When did 92 SQ change their codes from GR to QJ (sometime in mid-1940)?

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

In working with a number of photos of 92 SQ crashes from the action over France on 23 May 1940, I'm trying to determine what SQ Code these aircraft would have been carrying on that date. The Spitfires of two 92 SQ pilots (Bushell & Gillies) shot down that day were burned out back beyond the squadron codes. We're creating color profile artwork of Roger Bushell's a/c that day for the massive EOE historical project, and need to know when the codes of 92 SQ changed from GR to QJ. I'm aware of the photo of Wright's GR*S, reputedly taken on 2.6.40, in Norman Franks' "Air Battle Over Dunkirk." However, other info about Wright's aircraft indicates that it might have been "QJ" after returning from an air battle over Dunkirk. Who can sort this out and provide an accurate date for the change over in the codes. I would welcome further photos from 92 SQ from that period to help sort this out.

Regards,

[Kutscha]

Larry, if you don't get a reply here, try on the Aces High board. Dan, aka Guppy35, is quite knowledgeable on 92 Sqn. Is always posting photos of #92 Spits.

[Andy Saunders]

Larry

The photo of Cazenove's Spitfire down on the beach near Phare de Walde seems to have NO squadron codes, just the individual letter. Maybe this was very much the actual transition period - although a photo exists of Ronnie Foke's Spitfire apparently after a mishap in July which is coded GR-A.

According to Robinson's history of 92 Squadron Klipsch's aeroplane on the day he was lost was GR-H, but I am unclear as to what his sources are or how reliable this is.

[Peter Clare]

92 Squadron code.......

GR - November 1939 to June 1941.
QJ - July 1941 onwards to December 1946.

'Combat Codes' - Flintham / Thomas.

Regards
Peter.

[Andy Saunders]

QJ was certainly being worn earlier than July 1941, and certainly during the Battle of Britain. There was also the issue of both 92 and 616 wearing QJ codes at the same time.

[Larry Hickey]

Kutscha,

I took a look at "Aces High," and saw several posts from Guppy35, but none with photos. Do you have a way for me to directly contact this "Dan," or a specific web address for any of these codes that you can post here for me?

Thanx,

[Paul Thurlow]

Larry,

Records show that Spitfire X4561 (www.spitfire.ukf.net) was delivered to 92 Sqn in December 1940 as QJ-B. I have also found numerous Photographs depicting 92 Sqn Spitfires showing letters QJ as late as December 1941 on the Imperial War Museum website (www.iwmcollections.org.uk). Hope it helps.

Regards,

Paul.

[Paul Thurlow]

Larry,

Just found a very good site covering the histories of Squadrons. Here is a link to the page you need for 92 Sqn showing that the code GR was allocated Apr 1939 - Sep 1939, Oct 1939 - May 1940 and the code QJ allocated May 1940 - Dec 1946. Oops here's the link http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn091-95.htm

Regards,

Paul.

[Peter S]

301 (P) Squadron has been formed at Bramcote in June 1940 and equiped in Fairey Battles. This picture below was taken in August so obviously there is an answer of who was using GR code letters since then.

[Revi16]

QJ*P W3183

W3183 Vb 1696 HPA M45 FF 23-5-41 9MU 25-5-41 92S 26-6-41 Missing escorting Stirlings to Lille 11-7-41 P/O J Dougall PoW