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No.112 Sqn RAF |
Name : No.112 Sqn RAF Founded : 25th July 1917 Disbanded : 1st July 1957 Country : UK Fate : Disbanded 1st July 1957 More Details : Swift in destruction |
Known Service Details : | |||||||
Pilot or Aircrew | Rank | Start of Service | End of Service | Known Dates | Aircraft | Airframes | Notes |
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
16th May 1939 | unknown | 2 20/11/40 14:40-16:30 1 CR.42 (b) Destroyed Gladiator Sidi Barrani 112 Squadron 09/03/41 1 G.50 (c) Probable Gladiator Kelcyre-Tepelene area 112 Squadron 3 14/03/41 1 G.50 (d) Destroyed Gladiator Tepelene-Kelcyre area 112 Squadron | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | 14th February 1941 | unknown | joining 112 Squadron on 14 February 1941.He served as a Pilot Officer in 112 Squadron, when the unit moved to Greece in early 1941. During the evening on 11 May 1941 five Bf110s of II/ZG 76, which had arrived at Argos from North Germany four days earlier, swept in over Heraklion airfield to strafe. Insufficient warning allowed only a single 112 Squadron Gladiator to get into the air, but Bofors and Lewis gunners opened fire as the Bf110s swept round the airfield. As they completed their circuit, Pilot Officer Bowker attacked one and a low level dogfight commenced, during which the lone Gladiator pilot attempted to lead his opponents over the gun positions. After a few minutes the Bf110s made off to the north-west, Bowker landing to claim one probably shot down. This claim was definitely confirmed destroyed in the Command Intelligence Summaries. On 14 September, 1941, six Tomahawks from 112 Squadron received an R/T message that there was a ‘bandit’ over Mersa Matruh at 19,000 feet. The formation climbed to about 16,000 feet and spotted a S.79 bellow Flight Lieutenant Harrison engaged the S.79, which he hit. The Italian bomber was then engaged by Pilot Officer Neville Bowker firing his wing guns only as his .5” machine gun had jammed. He reset and returned to the attack and at 150 yards, he saw petrol streaming from the enemy aircraft. He pumped shots into the starboard engine and the fuselage and the S.79 blew up. This was 112 Squadrons 77th victory and the first with their new P-40 Tomahawk IIBs. On the 27 December 1941 he was shot down by small arms fire when strafing, flying a Tomahawk (AN283 ? or was it AN218). The Germans took him prison again, but this time for the rest of the war. The award of a DFC was announced in October 1943, but with effect from 6 January 1942, by which time he had been promoted to Flight Lieutenant. | ||||
unknown | 30th May 1942 | posted to the Western Desert Where he served as Sgt with Squadron 112. During a major engagement with Me 109 JG 27 over El Adem / Tobrouk / Bir-Hakeim area on November 22, 1941, he was one of the 7 Tomahawk Of the Wing many were lost that day but he got away unharmed. The W / Co Fred Rosier lands next to him with his Hurricane. Unfortunately, a tire burst prevents them from taking off and they have to escape on foot. They return to their unit three days later. In mid-March, Burney won 5 wins, including 1 in collaboration. He did not return from a hunting-bombing mission on 30 May 1942. He is buried Alamein Memorial, El Alamein War Cemetery, El Alamein, Marsa Matruh, Egypt Killed in Action | |||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
November 1941 | unknown | ||||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
July 1944 | unknown | ||||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | On the 31st October At 13:00, Pilot Officer Duff sighted a reported ten SM 79 and gave chase However, he failed to see the escorting fighters; six CR.42s, which was part of an 18 strong escort formation, dived on him and shot him down. Fortunately, he managed to escape by parachute, suffering only slight burns. The fighters were engaged by Flying Officer Schwab, Second Lieutenant Smith and Pilot Officer Richard Acworth Schwab claimed two CR.42s shot down after which he reported that his engine failed and he force-landed, | ||||
Squadron Leader | August 1944 | unknown |
Pilots and Aircrew for : No.112 Sqn RAF | ||
A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this squadron. A profile page is available by clicking their name. | ||
Name | Info | |
Abrahams, Robert James (Dickie) Click the name above to see a profile of Abrahams, Robert James (Dickie) | Abrahams, Robert James (Dickie) Abrahams received a short service commission on 27 January 1936, being confirmed in this rank a year later. He was posted to the staff of HQ, Middle East. On 27 July 1938 he was promoted to Flying Officer. Abrahams was posted to 112 Squadron on 29 August 1940. On the 20th November 1940 durinjg combat with the 9o Gruppo’s attention focused elsewhere, the 112 Squadron’s Gladiators intervened and managed to surprise the Italian formation over Sidi Barrani. They claimed eight of the Fiats without losses. All of the six pilots made claims and Flight Lieutenant Abrahams claimed one and one shared with Pilot Officer Richard Acworth, who also claimed one additional. Flying Officer R. J. Bennett claimed one, Pilot Officer Alfred Costello claimed one, Pilot Officer Leonard Bartley claimed two and Sergeant 'Paddy' Donaldson finally claimed one. 112 Squadron didn’t record any losses in this combat On 22 December 1940, 112 Squadron patrolled over Sollum and Bardia during the day. Participating pilots were Squadron Leader Harry Brown, Flight Lieutenant Lloyd Schwab, Flight Lieutenant Abrahams, Flight Lieutenant Joseph Fraser (Gladiator K7899), Flying Officer Richard Acworth, Flying Officer Oliver Green, Flying Officer R. B. Whittington, Second Lieutenant E. R. Smith and Sergeant E. N. Woodword. Flight Lieutenant Fraser reported in his logbook that his aircraft was hit in the tailplane by AA fire and that no enemy aircraft were encountered. Flight Lieutenant Abrahams force landed safely and later returned to base, reason unspecified. It is possible that he was involved with the interception of the two SM 79s from the 278a Squadriglia in the morning or the combat with the 91a Squadriglia at lunchtime. A third alternative is that he also was hit by AA fire. Abrahams accompanied 112 Squadron to Greece. Early in the afternoon on 20 February 1941 eight Gladiators of 80 Squadron and nine of 112 Squadron flew up to Paramythia from Yannina. At 14:45 15 of these Gladiators took off in five sections of three aircraft flying in vic formation, echeloned to starboard and led by Squadron Leader H. L. I. Brown, to escort two Wellingtons of 37 Squadron, flown by Flight Lieutenant M. J. Baird-Smith and Sergeant R. T. Spiller, each carrying about one and a halt tons of supplies. A Greek Ju 52/3m accompanied the Wellingtons and their mission was to drop the supplies to the troops near Kelcyre. Low cloud and rain made the flight difficult, and near Korouode five hostile aircraft were seen, but these did not approach. The supplies were dropped successfully, and the three aircraft were escorted back to Paramythia. The fighters then returned to the frontline to patrol. On 28th february Flight Lieutenant Abrahams sho tdown a G.50Bis after this victory, was attacked by another G.50bis - believed to have been flown by Tenente Mario Bellagambi - and was shot down near Sarande. He recalled: “The old Glad suddenly went all soft. Nothing would work. I sat there and then decided I had better get out. I couldn't, so I sat there with my hands on my lap, the aircraft spinning like mad. Then, eventually, I did manage to get out. It was so pleasant sitting there in the air than I damn nearly forgot to pull the ripcord. I reckon I did the record delayed drop for all Albania and Greece. I landed, and no sooner had I fallen sprawling on the ground than I was picked up by Greek soldiers who cheered and patted me on the back. I thought I was a hell of a hero until one soldier asked me. "Milano, Roma?" and I realized that they thought I was an Iti. They didn't realize it was possible for an Englishman to be shot down. So I said "Inglese", and then the party began. I was hoisted on their shoulders, and the "here the conquering hero comes" procession started. We wined and had fun. Jolly good chaps.” He rejoined his unit the next day, on 29 February.and was posted away from 112 Squadron on 4 March 1941. He returned to the UK, where he briefly served with 41 Squadron. He commanded 129 Squadron from September 1941 – January 1942, when he was posted to Air Ministry (Directorate of Plans). On 1 July 1943 he was promoted to Wing Commander. Abrahams ended the war with 2 biplane victories, these being claimed while flying Gloster Gladiators. He remained in the RAF after the war, He was promoted to Wing Commander on 1 November 1947 (gazette on 24 October 1947) with seniority from 1 October 1946. On 1 January 1949 (gazetted 31 December 1948), he was knighted when he received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). At the time, he was serving in the RAF General Survey Organisation. He was promoted to Group Captain on 1 January 1954 (gazetted on 29 December 1953). In 1955, he was sent to command No. 2 Flying Training School at Hullavington. This unit was selected to train two courses of pilots directly on the Hunting Percival Jet Provost without any previous training on propeller aircraft (i.e. primary trainers). Abrahams retired from the service on 27 July 1967. | |
Acworth, Richard Alvin Click the name above to see a profile of Acworth, Richard Alvin
| Acworth, Richard Alvin Squadron Leader Richard " Dickie or Acky"Alvin Acworth DFC, RAF no. 40486, 112, 80 & 118Sqn, Richard Acworth was commissioned in 1937. On 16 May 1939 he was posted to 112 Squadron when this unit was formed aboard HMS Argus in Portsmouth, Hampshire. 112 Squadron was sent to Egypt and arrived on 25 May 1939. When Italy declared war on 10 June 1940 he served as Pilot Officer in ‘A’ Flight. | |
Ahern, Lance Neville Click the name above to see a profile of Ahern, Lance Neville | Ahern, Lance Neville World War II broke out he volunteered, becoming a pilot with the RAAF's 451 Squadron. Later Ahern was seconded to the RAF's 112 Squadron, flying Kittyhawks, Spitfires and Mustangs. He had one of the most distinguished service records, earning the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation for the DSO read: "Squadron-Leader Ahern has taken part in the campaigns in the Western Desert, North Africa, Sicily and Italy. His ability as a pilot has been outstanding. On several occassions his aircraft sustained severe damage from anti-aircraft fire, and once he was forced to make a crash landing, fortunately just behind our own lines. Since he has been in command of his squadron, he has led many successful and spectacular missions that have resulted in the destruction or damaging of numerous mechanised vehicles, tanks, railway bridges, and a number of ammunition dumps which exploded. He has personally destroyed three enemy aircraft on the ground and damaged two FW190s in air combat. The high standard of efficiency and superb example of courage set by Squadron Leader Ahern has been beyond praise." His first crash landing occurred in the Western Desert where he was stranded upside down in his aircraft. A tank appeared; Ahern was not immediately sure to which side the tank belonged. Ahern remained as still as possible. The tank hatch opened and a very English voice inquired, "I say, old chap, do you have a screwdriver?" He stayed the rest of the day in the tank, caught in a crossfire. He remembered the day as one of his most terrifying of the war. On the other occassion, while strafing German troops in Italy, his aircraft was badly damaged by ground fire, and rather than bale out over the enemy, he glided his aircraft to behind Allied lines. His physical decline in later years would be linked to back injuries sustained in those forced landings. | |
Arthur, Charles Ian Rose Click the name above to see a profile of Arthur, Charles Ian Rose
| Arthur, Charles Ian Rose Born 4 June 1918 in Fort Garry, Manitoba; educated at Kelvin High School, Winnipeg. joined 141 Squadron. From Fort Garry, Manitoba. 01 Jun 1943 as a F/Lt he took command of 232 Squadron in Tunisia until 25 Dec and then commanded 72 Squadron at Lagos, Italy. He destroyed a Me 109 on 07 May and was awarded the DFC 9/6/44. He took the squadron to Sisteron, France to cover the landings and returned to Italy on 02 Oct. He was promoted to acting W/Com and awarded a bar to his DFC. He left the RAF as a W/Com on 03 Nov, 1954 and returned to Canada Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation in the RAF, 29 October 1938. Reported to No.141 Squadron, 10 October 1939; posted to No.242 Squadron, 3 December 1940; posted to No.145 Squadron, 23 May 1941; posted to Central Flying School, Upavon, 18 October 1941. Instructor, No.5 (P) Advanced Flying Unit, Ternhill, December 1941; instructor, No.7 (P) Advanced Flying Unit, Peterborogh; to No.411 Squadron, November 1942; to No.122 Squadron, January 1943; to No.81 Squadron (North Africa), March 1943; to No.242 Squadron (Flight Commander), March 1943; to No.232 Squadron (to command), 1 June 1943; remained until December 1943; posted to Aleppo, December 1943; to No.72 Squadron (to command), April 1944; to No.5 Refresher Flying Unit, Perugia (as Wing Commander), November 1944; to No.239 Wing (Mustangs) as Wing Leader, July 1945. Returned to UK, 1946, reverting to Squadron Leader. No.19 Squadron (in command), April 1946 to August 1948. Retired from RAF, November 1954 and settled in Canada. Air Ministry Bulletin 14231/AL.829 refers. See Michel Lavigne, Canadian Wing Commanders. Known victories as follows: 25 June 1941, one Bf.109 destroyed, Le Touquet (Circus 23); 30 June 1941, one Bf.109 destroyed (shared with F/O St.Pierre, RAF), Le Touquet area, Circus; 29 June 1943, one Bf.109 destroyed (shared with another pilot), Comiso; 17 July 1943, one Bf.109 damaged, Sicily; 12 August 1943, one MC.202 damaged, northwest of Milazzo; 7 May 1944, one Bf.109 destroyed, Lake Bracciano area; 16 May 1944, one Bf.109 destroyed (shared with another pilot), Lake Bracciano area; 14 October 1944, one Me.410 destroyed (shared with five other pilots), Bergamo area. | |
Banks, Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Banks, Arthur
| Banks, Arthur | |
Bannock, Russ Click the name above to see a profile of Bannock, Russ | Bannock, Russ Russ Bannock joined the RCAF in 1939 and was posted to 112 Squadron. He transferred to 418 (City of Edmonton) Squadron RCAF in May 1944, equipped with the excellent Mosquito MkVI fighter-bomber and carried out many Intruder missions, mostly against enemy airfields, especially in the period prior to D-Day. With the squadron he helped to defend London against the V1 blitz, all night. With 19 flying bombs to his credit, he was given command of 406 (City of Saskatoon) Squadron based at Manston with the Mk30 Mosquito. From late 1944 until the war's end he carried out operations mainly against enemy airfields. | |
Bennett, Richard John Click the name above to see a profile of Bennett, Richard John | Bennett, Richard John Bennett received a short service commission in August 1938. On 16 May 1939 R. J. Bennett was posted to 112 Squadron when this unit was formed aboard HMS Argus in Portsmouth, Hampshire.112 Squadron was sent to Egypt and arrived on 25 May 1939. His rank of Pilot Officer was confirmed in June. When Italy declared war on 10 June 1940 he served in ‘C’ Flight. On 3 July 1940 Flying Officer R. H. Smith and Flying Officer Bennett of 112 Squadron was sent to 33 Squadrons 'A' Flight at Sidi Barrani to gain battle experience. Later Bennett accompanied 112 Squadron to Greece and took part in that campaign, he later took part in the defense of Crete. On the 2 June, a day after the British forces on Crete had surrendered, three of 112 squadron airmen, ACI McLennan (539503 ACI McLennan, G R, Fitter IIE), LAC Harrington and AC Malloy, together with Flying Officer Bennett and Pilot Officer Len Bartley and men of various other units, found two abandoned German invasion barges on the rocks of the south coast of Crete in the Tymbaki area. One was holed and the other had an unserviceable engine so the airmen transferred the good engine to the seaworthy barge. They managed to launch it and, having collected water and rations (during the day a Blenheim swooped low over the party and dropped a quantity of most welcome rations) and fuel, set off for Egypt. Aboard were six officers and 66 men. Other known officers were Lieutenant E. G. Ford of 24 SAAF Squadron, and his observer, Second Lieutenant G. L. W. Gill (both from a Maryland that was shot down on 25 May) and a wounded Australian officer. In the early morning of the second day when the barge was about 30 miles out a submarine commander in perfect English hailed them. Believing this to be a Royal Naval vessel they answered cheerfully and received a burst of machine-gun fire in return. The Italian submarine commander probably then realized the British were unarmed and the officers were then ordered to swim to the submarine, but whilst attempting to do so, Gill was tragically drowned. The wounded Australian officer who had been left aboard was now ordered to return the craft to Crete, but Sergeant D. D. McWilliam, one of the Maryland crew, assumed command, decided to ignore the order and continued towards the North African coast. After four days, traveling at about 4 knots, 'McLennan's barge' reached the Egyptian coast. After a while they recognized the sand dunes of Mersa Matruh and, seeing British troops, came ashore. On board the submarine, the prisoners, who had not been able to wash for many days, were not only rather unwholesome but were also infested with fleas so the Italians took immediate steps to have them landed at Taranto, their first port of call. Bennett remained a PoW for the rest of the war. He was promoted Flight Lieutenant whilst in captivity. | |
Bowker, Neville Click the name above to see a profile of Bowker, Neville
| Bowker, Neville born in 1918 in the Orange Free State, South Africa, but was brought up in the Southern Rhodesia. He joined the SAAF, but transferred to the RAF in mid 1940, being commissioned in the RAFVR. He attended 70 OTU at Nakuru, joining 112 Squadron on 14 February 1941.He served as a Pilot Officer in 112 Squadron, when the unit moved to Greece in early 1941. During the evening on 11 May 1941 five Bf110s of II/ZG 76, which had arrived at Argos from North Germany four days earlier, swept in over Heraklion airfield to strafe. Insufficient warning allowed only a single 112 Squadron Gladiator to get into the air, but Bofors and Lewis gunners opened fire as the Bf110s swept round the airfield. As they completed their circuit, Pilot Officer Bowker attacked one and a low level dogfight commenced, during which the lone Gladiator pilot attempted to lead his opponents over the gun positions. After a few minutes the Bf110s made off to the north-west, Bowker landing to claim one probably shot down. This claim was definitely confirmed destroyed in the Command Intelligence Summaries. On 14 September, 1941, six Tomahawks from 112 Squadron received an R/T message that there was a ‘bandit’ over Mersa Matruh at 19,000 feet. The formation climbed to about 16,000 feet and spotted a S.79 bellow Flight Lieutenant Harrison engaged the S.79, which he hit. The Italian bomber was then engaged by Pilot Officer Neville Bowker firing his wing guns only as his .5” machine gun had jammed. He reset and returned to the attack and at 150 yards, he saw petrol streaming from the enemy aircraft. He pumped shots into the starboard engine and the fuselage and the S.79 blew up. This was 112 Squadrons 77th victory and the first with their new P-40 Tomahawk IIBs. On the 27 December 1941 he was shot down by small arms fire when strafing, flying a Tomahawk (AN283 ? or was it AN218). The Germans took him prison again, but this time for the rest of the war. The award of a DFC was announced in October 1943, but with effect from 6 January 1942, by which time he had been promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Bowker was credited with 2 biplane victories and a total of 10 victories at the time of his capture. | |
Burney, HENRY GEORGE Click the name above to see a profile of Burney, HENRY GEORGE
| Burney, HENRY GEORGE Henry Burney worked as a clerk before joining the RAAF on August 19, 1940. At the end of his training he was posted to the Western Desert Where he served as Sgt with Squadron 112. During a major engagement with Me 109 JG 27 over El Adem / Tobrouk / Bir-Hakeim area on November 22, 1941, he was one of the 7 Tomahawk Of the Wing many were lost that day but he got away unharmed. The W / Co Fred Rosier lands next to him with his Hurricane. Unfortunately, a tire burst prevents them from taking off and they have to escape on foot. They return to their unit three days later. In mid-March, Burney won 5 wins, including 1 in collaboration. He did not return from a hunting-bombing mission on 30 May 1942. He is buried Alamein Memorial, El Alamein War Cemetery, El Alamein, Marsa Matruh, Egypt | |
Cochrane, H P Click the name above to see a profile of Cochrane, H P | Cochrane, H P | |
Cockram, Ken Click the name above to see a profile of Cockram, Ken | Cockram, Ken After training in Rhodesia and a spell with 73 OTU in Egypt, Ken Cockram flew Hurricanes and Spitfires in late 1944 and early 1945 with 26 AA Cooperation Unit based in Egypt. He also flew Curtiss Kittyhawks with 112 Squadron on anti-shipping and fighter patrols, once crashing his aircraft on take-off during a dust storm. He completed a total of 198 operations. | |
Drake, Billy Click the name above to see a profile of Drake, Billy
| Drake, Billy Joined the R.A.F. in 1936. His first posting was to 1 squadron flying Furies then Hurricanes and first saw action over France in the Spring of 1940 and was awarded his first DFC by the end of the year. As a Squadron Leader he was sent to West Africa to command 128 Squadron. 1942 saw his commanding 112 squadron in North Africa, in July saw an immediate BAR to his DFC and in December an immediate DSO. Posted to Malta as Wing Commander he won a US DFC in 1943. Back in the UK he now was flying Typhoons in the lead up to D-Day. With Pete Brothers he was sent to the States to attend the US Staff School at Fort Leavenworth. After the war he continued in the R.A.F. serving in Japan, Malaya, Singapore, Switzerland and his final posting as Group Captain RAF Chivenor, Devon. Retired in July 1963. Going to Portugal where he ran a Bar and Restaurant and dealing in Real Estate. In his flying career he accounted for more than 24 enemy aircraft. Sadly, Billy Drake passed away on 28th August 2011. | |
Duke, Neville Click the name above to see a profile of Duke, Neville
| Duke, Neville Neville Duke flew Spitfires as wingman to Sailor Malan in 92 Squadron. In November 1941 he was posted to 112 Squadron in the Middle East. After a second tour in the Desert, he flew a third tour, with 145 Squadron in Italy. He was the top scoring Allied Ace in the Mediterranean with 28 victories. After the war, in 1953, he captured the World Air Speed record. He died 7th April 2007. | |
Fraser, Click the name above to see a profile of Fraser, | Fraser, | |
Fry, C. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Fry, C. H. | Fry, C. H. | |
Green, Percy Oliver Valentine Click the name above to see a profile of Green, Percy Oliver Valentine | Green, Percy Oliver Valentine | |
Hamlyn, Jack Click the name above to see a profile of Hamlyn, Jack | Hamlyn, Jack | |
Harrison, Henry W Click the name above to see a profile of Harrison, Henry W | Harrison, Henry W | |
Lee, Kenneth N.T. Click the name above to see a profile of Lee, Kenneth N.T.
| Lee, Kenneth N.T. Kenneth Norman Thomson Lee was a Battle of Britain pilot who volunteered for the RAF in 1937. Kenneth Lee joined 111 Squadron at Northolt in March 1939. He was commissioned and went to 43 Squadron at Tangmere. Kenneth Lee flew Hurricanes during the Battles of France and Britain with No.501 Sqn, based at Filton and accumulated 7 victories, the first being when 501 Squadron went to France on May 10th 1940 and Kenneth Lee claimed a Bf 110 destroyed later that day. On the 12th he destroyed a Do 17 and a Bf109. The Squadron flew back from France on June 18th and re-assembled at Croydon on the 21st. On May 27th Kenneth Lee claimed an He111 destroyed and a Do17 on June 6th. While attacking a formation of He111s on June 10th Lee's Hurricane was hit by return fire from one of the He111s and exploded. He took to his parachute and landed at Le Mans. Kenneth Lee damaged a Ju 87 on July 29th and on August 12th destroyed another Ju87. While flying his Hurricane (P3059) Lee was shot down for a second time on the 18th when Oberleutnant Schopfel in an Me109 of JG26 shot him down over Canterbury. Kenneth Lee baled out, with a bullet wound in the leg and landed near Whitstable. In October, Lee rejoined 501 Sqn and on the 22nd October he was awarded the DFC. On November 29th Lee was posted to the Special Duties flight at Stormy Down and later transferred as Flight Commander to 52 OTU, at Crosby-On-Eden. In December 1941 Kenneth Lee became Flight Commander with 112 Squadron when he was posted to the Middle East and on the 18th of September 1942 Lee moved to 260 Squadron. On 10th November he destroyed an Mc202. He took control of 123 Squadron at Abadan, Persia in March 1943. In May, Lee with 123 Squadron went to the Western Desert and on July 27th 1943 Lee was shot down for the third time and captured on a dawn raid on Crete. He was taken prisoner of war to Stalag Luft 111 at Sagan and Belaria. Ken Lee left the RAF in late 1945 as a Squadron Leader. Sadly, Kenneth Lee passed away on 15th January 2008. | |
Mould, Bill Click the name above to see a profile of Mould, Bill | Mould, Bill After joining 213 Sqn as a pilot he flew Hurricanes and Spitfires over France and Germany. In July 1944 he moved to 112 Sqn operating from Italy flying the P-40 and P-51 Mustang, completing a total of 100 operations. He was shot down on a mission over Croatia but evaded capture and was able to return to the unit in Italy. | |
Schwab, Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Click the name above to see a profile of Schwab, Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy'
| Schwab, Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Lloyd Schwab was born in Niagra Falls, Ontario, joining the RAF on a short service commission in March 1936. On completion of training he was posted to 17 Squadron late in the year, and when 'B' Flight became the nucleus of 80 Squadron in March 1937, he became a part of that unit, subsequently accompanying it to Egypt. During the morning on 17 August, the Mediterranean Fleet was out for a raid in support of the Army. The battleships HMS Warspite, HMS Ramilles and HMS Malaya, supported by the cruiser HMS Kent and three flotillas of destroyers bombarded Bardia harbour and Fort Capuzzo, starting at 06:45 and continuing for 22 minutes. As the vessels headed back towards Alexandria a series of bombing attacks were launched against them by the Regia Aeronautica. The RAF and the FAA provided escort for the fleet. HMS Eagle's Fighter Flight of three Sea Gladiators had been flown to Sidi Barrani airfield in Libya, and from here patrolled over the Fleet. 'B' and 'C' Flights of 80 Squadron provided air support with flights of four Gladiators over the ships from dawn to dusk. ‘A’ Flight of 112 Squadron was positioned at Z Landing Ground (Matruh West) while ‘C’ Flight of 112 Squadron was based at Y LG about 18 kilometres further west and they also took part in the covering missions. The attacks on the Royal Navy began when, at 10:40 five SM 79s were seen at 12,000 feet, heading in from the north-east. Over the fleet there were, on standing patrol, at least the Gladiators of ‘A’ Flight 112 Squadron (probably six of them), the three Sea Gladiators of HMS Eagle’s Fighter Flight and a single Hurricane from ‘A’ Flight 80 Squadron flown by Flying Officer John Lapsley (P2641). They intercepted the Italian bombers and altogether claimed six of them; one by Flight Lieutenant Schwab, one by Pilot Officer Peter Wickham, (both from 112 Squadron) and three by Lapsley. Two Sea Gladiators flown by Lieutenant (A) Kenneth Keith (N5513) and Lieutenant Anthony Young (N5567) attacked several formations. Young attacked one in company with a 112 Squadron Gladiator flown by an unknown pilot. Keith joined the attack and the port wing of the bomber burst into flames, two members of the crew bailing out before the Savoia crashed into the sea. Commander Charles Keighly-Peach (N5517) became separated, and realizing the futility of chasing the fleeing bombers alone, headed back over the Fleet in time to see to more formations attacking (totally 25 SM 79s were counted). He made three attacks on one bomber, seeing numerous pieces fall off and it went into a shallow dive. One man baled out, but as the aircraft lost height rapidly, it disappeared into cloud. He attacked another twice but without result. On the 31st October At 13:00, Pilot Officer Duff sighted a reported ten SM 79 and gave chase However, he failed to see the escorting fighters; six CR.42s, which was part of an 18 strong escort formation, dived on him and shot him down. Fortunately, he managed to escape by parachute, suffering only slight burns. The fighters were engaged by Flying Officer Schwab, Second Lieutenant Smith and Pilot Officer Richard Acworth Schwab claimed two CR.42s shot down after which he reported that his engine failed and he force-landed, On 3 April Flight Lieutenant Schwab took command over 112 Squadron after Squadron Leader H. L. I. Brown, when the later was posted away from the unit. In September 1943 he was promoted Wing Commander and came back to the UK to command an advanced flying training unit. Schwab ended the war with 6 victories and 1 probable; all of them scored while flying Gladiators. He remained in the RAF after the war, retiring in March 1958 as a Wing Commander. | |
Smither, G B Click the name above to see a profile of Smither, G B | Smither, G B | |
Trees, Ted Click the name above to see a profile of Trees, Ted | Trees, Ted Joining 112 Squadron in August 1944 he flew the P-40 and P-51 completing 132 operations over Yugoslavia, Italy and Austria in support of the ground troops. | |
Wells, Stanley Click the name above to see a profile of Wells, Stanley | Wells, Stanley |
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Aircraft for : No.112 Sqn RAF | ||
A list of all aircraft associated with No.112 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name. | ||
Aircraft | Info | |
Gladiator
Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1935 Retired : 1945 Number Built : 746 | Gladiator GLOSTER GLADIATOR: A continuation form the Gloster Gauntlet aircraft the Gloster Gladiator (SS37) becoming designated the F.7/30 was named Gladiator on the 1st July 1935. The first 70 Gladiators had Under wing machine guns (Vickers or Lewis) before the browning became standard The first aircraft arrived at Tangmere airfield on in February 1937 to no. 72 squadron. at the outbreak of world war two a total of 218 Gladiators had been received by the Royal air force with a total of 76 on active service. They served also in the Middle eats and in 1940 when Italy joined the war was nearly the only front line fighter in the middle east. Between 1939 and 1941. the Gloster Gladiator flew in many war zones. flying in France, Greece, Norway, Crete Egypt Malta and Aden. The Aircraft claimed nearly 250 air victories. It stayed in front line duties until 1942, then becoming fighter trainer, and other sundry roles. It continued in these roles until the end of world war two. The Naval equivalent the Sea Gladiator a short service in the Middle east and European waters. A Total of 746 aircraft were built of these 98 were Sea Gladiators.. Performance. speed: 250mph at 17,500 feet, 257 mph at 14,600 Range 430 miles. Armament: Two fixed .3-03 browning machine guns | |
Hurricane
Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1936 Number Built : 14533 | Hurricane Royal Air Force Fighter, the Hawker Hurricane had a top speed of 320mph, at 18,200 feet and 340mph at 17,500, ceiling of 34,200 and a range of 935 miles. The Hurricane was armed with eight fixed wing mounted .303 browning machine guns in the Mark I and twelve .303 browning's in the MKIIB in the Hurricane MKIIC it had four 20mm cannon. All time classic fighter the Hurricane was designed in 1933-1934, the first prototype flew in June 1936 and a contract for 600 for the Royal Air Force was placed. The first production model flew ion the 12th October 1937 and 111 squadron of the Royal Air Force received the first Hurricanes in January 1938. By the outbreak of World war two the Royal Air Force had 18 operational squadrons of Hurricanes. During the Battle of Britain a total of 1715 Hurricanes took part, (which was more than the rest of the aircraft of the Royal air force put together) and almost 75% of the Victories during the Battle of Britain went to hurricane pilots. The Hawker Hurricane was used in all theatres during World war two, and in many roles. in total 14,533 Hurricanes were built. | |
Kittyhawk
Manufacturer : Curtiss | Kittyhawk Curtiss Kittyhawk, single engine fighter with a top speed of 362mph, ceiling of 30,000 feet and a range of 1190 miles with extra fuel tanks but 900 miles under normal operation. Kitty Hawk armaments was four or six .50in machine guns in the wings and a bomb load of up to 1,000 lb's. A development of the earlier Tomahawk, the Kitty Hawk saw service in may air force's around the world, American, Australian, New Zealand, and the Royal Air Force. which used them in the Mediterranean, north Africa, and Malta. from January 1942/ apart from the large numbers used by the Us Air Force, over 3,000 were used by Commonwealth air force's including the Royal air Force. | |
Mustang
Manufacturer : North American | Mustang The ubiquitous North American P-51 Mustang, which many consider to be the best all-around fighter of WW II, owes its origins to the British Air Ministry. Following Britains entry into WW II in 1939, the RAF was interested in purchasing additional fighter aircraft from American sources, particularly the Curtiss P-40. Curtiss, which was busy, was unable to guarantee timely delivery so the British approached North American Aviation as a possible second source for the P-40. North American chose to propose its own fighter design which would use the same Allison engine as the P-40. Utilizing new laminar flow wings, the North American fighter was expected to have performance better than the P-40. Developed in record time the new aircraft was designated as a Mustang I by the Brits, whereas the USAAF ordered two for evaluation which were designated XP-51 Apaches. Intrigued with the possibility of using this aircraft also as a dive bomber, North American proposed this to the USAAF which decided to order 500 of the P-51 aircraft to be modified for dive bombing use. Designated as the A-36 Invader, this version of the Mustang utilized dive flaps, and bomb racks under each wing. Some reinforcing of the structural members was also required because of the G-forces to be encountered in dive bombing. A-36s entered combat service with the USAAF prior to any P-51s. In early 1943 the 86th and 27th Fighter Bomber Groups of the 12th Air Force began flying A-36s out of Northern Africa. Despite some early problems with instability caused by the dive flaps, the A-36 was effective in light bombing and strafing roles. It was not, however, capable of dog fighting with German fighters, especially at higher altitudes. Despite these drawbacks one USAAF pilot, Captain Michael T. Russo, who served with the 16th Bomb Squadron of the 27th Fighter Bomber Group, was credited with five confirmed aerial victories in the A-36, thereby becoming the first mustang ace. | |
Tomahawk
Manufacturer : Curtiss Number Built : 16802 | Tomahawk A total of sixteen Royal Air Force squadrons used the Tomahawk from British bases, and five more squadrons in the Middle East, as well as South African and Australian units. The Curtiss Tomahawk equipped the legendary Flying Tigers of the American Volunteer Group in China, in 1941, before the United States was officialy at war with Japan. In all, 16,802 Curtiss Tomahawks in a succession of improved models, were mainly built for the US Air Force. |
No.112 Sqn RAF Artwork |
The Jaws of Victory by Ivan Berryman. | Tribute to Squadron Leader Billy Drake by Ivan Berryman. | Clipped Signature - Billy Drake. |
Kittyhawks of No.112 Squadron by Graeme Lothian. | Impossible Odds by Ivan Berryman. | Operation Mercury by Nicolas Trudgian. |
Desert Sharks by Robert Taylor. | Curtiss Tomahawk IIB by Jerry Boucher. | Duel in the Desert by Nicolas Trudgian. |
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