served with 151 Squadron towards the end of the battle; he then went on to fly Defiants during 1941 and claimed several victories (not recorded in any of Chris Shores' books, however.

He was NOT the Scotty Edmiston who served with 81 Squadron in Russia late 1941, as suggested. This was J.McL. Edmiston, so my research would suggest. Of course, I could be wrong!

I don't believe they were brothers - maybe otherwise related, though.

Cheers
Brian

[paulmcmillan]

1100652 John McLean EDMISTON (65580).

Apparantly he died in 1950

[JohnE]

I totally agree. It is not the same Edmiston. J.M. Edmiston served with 43 and 123 Squadron before joining 81 Squadron. He later flew with 501 and 277 Squadron.

I have an unconfirmed note saying that G.A.F Edmiston was admitted to hospital in November 1941 and didn't return to operational flying.

John Engelsted

[gedburke3]

Dear Brian,

Yes you are correct. Good sleuthing!
I have spoken to Tim Elkington who served with 81 Squadron in Russia.
He was able to confirm that the Edmiston that he served with in Russia was not Guy Edmiston but Scotty.
He recalled that Scotty Edmiston had also served with MSFU before Russia.
I have a photograph of him if you want one.
email me at gedburke3ATyahooDOTcoDOTuk

Gerry

[Brian]

Thanks Gerry

E-mail on its way.

Cheers
Brian

[markjsheppard]

Z5227 recovered from Russia was 'Scottie' Edmiston's. It had 'Scottie' painted on the engine cowl. He came from the Outer Isles.

He joined the 'Hurricat/CAM unit after Russia. I recall he suffered lasting head injuries from repeated launches and died in 1950's? Widow got a war widows pension? I can't recall there being a brother. I was in contact with his son and have copies of his log book and photo album.

I also remember the bombing raid of 6th October 1941 - it was his 20/21st Birthday.

regards

Mark

[Tom Semenza]

Just to add a bit more:

From Hugh Harkins' monograph Hurricane IIB Combat Log: 151 Wing RAF North Russia 1941, Sgt. Edmiston (formerly of 123 Sqn. but never identified by initials) of 81 Sqn. claimed a Bf 109 either probable or damaged (not clear which from the text) on 26 Sep 41 flying Z5217. The serial is in error because that Hurri did not serve with 81 Sqn. and was probably in fact Z5227. He claimed a Bf 109 destroyed the next day flying Z5227 (coded FE-33) which is one of the few 151 Wing Hurris that I have been able to match up serial nos. with codes.

In the monograph on No. 501 Sqn. by Watkins & Listemann, John McL. Edmiston (RAF No.65580) served as a F/O in 501 Sqn. from March to May 1943. Then in No. 277 (ASR) Sqn. until Nov. 1943. Promoted S/L in Dec. 43. Posted overseas serving with No. 292 (ASR) Sqn. in India from Feb. 1944.

As Paul implies, there is a listing on the FreeBDM site for a John M. Edmiston who died at Holderness, E. Yorks. in mid-1950 aged 28. This would put his date of birth at 6 October 1921 rather than 1920 (per Mark).

Tom