Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
No 56 Sqn Personnel, aircraft and locations
[Jul 1920 | Aug 1920 | Apr 1921 | Jul 1921 | Jul 1922 | May 1923 | Jul 1923 | Jan 1924 | May 1924 | Jan 1925 | Feb 1925 | Mar 1925 | Apr 1925 | May 1925 | Jun 1925 | Jul 1925 | Mar 1926 | Jul 1926 | Dec 1926 | Jul 1927 | Jul 1928 | Sep 1928 | Jul 1929 | Jul 1930 | Aug 1930 | Sep 1930 | Oct 1930 | Nov 1930 | Dec 1930 | Jul 1931 | Jul 1932 | Jul 1933 | Jan 1934 | Jul 1934 | Jul 1935 | Jul 1936 | Aug 1936 | Jul 1937 | Jul 1938 | Jan 1939 | Apr 1939 | May 1939 | Jan-Dec 1940 | Jan-Dec 1941]
Organisational Movements: Feb - Jul 1920
Date | Notes |
1 Feb 1920 | Reformed at RAF Aboukir by redesignating No 80 Squadron, equipped with Sopwith Snipes. |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | Aboukir, Egypt | Egyptian Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Phillip Babington | A | 15 Dec 1919 | Officer Commanding; MC, DFC, later AM |
Flt Lt | Edward R Pretyman | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Leslie G Wood | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Frederick W Deane | A | 15 Dec 1919 | DFC |
Fg Off | Maxwell H Coote | A | 23 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | Arthur P Livingstone | Ad | 8 Jun 1918 | |
Fg Off | Charles E Maitland | A | 25 Jan 1918 | DFC |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard | A | 19 Feb 1920 | VC |
Fg Off | Stanley M Park | A | 19 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | Thomas S Horry | A | 19 Feb 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | Maurice M Freehill | A | 30 Sep 1918 | DFC |
Fg Off | William W McConnachie | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Reginald W Godfrey | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | John S Griffiths | A | 19 Feb 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | William N Plenderleith | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Christopher Ayling | A | 24 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | Leslie W Park | Ad | 2 Jun 1920 | |
Fg Off | Charles E Tidy | Stores | 24 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | John Bradbury | A | 10 Mar 1919 | |
Fg Off | John M Wyer | T | 23 Apr 1919 |
Source - July 1920 Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | Aboukir, Egypt | Egyptian Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Phillip Babington | A | 15 Dec 1919 | Officer Commanding; MC, DFC, later AM |
Flt Lt | Edward R Pretyman | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Leslie G Wood | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Frederick W Deane | A | 15 Dec 1919 | DFC |
Fg Off | Maxwell H Coote | A | 23 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | Arthur P Livingstone | Ad | 8 Jun 1918 | |
Fg Off | Charles E Maitland | A | 25 Jan 1918 | DFC |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard | A | 19 Feb 1920 | VC |
Fg Off | Stanley M Park | A | 19 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | Thomas S Horry | A | 19 Feb 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | Maurice M Freehill | A | 30 Sep 1918 | DFC |
Fg Off | William W McConnachie | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | John S Griffiths | A | 19 Feb 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | William N Plenderleith | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Christopher Ayling | A | 24 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | Leslie W Park | Ad | 2 Jun 1920 | |
Fg Off | Charles E Tidy | Stores | 24 Feb 1920 |
Source - August 1920 Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | Aboukir, Egypt | Egyptian Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Phillip Babington | A | 15 Dec 1919 | Officer Commanding; MC, DFC, later AM |
Flt Lt | Edward R Pretyman | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | A & S | 25 Jul 1920 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | George H D Gossip | A | 17 Nov 1920 | |
Fg Off | Leslie G Wood | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Frederick W Deane | A | 15 Dec 1919 | DFC |
Fg Off | Maxwell H Coote | A | 23 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | George D Daly | T | 8 Feb 1921 | later AVM |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard | A | 19 Feb 1920 | VC |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | A | 8 Feb 1921 | |
Fg Off | William W McConnachie | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | William N Plenderleith | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Leslie W Park | Ad | 2 Jun 1920 | |
Fg Off | Albert E Platford | T | 8 Feb 1921 | |
Stores Officer | ||||
Fg Off | Charles E Tidy | Stores | 24 Feb 1920 | |
Medical Branch | ||||
Flt Lt | Thomas N Withrow | Med | 30 Dec 1920 |
Source - April 1921 Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | Aboukir, Egypt | Egyptian Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Phillip Babington | A | 15 Dec 1919 | Officer Commanding; MC, DFC, later AM |
Flt Lt | Edward R Pretyman | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Flt Lt | Trevor E Salt | A | 20 May 1921 | |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | A & S | 25 Jul 1920 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | George H D Gossip | A | 17 Nov 1920 | |
Fg Off | Leslie G Wood | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Maxwell H Coote | A | 23 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | George D Daly | T | 8 Feb 1921 | later AVM |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | A | 8 Feb 1921 | |
Fg Off | William W McConnachie | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | A | 20 May 1921 | |
Fg Off | William N Plenderleith | A | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Fg Off | Leslie W Park | Ad | 2 Jun 1920 | |
Fg Off | Albert E Platford | T | 8 Feb 1921 | |
Fg Off | Cecil R Stewart | A | 11 Apr 1921 | |
Stores Officer | ||||
Fg Off | Charles E Tidy | Stores | 24 Feb 1920 | |
Medical Branch | ||||
Flt Lt | Donald G Boddie | Med | 2 Apr 1921 |
Source - July 1921 Air Force List
Branches: A = Aeroplane, A & S = Aeroplane and Seaplane, Ad = Administrative, Med = Medical, O = Observer, T = Technical
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | Aboukir, Egypt | Egyptian Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | George G A Williams | 10 Sep 1921 | Officer Commanding |
Flt Lt | Edward R Pretyman | 15 Dec 1919 | |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | 25 Jul 1920 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | George H D Gossip | 17 Nov 1920 | Killed in a flying accident - 24 Apr 1923 |
Fg Off | Maxwell H Coote | 23 Feb 1920 | |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | 8 Feb 1921 | |
Fg Off | George H H Scott | 10 Jun 1921 | MC |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 20 May 1921 | |
Fg Off | Albert E Platford | 8 Feb 1921 | |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 1 Dec 1921 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Edward F Haylock | 24 Sep 1921 | |
Stores Officer | |||
Fg Off | Charles E Tidy | 24 Feb 1920 | |
Accountant | |||
Fg Off | Cecil G Prior | 17 Feb 1922 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Thomas R S Thompson | 1 Feb 1922 |
Source - July 1922 Air Force List
Organisational Movements: Jul 1922 - May 1923
Date | Notes |
23 Sep 1922 | Squadron disbanded but a flight was attached to No 208 Sqn and sent to Turkey |
1 Nov 1922 | Squadron reformed at RAF Hawkinge comprising a HQ and two flights, still equipped with Sopwith Snipes |
1 Nov 1922 | The Flight serving in Turkey attached to HQ Constantinople Wing, was taken over a its third flight |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Nominal Roll of Officer on re-formation - 1 Nov 1922
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Joseph S T Fall | 1 Nov 1922 | Officer Commanding (Temporary) |
Flt Lt | Thomas C Luke | 1 Nov 1922 | Adjutant |
Flt Lt | Charles McM Laing | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Roland S Higgins | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | 1 Nov 1922 | ||
Plt Off | George A F Bucknall | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard VC | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Francis H Ronksley | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | B A Davy | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Herbert G Brookman | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Plt Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Archibald T Shaw | 1 Nov 1922 | Stores Officer |
Fg Off | Robert E Staggall | 1 Nov 1922 | Accountant |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Nominal Roll of Officer serving with the Detached Flight in Turkey - 1 Nov 1922
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | 26 Sep 1922 | AFC; later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | George H D Gossip | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 26 Sep 1922 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Personnel Movements Nov 1922 - May 1923
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Ivor T Lloyd | 25 Nov 1922 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS as Officer Commanding |
Flt Lt | Joseph S T Fall | 25 Nov 1922 | Relinquished command of the squadron but assumed command of 'A' Flight |
Plt Off | Dudley F A Apthorp | 20 Dec 1922 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | Maurice J Fitzmaurice | 20 Dec 1922 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Fg Off | B A Davy | 22 Feb 1923 | Posted to No 1 Sqn, Iraq |
Fg Off | Arthur H C A Rawson | 15 Mar 1923 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot |
Fg Off | Roland S Higgins | 15 Mar 1923 | Posted to CFS |
Fg Off | George H D Gossip | 24 Apr 1923 | Killed in a flying accident |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | RAF Hawkinge | Inland Area/No 1 Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Ivor T Lloyd | 25 Nov 1922 | Officer Commanding; later A/Cdre |
Flt Lt | Joseph S T Fall | 1 Nov 1922 | DSC, AFC |
Flt Lt | Thomas C Luke | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Flt Lt | Charles McM Laing | 1 Nov 1922 | MC, AFC |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard | 1 Nov 1922 | VC |
Fg Off | James C Burney-Cumming | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Francis H Ronksley | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Fg Off | Roland S Higgins | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Herbert G Brookman | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | 1 Nov 1922 | later AVM | |
Fg Off | Arthur H C A Rawson | 15 Mar 1923 | |
Plt Off | George A F Bucknall | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Plt Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Plt Off | Dudley F A Apthorp | 20 Dec 1922 | |
Plt Off | Maurice J Fitzmaurice | 20 Dec 1922 | Died from injuries - 14 Jul 1923 |
Stores Officer | |||
Fg Off | Archibald T Shaw | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Robert E Staggall | 1 Nov 1922 | Accountant |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Charles A Harrison | 8 May 1923 |
Detached Flight
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | San Stephano, Turkey | Constantinople Wing |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | 26 Sep 1922 | AFC; later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 26 Sep 1922 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 |
Source - May 1923 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: May - Jul 1923
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | Maurice J Fitzmaurice | 20 Dec 1922 | Died from injuries - 14 Jul 1923 |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: May - Jul 1923
Date | Notes |
7 May 1923 | Squadron moved from RAF Hawkinge to RAF Biggin Hill |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | RAF Biggin Hill | Inland Area/No 1 Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Ivor T Lloyd | 25 Nov 1922 | Officer Commanding; later A/Cdre |
Flt Lt | Joseph S T Fall | 1 Nov 1922 | DSC, AFC |
Flt Lt | Thomas C Luke | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Flt Lt | Charles McM Laing | 1 Nov 1922 | MC, AFC |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard | 1 Nov 1922 | VC |
Fg Off | James C Burney-Cumming | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Francis H Ronksley | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Fg Off | Roland S Higgins | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Herbert G Brookman | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | 1 Nov 1922 | later AVM | |
Fg Off | George A F Bucknall | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Arthur H C A Rawson | 15 Mar 1923 | |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Plt Off | Dudley F A Apthorp | 20 Dec 1922 | |
Stores Officer | |||
Fg Off | Archibald T Shaw | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Robert E Staggall | 1 Nov 1922 | Accountant |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Charles A Harrison | 8 May 1923 |
Detached Flight
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | San Stephano, Turkey | Constantinople Wing |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | 26 Sep 1922 | AFC; later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 26 Sep 1922 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 |
Source - July 1923 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1923 - Jan 1924
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Joseph S T Fall | xx Aug 1923 | Posted to No 1 Sqn, Iraq |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | 25 Aug 1923 | Returned from Turkey and proceeded on leave |
Fg Off | George H D Gossip | 25 Aug 1923 | Returned from Turkey and proceeded on leave |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | 25 Aug 1923 | Returned from Turkey and proceeded on leave |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 25 Aug 1923 | Returned from Turkey and proceeded on leave |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 25 Aug 1923 | Returned from Turkey and proceeded on leave |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 25 Aug 1923 | Returned from Turkey and proceeded on leave |
Sqn Ldr | Ivor T Lloyd | 24 Sep 1923 | Posted to RAF College, Cranwell |
Sqn Ldr | Sir Christopher J Q Brand | 24 Sep 1923 | Arrived on posting from RAF India as Officer Commanding |
Fg Off | William A C A Yearsley | 8 Oct 1923 | Arrived on posting from CFS |
Plt Off | Dudley F A Apthorp | xx Oct 1923 | Placed on Retired List on account of ill-health |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard | xx Nov 1923 | Posted to CFS |
Flt Lt | Charles McM Laing | xx Dec 1823 | Posted to RAF Depot |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1923 - Jan 1924
Date | Notes |
xx Aug 1923 | Officers of the Detached Flight in Turkey arrived in the UK and joined the squadron |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | RAF Biggin Hill | Inland Area/No 1 Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 24 Sep 1923 | Officer Commanding; KBE, DSO, MC, DFC; later AVM | |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | 25 Aug 1923 | AFC; later A/Cdre |
Flt Lt | Thomas C Luke | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Flt Lt | Charles McM Laing | 1 Nov 1922 | MC, AFC |
Fg Off | Alan Jerrard | 1 Nov 1922 | VC |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | 23 Aug 1923 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Francis H Ronksley | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 26 Sep 1922 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | 1 Nov 1922 | later AVM | |
Fg Off | George A F Bucknall | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | William A C A Yearsley | 8 Oct 1923 | |
Stores Officer | |||
Fg Off | Archibald T Shaw | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Accountant | |||
Fg Off | Robert E Staggall | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Charles A Harrison | 8 May 1923 |
Source - January 1924 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Dec 1923 - Apr 1924
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | Thomas A Verney-Cave | 19 Dec 1923 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Plt Off | J C Savory | 19 Dec 1923 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Plt Off | Gerald C A Armstrong | 19 Dec 1923 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | John H Hutchinson | 19 Dec 1923 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Fg Off | Vivian S Parker | 1 Jan 1924 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
Fg Off | Archibald T Shaw | 1 Jan 1924 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
Flt Lt | Reginald J Read | 28 Jan 1924 | Arrived on posting from Armament and Gunnery School |
Plt Off | J C Savory | 15 Feb 1924 | Killed in a flying accident |
Flt Lt | John P Coleman | xx Feb 1924 | Posted to the Air Ministry |
Flt Lt | Reginald T B Houghton | 28 Feb 1924 | Reported for duty as OC, 'C' Flight |
Fg Off | Eric R C Hobson | 29 Mar 1924 | Arrived on posting from Electrical and Wireless School for Signals duties |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Dec 1923 - Apr 1924
Date | Notes |
xx Feb 1924 | Squadron carried out service trials on Gloster Grebe and Hawker Woodcock |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Snipe | RAF Biggin Hill | Inland Area/No 1 Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 24 Sep 1923 | Officer Commanding; KBE, DSO, MC, DFC; later AVM | |
Flt Lt | Thomas C Luke | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Flt Lt | Reginald T B Houghton | 28 Feb 1924 | AFC |
Flt Lt | Vivian S Parker | 23 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | Reginald J Read | 28 Jan 1924 | |
Fg Off | James T Paine | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Francis H Ronksley | 1 Nov 1922 | MC |
Fg Off | Eric R C Hobson | 29 Mar 1924 | DFC |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 26 Sep 1922 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | 1 Nov 1922 | later AVM | |
Fg Off | George A F Bucknall | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Donald R Sharman | 23 Apr 1924 | MC |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | William A C A Yearsley | 8 Oct 1923 | |
Fg Off | Thomas A Verney-Cave | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Plt Off | Gerald C A Armstrong | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Plt Off | John H Hutchinson | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Stores Officer | |||
Fg Off | Archibald T Shaw | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Accountant | |||
Flt Lt | Edward C M Knott | 4 Jan 1924 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Charles A Harrison | 8 May 1923 |
Source - May 1924 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Apr 1924 - Jul 1925
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Archibald T Shaw | xx Apr 1924 | Posted to the Air Ministry |
Fg Off | Ernest W Lawrence | xx Apr 1924 | Reported for duty as Stores Officer |
Fg Off | Donald R Sharman | 23 Apr 1924 | Arrived on posting from Signal Co-operation Flight |
Fg Off | Thomas A Verney-Cave | xx Apr 1924 | Posted to School of Army Co-operation |
Fg Off | Francis H Ronksley | xx Jun 1924 | Posted to CFS |
Plt Off | Henry I Cozens | 18 Jun 1924 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Flt Lt | Thomas C Luke | xx Aug 1924 | Posted to HQ Iraq Command |
Flt Lt | Reginald J Read | xx Aug 1924 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Fg Off | 12 Sep 1924 | Posted to No 20 Sqn, India | |
Fg Off | Eric R C Hobson | xx Nov 1924 | Posted to No 70 Sqn, Iraq |
Plt Off | John H McN Campbell | 17 Dec 1924 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | John G Franks | 17 Dec 1924 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | James R Addams | 17 Dec 1924 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Fg Off | James T Paine | 1 Jan 1925 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
LAC | W R J Bacchus | 5 Jun 1925 | Killed in a propeller accident |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Source - January 1925 Air Force List
Source - February 1925 Air Force List
Source - March 1925 Air Force List
Source - April 1925 Air Force List
Source - May 1925 Air Force List
Source - June 1925 Air Force List
Organisational Movements: Apr 1924 - Jul 1925
Date | Notes |
3 Sep 1924 | First three Gloster Grebes arrived from manufacturers |
xx Oct 1924 | Squadron carried out service trials on Hawker Hedgehog |
xx Nov 1924 | Squadron completed re-equipment with Gloster Grebes |
xx Feb 1925 | Inland Area Aircraft Depot commenced fitting R/T equipment to the Grebes |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Grebe II | RAF Biggin Hill | Inland Area/No 6 Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 24 Sep 1923 | Officer Commanding; KBE, DSO, MC, DFC; later AVM | |
Flt Lt | Vivian S Parker | 23 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | Reginald J Read | 28 Jan 1924 | |
Flt Lt | James T Paine | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Walter R Day | 31 Mar 1925 | |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | 26 Sep 1922 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | George A F Bucknall | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Donald R Sharman | 23 Apr 1924 | MC |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Henry I Cozens | 18 Jun 1924 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | Edward L Batson-James | 27 Oct 1924 | |
Plt Off | Gerald C A Armstrong | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Plt Off | John H Hutchinson | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Plt Off | John H McN Campbell | 17 Dec 1924 | |
Plt Off | John G Franks | 17 Dec 1924 | later AVM |
Plt Off | James R Addams | 17 Dec 1924 | |
Stores Branch | |||
Fg Off | Ernest W Lawrence | 18 Feb 1924 | ORB doesn't record his arrival until April |
Accountant Branch | |||
Fg Off | John M Hopkins | 23 Jun 1924 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Jack G Skeet | 7 Sep 1924 |
Source - July 1925 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1925 - Mar 1926
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Donald R Sharman | xx Jun 1925 | Transferred to the Reserve |
Fg Off | John L Wingate | xx Jul 1925 | Posted to Armament and Gunnery School |
Sqn Ldr | Francis J Vincent | 11 Aug 1925 | Reported as Supernumerary, pending assuming command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | Sir Christopher J Q Brand | 22 Sep 1925 | Relinquished command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | Francis J Vincent | 22 Sep 1925 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Flt Lt | James T Paine | xx Oct 1925 | Posted to Electrical and Wireless School for Long Signals Course |
Plt Off | L F Talbot-Price | 15 Dec 1925 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Plt Off | Sidney A V Evans | 15 Dec 1925 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Fg Off | Charles L Cox | 1 Jan 1926 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
Fg Off | Ernest W Lawrence | 1 Jan 1926 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
Plt Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | Thomas G Pike | 16 Dec 1925 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Flt Lt | Reginald J Read | xx Jan 1926 | Posted to HQ No 6 Group |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | xx Jan 1926 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Grebe II | RAF Biggin Hill | Inland Area/No 6 Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 11 Aug 1925 | Officer Commanding; DFC; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Vivian S Parker | 23 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Walter R Day | 31 Mar 1925 | |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Nov 1922 | |
Fg Off | Henry I Cozens | 18 Jun 1924 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Gerald C A Armstrong | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Fg Off | John H Hutchinson | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Fg Off | Paul S Blockey | 26 Sep 1922 | later AVM |
Plt Off | John H McN Campbell | 17 Dec 1924 | |
Plt Off | John G Franks | 17 Dec 1924 | later AVM |
Plt Off | Sidney A V Evans | 15 Dec 1925 | Killed in a flying accident - 4 Feb 1927 |
Plt Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | |
Plt Off | Thomas G Pike | 16 Dec 1925 | later MRAF |
- |
|||
1 Airman Pilot |
|||
Stores Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Ernest W Lawrence | 18 Feb 1924 | |
Fg Off | Clarence T Davis | 31 Dec 1925 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Fg Off | John M Hopkins | 22 Jun 1924 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Jack G Skeet | 7 Sep 1924 | |
Education Officer | |||
Lt | Bertie M Alexander | 1 Sep 1925 | Grade IV, BA |
Source - March 1926 Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Grebe II | RAF Biggin Hill | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 11 Aug 1925 | Officer Commanding; DFC; later A/Cdre | |
Sqn Ldr | Alfred P Maurice | 25 May 1926 | |
Flt Lt | Vivian S Parker | 23 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | Charles L Cox | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Walter R Day | 31 Mar 1925 | |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 26 Sep 1922 | |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Jan 1923 | |
Fg Off | Henry I Cozens | 18 Jun 1924 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Gerald C A Armstrong | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Fg Off | John H Hutchinson | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Fg Off | Paul S Blockey | 26 Sep 1922 | later AVM |
Plt Off | John H McN Campbell | 17 Dec 1924 | |
Plt Off | John G Franks | 17 Dec 1924 | later AVM |
Plt Off | Sidney A V Evans | 15 Dec 1925 | Killed in a flying accident - 4 Feb 1927 |
Plt Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | |
Plt Off | Thomas G Pike | 16 Dec 1925 | later MRAF |
- |
|||
1 Airman Pilot |
|||
Stores Branch | |||
Fg Off | Clarence T Davis | 31 Dec 1925 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Fg Off | John M Hopkins | 22 Jun 1924 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Jack G Skeet | 7 Sep 1924 | |
Education Officer | |||
Lt | Bertie M Alexander | 1 Sep 1925 | Grade IV, BA |
Source - July 1926 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul - Dec 1926
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | William F Dickson | 19 Jul 1926 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot and assumed command of 'A' Flight |
Fg Off | Ronald T Shepherd | 19 Jul 1926 | Transferred to the Reserve |
Sqn Ldr | 11 Aug 1925 | Reported as Supernumerary, pending assuming command of the squadron | |
Sqn Ldr | Francis J Vincent | 9 Sep 1925 | Posted to RAF Depot (Non-effective, sick) |
Sqn Ldr | 9 Sep 1925 | Assumed command of the squadron | |
Fg Off | John H Hutchinson | xx Sep 1926 | Posted to No 4 FTS, Egypt |
Fg Off | Henry I Cozens | 18 Sep 1926 | Posted to Home Aircraft Depot for Long Engineering Course |
Fg Off | Henry F Luxmoore | 20 Sep 1926 | Killed in a flying accident |
SM1 | E G Haug | 8 Oct 1926 | Killed in a flying accident |
Fg Off | Gerald C A Armstrong | 13 Nov 1926 | Posted out as ADC to the Governor of South Australia |
Fg Off | John G Franks | 3 Dec 1926 | Posted to Fleet Air Arm |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Grebe II | RAF Biggin Hill | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 11 Aug 1925 | Officer Commanding; AFC | |
Flt Lt | William F Dickson | 19 Jul 1926 | DSO, AFC; later MRAF |
Flt Lt | Vivian S Parker | 25 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | Charles L Lea-Cox | 25 Aug 1923 | |
Fg Off | Walter R Day | 31 Mar 1925 | Signals duties |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 1 Jan 1923 | |
Fg Off | Gerald C A Armstrong | 19 Dec 1923 | |
Fg Off | Paul S Blockey | 26 Sep 1922 | later AVM |
Fg Off | John G Franks | 17 Dec 1924 | Armament Duties; later AVM |
Fg Off | Leslie F T Price | 21 Jul 1926 | |
Plt Off | Sidney A V Evans | 15 Dec 1925 | |
Plt Off | Frederick B G Walker | 13 Aug 1926 | |
Plt Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | |
Plt Off | Thomas G Pike | 16 Dec 1925 | later MRAF |
Plt Off | Richard K Hamblin | 30 Jul 1926 | later A/Cdre |
- |
|||
2 Airman Pilot |
|||
Stores Branch | |||
Fg Off | Clarence T Davis | 31 Dec 1925 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Fg Off | John M Hopkins | 22 Jun 1924 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Jack G Skeet | 7 Sep 1924 | |
Education Officer | |||
Lt | Bertie M Alexander | 1 Sep 1925 | Grade IV, BA |
Source - December 1926 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Dec 1926 - Jul 1927
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Clarence T Davis | 1 Jan 1927 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
Fg Off | Henry A Anson | 19 Jan 1927 | Reported for duty |
Fg Off | Maurice V Ward | 25 Jan 1927 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant on posting to Fleet Air Arm |
Fg Off | Henry A Anson | 25 Jan 1927 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Plt Off | E M Thompson | xx Jan 1927 | Posted to Fleet Air Arm |
Plt Off | Sidney A V Evans | 4 Feb 1927 | Killed in a flying accident |
Plt Off | Marcus A Smyth | 21 Feb 1927 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Plt Off | Leonard R Stokes | 21 Feb 1927 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Cpl | A March | 9 Mar 1927 | Killed in a parachute accident |
Plt Off | Grenville H Shaw | 21 Mar 1927 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Grebe II | RAF Biggin Hill | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 11 Aug 1925 | Officer Commanding; AFC | |
Flt Lt | Vivian S Parker | 25 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | William F Dickson | 19 Jul 1926 | DSO, AFC; later MRAF |
Flt Lt | Charles L Lea-Cox | 25 Aug 1923 | |
Fg Off | Walter R Day | 31 Mar 1925 | Signals duties |
Fg Off | Henry A Anson | 19 Jan 1927 | |
Fg Off | Paul S Blockey | 26 Sep 1922 | later AVM |
Fg Off | John H McN Campbell | 17 Dec 1924 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
Plt Off | Frederick B G Walker | 13 Aug 1926 | |
Plt Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | |
Plt Off | Thomas G Pike | 16 Dec 1925 | later MRAF |
Plt Off | Grenville H Shaw | 21 Mar 1927 | |
Plt Off | Marcus A Smyth | 21 Feb 1927 | |
Plt Off | Leonard R Stokes | 21 Feb 1927 | |
Plt Off | Richard K Hamblin | 30 Jul 1926 | later A/Cdre |
- |
|||
4 Airman Pilot |
|||
Stores Branch | |||
Fg Off | Frederick W Todd | 4 Feb 1927 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Fg Off | John M Hopkins | 22 Jun 1924 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Frederick W G Smith | 15 Mar 1927 |
Source - July 1927 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul - Oct 1927
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | William F Dickson | 19 Sep 1927 | Posted to RAF Staff College |
Flt Lt | Vivian S Parker | 20 Sep 1927 | Posted to No 55 Sqn, Iraq |
Plt Off | Charles K Turner Hughes | 24 Sep 1927 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Flt Lt | William N Plenderleith | 1 Oct 1927 | Reported for duty and assumed command of 'B' Flight |
Fg Off | Paul S Blockey | 29 Sep 1927 | Posted to Night Flying Flight |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul - Oct 1927
Date | Notes |
xx Sep 1927 | Squadron re-quipped with Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA |
12 Oct 1927 | Squadron moved from RAF Biggin Hill to RAF North Weald |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Nominal Roll (Pilots) on moving to North Weald
Rank | Name | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Officer Commanding; AFC | |
Fg Off | Thomas G Pike | OC, 'A' Flight |
Flt Lt | William N Plenderleith | OC, 'B' Flight |
Flt Lt | Charles L Lea-Cox | OC, 'C' Flight |
Fg Off | Henry A Anson | Adjutant |
Fg Off | Walter R Day | Signals Officer |
Plt Off | Frederick B G Walker | |
Fg Off | Grenville H Shaw | |
Fg Off | Leonard R Stokes | |
Fg Off | Charles K Turner Hughes | |
Fg Off | Vickers O Eyre | |
Plt Off | Marcus A Smyth | |
Fg Off | Richard K Hamblin | later A/Cdre |
Sgt Plt | L Stage | |
Sgt Plt | H Lee | |
Sgt Plt | S Trout | |
Sgt Plt | R Riley | |
Sgt Plt | L Jennings |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Personnel Movements Oct 1927 - Jul 1928
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Walter R Day | 11 Oct 1927 | Transferred to SHQ RAF North Weald |
Fg Off | Frederick W Todd | 11 Oct 1927 | Transferred to SHQ RAF North Weald |
Fg Off | John M Hopkins | 11 Oct 1927 | Transferred to SHQ RAF North Weald |
Plt Off | Marcus A Smyth | 19 Oct 1927 | Posted to RAF Depot |
Fg Off | John F Lawn | 31 Oct 1927 | Arrived on posting from RAF Duxford |
Plt Off | John H L Dillon-Trenchard | 17 Dec 1927 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | Hugh A Constantine | 17 Dec 1927 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Fg Off | Henry A Anson | 1 Jan 1928 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant on appointment as OC, 'A' Flight |
Plt Off | Thomas G Pike | 1 Jan 1928 | Relinquished appointment as OC, 'A' Flight |
Plt Off | Richard K Hamblin | 1 Jan 1928 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Sqn Ldr | 7 Feb 1928 | Assumed command of the squadron | |
Sqn Ldr | 7 Feb 1928 | Posted to Senior Officers' Course, Sheerness |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 7 Feb 1928 | Officer Commanding; later AM | |
Flt Lt | William N Plenderleith | 1 Oct 1927 | |
Flt Lt | Charles L Lea-Cox | 25 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | Henry A Anson | 19 Jan 1927 | |
Fg Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | |
Fg Off | Thomas G Pike | 16 Dec 1925 | later MRAF |
Fg Off | John F Lawn | 31 Oct 1927 | |
Fg Off | Leonard R Stokes | 21 Feb 1927 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
Fg Off | Grenville H Shaw | 21 Mar 1927 | |
Fg Off | Richard K Hamblin | 30 Jul 1926 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Charles K Turner Hughes | 24 Sep 1927 | |
Plt Off | John H L Dillon-Trenchard | 17 Dec 1927 | |
Plt Off | Hugh A Constantine | 17 Dec 1927 | later ACM |
- |
|||
5 Airman Pilot |
Source - July 1928 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul - Sep 1928
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | John F Lawn | 8 Aug 1928 | Posted to No 3 FTS |
Plt Off | Edouard M F Grundy | 17 Dec 1927 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul - Sep 1928
Date | Notes |
20 Aug 1928 | Squadron proceeded to RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 7 Feb 1928 | Officer Commanding; later AM | |
Flt Lt | William N Plenderleith | 1 Oct 1927 | |
Flt Lt | Charles L Lea-Cox | 25 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | Henry A Anson | 19 Jan 1927 | |
Fg Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | Armament Duties |
Fg Off | Thomas G Pike | 16 Dec 1925 | later MRAF |
Fg Off | Leonard R Stokes | 21 Feb 1927 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
Fg Off | Grenville H Shaw | 21 Mar 1927 | |
Fg Off | Richard K Hamblin | 30 Jul 1926 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Charles K Turner Hughes | 24 Sep 1927 | |
Plt Off | John H L Dillon-Trenchard | 17 Dec 1927 | |
Plt Off | Hugh A Constantine | 17 Dec 1927 | later ACM |
Plt Off | Edouard M F Grundy | 28 Jul 1928 | later AM |
- |
|||
5 Airman Pilot |
Source - September 1928 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Sep 1928 - Jul 1929
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | V C Taylor | 15 Oct 1928 | Arrived on posting from No 19 Sqn |
Plt Off | John H L Dillon-Trenchard | 25 Oct 1928 | Posted to No 407 (Fleet Fighter) Flight, Malta |
Fg Off | P G S Gardner | 1 Dec 1928 | Arrived on posting from No 23 Sqn |
Fg Off | V C Taylor | 3 Dec 1928 | Posted to No 3 FTS |
Plt Off | Thomas G Pike | 19 Dec 1928 | Posted to No 5 FTS |
Fg Off | Grenville H Shaw | 19 Dec 1928 | Posted to RAF College, Cranwell |
Fg Off | P G S Gardner | 28 Jan 1929 | Posted to No 23 Sqn |
Plt Off | Paul G Thomson | 2 Apr 1929 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Plt Off | Hubert H Chapman | 2 Apr 1929 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Plt Off | Max I Barnett | 5 Mar 1929 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Plt Off | Edouard M F Grundy | 2 May 1929 | Posted to No 403 (Fleet Fighter) Flight, China |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Sep 1928 - Jul 1929
Date | Notes |
6 Sep 1928 | Squadron returned from RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
14 Nov 1928 | Squadron granted its crest of a Phoenix with the motto 'Quid Si Coelum Ruat' |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 7 Feb 1928 | Officer Commanding; later AM | |
Flt Lt | Charles L Lea-Cox | 25 Aug 1923 | |
Flt Lt | William N Plenderleith | 1 Oct 1927 | |
Fg Off | Vickers O Eyre | 16 Dec 1925 | |
Fg Off | Leonard R Stokes | 21 Feb 1927 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
Fg Off | Richard K Hamblin | 30 Jul 1926 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Charles K Turner Hughes | 24 Sep 1927 | Signals duties |
Plt Off | Paul G Thomson | 2 Apr 1929 | |
Plt Off | Hugh A Constantine | 17 Dec 1927 | later ACM |
Plt Off | Max I Barnett | 5 Mar 1929 | |
Plt Off | Hubert H Chapman | 2 Apr 1929 | later AVM |
- |
|||
4 Airman Pilot |
Source - July 1929 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1929 - Jul 1930
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Vickers O Eyre | 27 Jun 1929 | Killed in a flying accident |
Flt Lt | J M Glaisher | 1 Oct 1929 | Arrived on posting from School of Technical Training (Men), Manston |
Fg Off | John R Stebbing | 3 Oct 1929 | Posted to No 3 FTS |
Fg Off | Hugh A Constantine | 18 Dec 1929 | Posted to RAF College |
Flt Lt | J M Glaisher | 16 Jan 1930 | Posted to No 10 Sqn |
Flt Lt | Charles L Lea-Cox | 31 Jan 1930 | Posted to No 39 Sqn, India |
Flt Lt | Leslie G Nixon | 5 Mar 1930 | Reported for duty and assumed command of 'B' Flight |
Flt Lt | William N Plenderleith | 10 Mar 1930 | Posted to No 36 Sqn |
Flt Lt | 8 Apr 1930 | Reported for duty and assumed command of 'A' Flight | |
Plt Off | Max I Barnett | 5 Mar 1929 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1929 - Jul 1930
Date | Notes |
26 Aug 1929 | Squadron proceeded to RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
12 Sep 1929 | Squadron returned from RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
5 May 1930 | Squadron proceeded to RAF Bircham Newton for affiliation with No 207 Sqn |
16 May 1930 | Squadron returned from RAF Bircham Newton |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 7 Feb 1928 | Officer Commanding; later AM | |
Flt Lt | 8 Apr 1930 | DFC; later ACM | |
Flt Lt | Leslie G Nixon | 5 Mar 1930 | |
Flt Lt | Claude B R Pelly | 9 Nov 1929 | later ACM |
Fg Off | Leonard R Stokes | 21 Feb 1927 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
Fg Off | Charles K Turner Hughes | 24 Sep 1927 | Signals duties |
Plt Off | Paul G Thomson | 2 Apr 1929 | |
Plt Off | Max I Barnett | 5 Mar 1929 | |
Fg Off | Hubert H Chapman | 2 Apr 1929 | later AVM |
Fg Off | John R Stebbing | 3 Oct 1929 | |
Plt Off | John A Powell | 27 Jul 1929 | |
Plt Off | Geoffrey K Fairlough | 27 Jul 1929 | |
- |
|||
5 Airman Pilot |
Source - July 1930 Air Force List
Source - August 1930 Air Force List
Source - September 1930 Air Force List
Source - October 1930 Air Force List
Source - November 1930 Air Force List
Source - December 1930 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1930 - Jul 1931
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Robert Smith | 29 Jul 1930 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Fg Off | Leonard R Stokes | 1 Aug 1930 | Posted to No 24 Sqn |
Fg Off | Cecil R Davies | 9 Sep 1930 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Fg Off | Harry E Mayes | 9 Sep 1930 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Fg Off | Charles K Turner Hughes | 11 Sep 1930 | Posted to No 24 Sqn |
Plt Off | Paul G Thomson | 3 Oct 1930 | Posted to RAF Base Gosport |
Fg Off | Meuric V Johnstone | 8 Oct 1930 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Plt Off | Max I Barnett | 4 Nov 1930 | Killed in a flying accident |
Sqn Ldr | 15 Dec 1930 | Reported as Supernumerary, pending taking command of the squadron | |
Plt Off | John A Powell | 17 Dec 1930 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Plt Off | William S Reed | 20 Dec 1930 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | John C Macdonald | 20 Dec 1930 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Sqn Ldr | 1 Jan 1931 | Relinquished command of the squadron and to RAF Training Base, Leuchars | |
Sqn Ldr | 1 Jan 1931 | Assumed command of the squadron | |
Flt Lt | Claude B R Pelly | 10 Mar 1930 | Posted to HQ Iraq Command |
Plt Off | Edward A Kayser | 27 Mar 1931 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot |
Fg Off | Hubert H Chapman | 1 Jul 1931 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant |
Fg Off | Cecil R Davies | 1 Jul 1931 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 15 Dec 1930 | Officer Commanding; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | 8 Apr 1930 | DFC, AFC; later ACM | |
Flt Lt | Leslie G Nixon | 5 Mar 1930 | |
Fg Off | Hubert H Chapman | 2 Apr 1929 | Signals duties; later AVM |
Fg Off | John R Stebbing | 3 Oct 1929 | Signals duties |
Fg Off | Robert Smith | 29 Jul 1930 | |
Fg Off | Geoffrey K Fairlough | 27 Jul 1929 | |
Fg Off | Cecil R Davies | 9 Sep 1930 | |
Fg Off | Harry E Mayes | 9 Sep 1930 | |
Fg Off | Meuric V Johnstone | 8 Oct 1930 | |
Plt Off | William S Reed | 20 Dec 1930 | |
Plt Off | John C Macdonald | 20 Dec 1930 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | Edward A Kayser | 27 Mar 1931 | |
- |
|||
5 Airman Pilot |
Source - July 1931 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1931 - Jun 1932
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | William W Stainthorpe | 25 Jul 1931 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Fg Off | Geoffrey K Fairlough | 27 Jul 1931 | Posted to No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight |
Flt Lt | 4 Aug 1931 | Arrived on posting from SHQ Duxford | |
Fg Off | Hubert H Chapman | 7 Sep 1931 | Posted to Electrical and Wireless School |
Plt Off | Edward D A Bigg | 8 Sep 1931 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Plt Off | Ivor C Bird | 26 Sep 1931 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Fg Off | John R Stebbing | 25 Oct 1931 | Posted to No 24 Sqn |
Fg Off | Laurence R Mouatt | 27 Oct 1931 | Arrived on posting from RAF Calshot |
Flt Lt | George G Banting | 19 Dec 1931 | Arrived on posting from RAF Staff College |
Sqn Ldr | 18 Jan 1932 | Relinquished command of the squadron on posting to RAF Staff College | |
Flt Lt | 18 Jan 1932 | Posted to RAF Staff College | |
Flt Lt | 18 Jan 1932 | Assumed temporary command of the squadron | |
Flt Lt | 1 Feb 1932 | Promoted to Sqn Ldr and assumed command of the squadron | |
Flt Lt | L M Elworthy | 3 Mar 1932 | Arrived on posting from Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Flight |
Plt Off | William S Reed | 4 Mar 1932 | Posted to Middle East Command |
Plt Off | William L Houlbrook | 8 Mar 1932 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 14 Mar 1932 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Flt Lt | George G Banting | 16 Mar 1932 | Posted to the Air Ministry |
Plt Off | 27 Mar 1932 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS | |
Plt Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 27 Mar 1932 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Plt Off | Leonard C Slee | 27 Mar 1932 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Fg Off | Cecil R Davies | 21 Apr 1932 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant and to RAF Depot (Non-effective, sick) |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 21 Apr 1932 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 15 Apr 1932 | Posted to RAF Depot (Non-effective, sick) |
Flt Lt | L M Elworthy | 29 May 1932 | Posted to No 17 Sqn |
Plt Off | Edward A Kayser | 1 Jun 1932 | Posted to RAF Depot (Non-effective, sick) |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1931 - Jul 1932
Date | Notes |
27 Jul 1931 | Squadron proceeded to RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
14 Aug 1931 | Squadron returned from RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
9 May 1932 | Squadron proceeded to Roborough for affiliation with flying boats at RAF Mount Batten |
23 May 1932 | Squadron returned from Roborough |
13 Jun 1932 | Squadron proceeded to No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
1 Jul 1932 | Squadron returned from RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 4 Aug 1931 | Officer Commanding; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Leslie G Nixon | 5 Mar 1930 | |
Fg Off | Harry E Mayes | 9 Sep 1930 | |
Fg Off | Robert Smith | 29 Jul 1930 | |
Fg Off | Laurence R Mouatt | 27 Oct 1931 | |
Fg Off | Meuric V Johnstone | 8 Oct 1930 | |
Fg Off | Edward A Kayser | 27 Mar 1931 | |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 26 Sep 1931 | |
Fg Off | Edward D A Bigg | 8 Sep 1931 | |
Plt Off | John C Macdonald | 20 Dec 1930 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | William L Houlbrook | 8 Mar 1932 | |
Plt Off | 27 Mar 1932 | later AVM | |
Plt Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Plt Off | Leonard C Slee | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Plt Off | William W Stainthorpe | 25 Jul 1931 | |
- |
|||
6 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1932 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jun 1932 - Jun 1933
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | 14 Jun 1932 | Arrived on posting from CFS | |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 28 Jun 1932 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot (Non-effective, sick) |
Plt Off | Edward D A Bigg | 3 Jul 1932 | Posted to RAF Calshot |
Plt Off | W A W Jameson | 3 Oct 1932 | Arrived on posting from No 1 Sqn |
Fg Off | John C Macdonald | 27 Feb 1932 | Posted to Air Armament School |
Fg Off | William W Stainthorpe | 28 Feb 1933 | Posted to Middle East Command |
Fg Off | 28 Feb 1933 | Posted to Middle East Command | |
Plt Off | W A W Jameson | 28 Feb 1933 | Posted to Middle East Command |
Flt Lt | Leslie G Nixon | 20 Mar 1933 | Posted to No 1 Air Defence Group |
Fg Off | Meuric V Johnstone | 3 Apr 1933 | Posted to No 32 Sqn |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 19 Apr 1933 | Arrived on posting from CFS |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1932 - Jul 1933
Date | Notes |
17 Aug 1932 | First Bristol Bulldog IIA was collected from RAF Henlow |
19 Aug 1932 | Three more Bulldogs were collected by the squadron |
20 Aug 1932 | Four more Bulldogs were collected by the squadron |
25 Aug 1932 | Four more Bulldogs were collected by the squadron, completing the Squadron's IE strength |
17 Jan 1933 | A Bulldog Trainer was collected from Filton |
19 Jun 1933 | Squadron proceeded to No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
7 Jul 1933 | Squadron returned from No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Bristol Bulldog IIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 4 Aug 1931 | Officer Commanding; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 19 Apr 1933 | |
Flt Lt | 14 Jun 1932 | later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 28 Jun 1932 | |
Fg Off | Harry E Mayes | 9 Sep 1930 | |
Fg Off | Robert Smith | 29 Jul 1930 | |
Fg Off | Laurence R Mouatt | 27 Oct 1931 | |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 26 Sep 1931 | |
Fg Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Fg Off | William L Houlbrook | 8 Mar 1932 | |
Fg Off | Leonard C Slee | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | Francis A Ladell | 2 Nov 1931 | |
- |
|||
6 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1933 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jun 1933 - Jan 1934
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | Leslie G Levis | 15 Jul 1933 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | Ernest L A Walter | 28 Aug 1933 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Flt Lt | Freeman | 2 Oct 1933 | Attached during affiliation exercise with No 204 Sqn for medical duties |
Fg Off | Harrington | 2 Oct 1933 | Attached during affiliation exercise with No 204 Sqn for stores duties |
Flt Lt | Freeman | 14 Oct 1933 | Ceased to be attached for medical duties |
Fg Off | Harrington | 14 Oct 1933 | Ceased to be attached for stores duties |
Plt Off | William L Houlbrook | 17 Nov 1933 | Posted to No 1 Armoured Car Company, Iraq |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Bristol Bulldog IIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 4 Aug 1931 | Officer Commanding; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 19 Apr 1933 | |
Flt Lt | 14 Jun 1932 | later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 28 Jun 1932 | |
Fg Off | Harry E Mayes | 9 Sep 1930 | |
Fg Off | Robert Smith | 29 Jul 1930 | |
Fg Off | Laurence R Mouatt | 27 Oct 1931 | |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 26 Sep 1931 | |
Fg Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Fg Off | Leonard C Slee | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Plt Off | Leslie G Levis | 15 Jul 1933 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | Ernest L A Walter | 28 Aug 1933 | |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | Francis A Ladell | 2 Nov 1931 | |
- |
|||
6 Airman Pilots |
Source - January 1934 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jan 1934 - Jun 1934
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 17 Jan 1934 | Attached to CFS for Instrument Flying Course | |
Sqn Ldr | 8 Feb 1934 | Ceased to be attached to CFS for Instrument Flying Course | |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 14 Feb 1934 | Attached to CFS for Instrument Flying Course |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 8 Mar 1934 | Ceased to be attached to CFS for Instrument Flying Course |
Flt Lt | 8 Mar 1934 | Posted to No 60 Sqn | |
Flt Lt | Austin W Sandeman | 9 Mar 1934 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot |
Fg Off | Harry E Mayes | 15 Mar 1934 | Transferred to the Reserve |
Fg Off | Robert Smith | 13 Apr 1934 | Transferred to the Reserve |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1933 - Jul 1934
Date | Notes |
2 Oct 1933 | Squadron proceeded to Roborough for affiliation with No 204 Sqn at RAF Mount Batten |
14 Oct 1933 | Squadron returned from Roborough |
16 May 1934 | Advance Party proceeded to RAF Gosport for affiliation with No 201 Sqn |
17 May 1934 | Main Party proceeded to RAF Gosport for affiliation with No 201 Sqn |
31 May 1934 | Squadron returned from RAF Gosport on completion of affiliation with No 201 Sqn |
2 Jun 1934 | Squadron proceeded to No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
23 Jun 1934 | Squadron returned from No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Bristol Bulldog IIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | 4 Aug 1931 | Officer Commanding; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 19 Apr 1933 | |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 28 Jun 1932 | |
Flt Lt | Austin W Sandeman | 9 Mar 1934 | |
Fg Off | Laurence R Mouatt | 27 Oct 1931 | |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 26 Sep 1931 | |
Fg Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Fg Off | Leonard C Slee | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Plt Off | Leslie G Levis | 15 Jul 1933 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | Ernest L A Walter | 28 Aug 1933 | |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | Francis A Ladell | 2 Nov 1931 | |
- |
|||
7 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1934 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1934 - Jun 1935
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Laurence R Mouatt | 12 Sep 1934 | Transferred to the Reserve |
Plt Off | Donald H Lee | 15 Dec 1934 | |
Plt Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 25 Feb 1935 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Plt Off | Arthur H Donaldson | 4 Mar 1935 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Sqn Ldr | 11 Mar 1935 | Posted to HQ Fighting Area | |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 11 Mar 1935 | Assumed temporary command of the squadron |
Plt Off | Ernest L A Walter | 14 Mar 1935 | Posted to No 39 Sqn, India |
Plt Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 28 Apr 1935 | Proceeded to CFS for Flying Instructors' Course |
Plt Off | Ivor C Bird | 28 Apr 1935 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Plt Off | William E Carr | 4 May 1935 | Arrived on posting from No 24 Sqn |
Plt Off | Norman F Simpson | 13 May 1935 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot |
Fg Off | Montgomery V Gibbon | 30 May 1935 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot and assumed duties of Adjutant |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 28 Apr 1935 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1934 - Jul 1935
Date | Notes |
15 Apr 1935 | Squadron proceeded to No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
7 Jun 1935 | Squadron returned from No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Bristol Bulldog IIA | RAF North Weald | ADGB/Fighting Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 19 Apr 1933 | Officer Commanding |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 28 Jun 1932 | |
Flt Lt | Austin W Sandeman | 9 Mar 1934 | |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 26 Sep 1931 | |
Fg Off | Montgomery V Gibbon | 30 May 1935 | |
Fg Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 27 Mar 1932 | |
Plt Off | Donald H Lee | 15 Dec 1934 | |
Plt Off | William E Carr | 4 May 1935 | |
Plt Off | Norman F Simpson | 13 May 1935 | |
Plt Off | Arthur H Donaldson | 4 Mar 1935 | |
- |
|||
6 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1935 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1935 - Jun 1936
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | Sidney E R Shepard | 29 Jul 1935 | Posted to No 6 FTS as flying instructor |
Flt Lt | Charles Lea-Cox | 19 Aug 1935 | Assumed temporary command of the squadron |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 19 Aug 1935 | Relinquished command of the squadron |
Flt Lt | Austin W Sandeman | 1 Sep 1935 | Resigned his commission in the RAF |
Plt Off | Donald H Lee | 3 Sep 1934 | Posted to RAF Hal Far, Malta |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 23 Sep 1935 | Posted to No 33 Sqn |
Flt Lt | Alexander E Taylor | 24 Sep 1935 | Posted to No 142 Sqn |
Plt Off | Arthur H Donaldson | 13 Sep 1935 | Posted to RAF Depot (Non-effective, sick) |
Fg Off | Ivor C Bird | 30 Sep 1935 | Promoted to Flt Lt and appointed OC, 'C' Flight |
Flt Lt | James W Colquhoun | 1 Oct 1935 | Promoted to Sqn Ldr and assumed command of the squadron |
Fg Off | G L Menzies | 18 Nov 1935 | Posted in as OC, 'A' Flight |
Plt Off | William E Carr | 6 Dec 1935 | Posted to RAF Hal Far, Malta |
Plt Off | R M Longmore | 14 Dec 1935 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Fg Off | Montgomery V Gibbon | 6 Jan 1935 | Posted to No 504 Sqn |
Flt Lt | Ivor C Bird | 8 Jan 1935 | Posted to RAF Depot for course in Russian at King's College |
Plt Off | 15 Jan 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 29 Sqn | |
Plt Off | R M Longmore | 25 Feb 1936 | Posted to No 36 Sqn, Singapore |
Plt Off | A J Trumble | 29 Feb 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Plt Off | G E Horne | 6 Mar 1936 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot |
Plt Off | D M H Craven | 9 Mar 1936 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | Alick Foord-Kelcey | 16 Mar 1936 | Arrived on posting from RAF College, Cranwell |
Fg Off | T R T Carr-Ellison | 22 Mar 1936 | Attached from No 607 Sqn AAF |
Plt Off | 30 Mar 1936 | Attached to No 1 FTS, Leuchars for conversion to Fleet Fighters | |
Fg Off | G L Menzies | 1 Apr 1936 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
Plt Off | Alick Foord-Kelcey | 1 Apr 1936 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Fg Off | T R T Carr-Ellison | 20 Apr 1936 | Ceased to be attached and returned to No 607 Sqn AAF |
Plt Off | 6 May 1936 | Attached to RAF Calshot for floatplane training | |
APO | G H F Plinston | 11 May 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 11 FTS |
Plt Off | 17 Jun 1936 | Returned from RAF Calshot on completion of floatplane training | |
Plt Off | A J Trumble | 22 Jun 1936 | Attached to RAF Calshot for floatplane training |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1935 - Jul 1936
Date | Notes |
16 May 1936 | Squadron proceeded to No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
xx May 1936 | Squadron commenced re-equipment with Gloster Gauntlet IIs |
5 Jun 1936 | Squadron returned from No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
7 Jul 1936 | Squadron was reformed on a two-flight basis with 'C' Flight being disbanded |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Gauntlet II | RAF North Weald | ADGB/No 11 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Charles Lea-Cox | 19 Aug 1935 | Officer Commanding |
Flt Lt | G L Menzies | 18 Nov 1935 | |
Plt Off | Alick Foord-Kelcey | 16 Mar 1936 | later AVM |
Plt Off | 15 Jan 1936 | later A/Cdre | |
Plt Off | Norman F Simpson | 13 May 1935 | |
Plt Off | D M H Craven | 9 Mar 1936 | |
Plt Off | G E Horne | 6 Mar 1936 | |
Plt Off | A J Trumble | 29 Feb 1936 | |
APO | G H F Plinston | 11 May 1936 | |
- |
|||
5 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1936 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1936 - Jun 1937
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
APO | J R I Bell | 28 Jun 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 5 FTS |
Plt Off | 4 Aug 1936 | Transferred as part of 'B' Flight to form No 151 Sqn | |
Plt Off | D M H Craven | 4 Aug 1936 | Transferred as part of 'B' Flight to form No 151 Sqn |
APO | K H Savage | 4 Aug 1936 | Transferred as part of 'B' Flight to form No 151 Sqn |
Flt Lt | G L Menzies | 24 Aug 1936 | Posted to RAF Depot (Non-effective, sick) |
APO | J A Thomson | 24 Aug 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 11 FTS |
Plt Off | H J Garlick | 31 Aug 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Plt Off | D Kain | 31 Aug 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Plt Off | A J Trumble | 25 Sep 1936 | Posted to No 801 (Fleet Fighter) Sqn, HMS Furious |
Plt Off | L H Pomeroy | 15 Oct 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 41 Sqn |
Plt Off | L H Pomeroy | 16 Oct 1936 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Plt Off | Norman F Simpson | 30 Oct 1935 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Flt Lt | A H Garland | 24 Nov 1936 | Arrived on posting from RAF Depot |
Plt Off | I S Soden | 19 Dec 1936 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Plt Off | N L Ievers | 25 Dec 1936 | Arrived on posting from No 10 FTS |
Flt Lt | A H Garland | 3 Jan 1937 | Attached to CFS for Flying Instructors' Course |
Plt Off | H J Garlick | 15 Feb 1937 | Attached to RAF Sutton Bridge for Air Firing Instructors' Course |
Plt Off | H J Garlick | 13 Mar 1937 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Sutton Bridge |
Fg Off | L H Pomeroy | 15 Mar 1937 | Transferred as part of 'B' Flight to form No 73 Sqn |
Plt Off | D Kain | 15 Mar 1937 | Transferred as part of 'B' Flight to form No 73 Sqn |
Plt Off | J R I Bell | 15 Mar 1937 | Transferred as part of 'B' Flight to form No 73 Sqn |
Plt Off | J A Thomson | 15 Mar 1937 | Transferred as part of 'B' Flight to form No 73 Sqn |
Flt Lt | A H Garland | 22 Mar 1937 | Posted to CFS on completion of Flying Instructors' Course |
APO | E Holden | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
APO | R E G Morewood | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Fg Off | Norman F Simpson | 26 Apr 1937 | Posted to Electrical and Wireless School |
Plt Off | I S Soden | 26 Apr 1937 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Plt Off | H J Garlick | 28 Jun 1937 | Attached to RAF Calshot for floatplane training |
Plt Off | H J Garlick | 12 Jul 1937 | Attached to No 1 FTS for conversion course on Fleet Fighters |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1936 - Jul 1937
Date | Notes |
4 Aug 1936 | 'B' Flight was separated to form the basis of No 151 Squadron |
13 Oct 1936 | The Squadron Badge, which had been authorised by HM King Edward VIII was presented by ACM Sir Hugh Dowding KCB, CMG |
15 Mar 1937 | 'B' Flight was separated to form the basis of No 73 Squadron and moved to RAF Mildenhall |
xx Jul 1937 | Squadron underwent re-equipment with Gloster Gladiator Is |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
The Squadron Badge on this page is Crown Copyright and has been produced by Mary Denton on behalf of the RAF Heraldry Trust and is displayed on this page with the permission of the RAFHT.
© Crown Copyright is reproduced with the permission of the Directorate of Intellectual Property Rights
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Gauntlet II Gloster Gladiator I |
RAF North Weald | Fighter Command/No 11 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Charles Lea-Cox | 19 Aug 1935 | Officer Commanding |
Fg Off | Alick Foord-Kelcey | 16 Mar 1936 | later AVM |
Plt Off | G E Horne | 6 Mar 1936 | |
Plt Off | G H F Plinston | 11 May 1936 | |
Plt Off | H J Garlick | 31 Aug 1936 | |
Plt Off | I S Soden | 19 Dec 1936 | |
Plt Off | N L Ievers | 25 Dec 1936 | |
Plt Off | E Holden | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Plt Off | R E G Morewood | 24 Apr 1937 | |
- |
|||
5 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1937 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul 1937 - Jun 1938
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | H J Garlick | 24 Aug 1937 | Posted to No 801 (Fleet Fighter) Sqn |
APO | R Coe | 4 Sep 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 6 FTS |
APO | H E Horne | 13 Sep 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 151 Sqn |
APO | H I Lang | 13 Sep 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 151 Sqn |
APO | P S Weaver | 13 Sep 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 151 Sqn |
Plt Off | G E Horne | 21 Sep 1937 | Promoted to Fg Off |
APO | H E Horne | 11 Oct 1937 | Transferred to the Reserve |
APO | H I Lang | 11 Oct 1937 | Transferred to the Reserve |
APO | P F Illingworth | 23 Oct 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 9 FTS |
Fg Off | Alick Foord-Kelcey | 1 Oct 1937 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt |
APO | L Ereminsky | 27 Nov 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 3 FTS |
Plt Off | G H F Plinston | 31 Jan 1938 | Attached to RAF Sutton Bridge for Air Firing Instructors' Course |
APO | R E P Brooker | 19 Feb 1938 | Arrived on posting from No 9 FTS |
APO | P D MacL Down | 19 Feb 1938 | Arrived on posting from No 9 FTS |
Plt Off | G H F Plinston | 28 Feb 1938 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Sutton Bridge |
APO | L Ereminsky | 1 Mar 1938 | Confirmed in rank and regraded as Plt Off |
Plt Off | N L Ievers | 21 Mar 1938 | Attached to RAF Depot for Gas Defence Course |
Plt Off | N L Ievers | 31 Mar 1938 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Depot for Gas Defence Course |
Act Flt Lt | Alick Foord-Kelcey | 1 Apr 1938 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
APO | R E P Brooker | 5 Apr 1938 | Confirmed in rank and regraded as Plt Off |
Fg Off | G E Horne | 14 Apr 1938 | Posted to No 80 Sqn, relinquishing command of 'B' Flight |
Plt Off | G H F Plinston | 14 Apr 1938 | Assumed command of 'B' Flight |
Plt Off | G H F Plinston | 26 Apr 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Fg Off | J D C Joslin | 28 Apr 1938 | Arrived on posting from No 1 Air Observers School |
Act Flt Lt | Alick Foord-Kelcey | 1 May 1938 | Attached to CFS for Flying Instructors' Course |
Fg Off | J D C Joslin | 1 May 1938 | Assumed command of 'A' Flight |
Plt Off | I S Soden | 19 Jun 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1936 - Jul 1937
Date | Notes |
27 May 1938 | Squadron received its first two Hawker Hurricane Is (code letter not applied until September) |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Hawker Hurricane I | RAF North Weald | Fighter Command/No 11 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Charles Lea-Cox | 19 Aug 1935 | Officer Commanding |
Act Flt Lt | J D C Joslin | 28 Apr 1938 | OC, 'A' Flight |
Fg Off | G H F Plinston | 11 May 1936 | OC, 'B' Flight |
Plt Off | I S Soden | 19 Dec 1936 | Adjutant |
Plt Off | N L Ievers | 25 Dec 1936 | |
Plt Off | E Holden | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Plt Off | R E G Morewood | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Plt Off | P S Weaver | 13 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | R Coe | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | P F Illingworth | 23 Oct 1937 | |
Plt Off | L Ereminsky | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | R E P Brooker | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | P D MacL Down | 19 Feb 1938 | |
- |
|||
6 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1938 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Jul - Dec 1938
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | A E J Pratt | 28 Jul 1938 | Supernumerary pending taking command of the squadron |
APO | M L Hulton-Harrop | 3 Aug 1938 | Arrived on posting from No 1 RAF Depot |
Sqn Ldr | Charles Lea-Cox | 10 Aug 1938 | Posted to HQ Maintenance Command on relinquishing command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | A E J Pratt | 10 Aug 1938 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Plt Off | F C Rose | 31 Oct 1938 | Arrived on posting from School of Naval Co-operation |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1936 - Jul 1937
Date | Notes |
29 Aug 1938 | Squadron proceeded to No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge for Annual Armament Practice Camp |
16 Sep 1938 | Squadron returned from No 3 ATC, RAF Sutton Bridge on completion of Annual Armament Practice Camp |
xx Sep 1938 | Squadron adopted code letters 'LR' as the result of the 'Munich Crisis' (see image above) |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Hawker Hurricane I | RAF North Weald | Fighter Command/No 11 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | A E J Pratt | 28 Jul 1938 | Officer Commanding |
Flt Lt | J D C Joslin | 28 Apr 1938 | |
Fg Off | G H F Plinston | 11 May 1936 | |
Fg Off | I S Soden | 19 Dec 1936 | |
Fg Off | N L Ievers | 25 Dec 1936 | |
Fg Off | E Holden | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Plt Off | R E G Morewood | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Plt Off | R Coe | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | P F Illingworth | 23 Oct 1937 | |
Plt Off | L Ereminsky | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | R E P Brooker | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | P D MacL Down | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | R R P Fisher | 6 Sep 1938 | |
Plt Off | F C Rose | 31 Oct 1938 | |
APO | M L Hulton-Harrop | 3 Aug 1938 |
Source - January 1939 Air Force List
Personnel Movements Dec 1938 - Apr 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
APO | B J Wicks | 17 Dec 1938 | Arrived on posting from No 6 FTS |
Fg Off | J H Coghlan | 30 Dec 1938 | Arrived on posting from No 1 Sqn |
Plt Off | P P Charlton | 6 Feb 1939 | RAFO, attached for six months training |
Plt Off | K C Roberts | 6 Feb 1939 | RAFO, attached for six months training |
Sgt | Palmer | 6 Feb 1939 | RAFVR, attached for six months training |
Sgt | S V Evetts | 24 Apr 1939 | Killed in a flying accident |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Hawker Hurricane I | RAF North Weald | Fighter Command/No 11 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | A E J Pratt | 28 Jul 1938 | Officer Commanding |
Flt Lt | J D C Joslin | 28 Apr 1938 | |
Fg Off | I S Soden | 19 Dec 1936 | |
Fg Off | N L Ievers | 25 Dec 1936 | |
Fg Off | E Holden | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Fg Off | J H Coghlan | 30 Dec 1938 | |
Plt Off | R E G Morewood | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Plt Off | R Coe | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | P F Illingworth | 23 Oct 1937 | |
Plt Off | L Ereminsky | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | R E P Brooker | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | P D MacL Down | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | R R P Fisher | 6 Sep 1938 | |
Plt Off | F C Rose | 31 Oct 1938 | |
Plt Off | M L Hulton-Harrop | 3 Aug 1938 | |
APO | B J Wicks | 17 Dec 1938 | |
Warrant Officer | |||
WO | W Thompson | 10 Jan 1939 |
Source - April 1939 Confidential Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Hawker Hurricane I | RAF North Weald | Fighter Command/No 11 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | A E J Pratt | 28 Jul 1938 | Officer Commanding |
Flt Lt | J D C Joslin | 28 Apr 1938 | |
Act Flt Lt | I S Soden | 19 Dec 1936 | |
Fg Off | N L Ievers | 25 Dec 1936 | |
Fg Off | E Holden | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Fg Off | J H Coghlan | 30 Dec 1938 | |
Fg Off | R E G Morewood | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Plt Off | R Coe | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | P F Illingworth | 23 Oct 1937 | |
Plt Off | L Ereminsky | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | R E P Brooker | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | P D MacL Down | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | R R P Fisher | 6 Sep 1938 | |
Plt Off | F C Rose | 31 Oct 1938 | |
Plt Off | M L Hulton-Harrop | 3 Aug 1938 | |
Plt Off | B J Wicks | 17 Dec 1938 | |
Warrant Officer | |||
WO | W Thompson | 10 Jan 1939 |
Source - May 1939 Confidential Air Force List
Personnel Movements Apr - Sep 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | N L Ievers | 24 Apr 1939 | Posted to No 6 FTS |
Sqn Ldr | A E J Pratt | 10 Jun 1939 | Relinquished command of the squadron on posting to Filton |
Sqn Ldr | E V Knowles | 10 Jun 1939 | Arrived on posting from Filton and assumed command of the squadron |
Plt Off | P P Charlton | 12 Jun 1939 | Killed in a flying accident |
Plt Off | F F M Davies | 28 Jul 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF Hucknall |
APO | F B Sutton | 2 Aug 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 2 FTS |
Plt Off | R E Harris | 16 Aug 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF College on appointment to a Permanent Commission |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Squadron Pilots - 1 Sep 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | E V Knowles | 10 Jun 1939 | Officer Commanding |
Fg Off | E Holden | 24 Apr 1937 | Adjutant |
Flt Lt | J D C Joslin | 28 Apr 1938 | OC, 'A' Flight |
Flt Lt | I S Soden | 19 Dec 1936 | OC, 'B' Flight |
Fg Off | J H Coghlan | 30 Dec 1938 | |
Fg Off | R E G Morewood | 24 Apr 1937 | |
Fg Off | R Coe | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | L Ereminsky | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | P F Illingworth | 23 Oct 1937 | |
Plt Off | F C Rose | 31 Oct 1938 | |
Plt Off | R E P Brooker | 19 Feb 1938 | |
Plt Off | R R P Fisher | 6 Sep 1938 | |
Plt Off | M L Hulton-Harrop | 3 Aug 1938 | |
Plt Off | B J Wicks | 17 Dec 1938 | |
Plt Off | F F M Davies | 28 Jul 1939 | |
APO | F B Sutton | 2 Aug 1939 | |
Flt Sgt | Higginson | ||
Sgt | Cooney | ||
Sgt | Elliott | ||
Sgt | Whirehead | ||
Sgt | Williams | RAFVR |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Personnel Movements Sep - Dec 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | M L Hulton-Harrop | 6 Sep 1939 | Killed in a friendly fire incident |
Plt Off | L Ereminsky | 3 Oct 1939 | Posted to No 615 Sqn |
Plt Off | B J R Brady | 6 Oct 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 615 Sqn |
Plt Off | W E Newman | 29 Oct 1939 | Reported for duty as Adjutant |
Fg Off | R E G Morewood | 31 Oct 1939 | Posted to No 248 Sqn |
Fg Off | R Coe | 5 Nov 1939 | Posted to No 242 Sqn |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Organisational Movements: Sep - Dec 1939
Date | Notes |
3 Sep 1939 | Squadron changed its code letters from 'LR' to 'US' |
22 Oct 1939 | Squadron, except Maintenance Flight, moved from RAF North Weald to RAF Martlesham Heath |
13 Dec 1939 | 'B' Flight and Maintenance Flight (which had moved to RAF Martlesham Heath at some point) moved to RAF North Weald |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/527)
Personnel Movements Jan - Dec 1940
Between January and May the ORB doesn't seem to record posting in or out of the unit, whilst from May to August details are patchy.
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | B J R Brady | 2 Jan 1940 | Admitted to RAF Officers' Hospital, Uxbridge with ear problems |
Plt Off | E D Syson | 2 May 1940 | Arrived on posting from the Air Ministry for Intelligence duties |
Plt Off | B J R Brady | 5 May 1940 | Posted to No 501 Sqn |
Fg Off | E Holden | 5 May 1940 | Posted to No 501 Sqn |
Fg Off | R E P Brooker | 8 May 1940 | Posted to No 1 Receiving Centre |
Plt Off | Evans | 13 May 1940 | Posted to AASF, France |
Fg Off | F C Rose | 18 May 1940 | Killed in action |
Flt Lt | I S Soden | 18 May 1940 | Killed in action |
Flt Lt | R H A Lee | 19 May 1940 | Arrived on posting from Hendon |
Plt Off | J B Ashton | 19 May 1940 | Arrived on posting from Hendon |
Plt Off | B J Wicks | 22 May 1940 | Force landed in France |
Plt Off | Maxwell | 27 May 1940 | Shot down by Belgian AA but managed to return to England the following day |
Fg Off | Fisher | 27 May 1940 | Shot down but managed to return to England |
Plt Off | Dryden | 29 May 1940 | Shot down but managed to return to England |
Sgt | J W Elliott | 29 May 1940 | Killed in action |
Fg Off | J H Coghlan | 1 Jun 1940 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt wef 23 May 1940 |
Plt Off | M H Mounsdon | 3 Jun 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | Page | 3 Jun 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | B J Wicks | 3 Jun1940 | Returned after force landing in France |
Plt Off | Maxwell | 8 Jun 1940 | Admitted to hospital after being injured in combat |
Plt Off | L Ereminsky | 17 Jun 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Fg Off | F A J Chapman | 18 Jun 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 25 Sqn on appointment to a Commission as an Engineer |
Fg Off | P S Weaver | 20 Jun 1940 | Arrived on posting from SHQ North Weald (he had been a controller in the rank of Sqn Ldr) |
Fg Off | R E P Brooker | 21 Jun 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 11 Group |
Flt Lt | R H A Lee | 26 Jun 1940 | Posted to RAF Debden as Sqn Ldr for Operations Room duties |
Flt Lt | E J Gracie | 27 Jun 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 79 Sqn |
Sqn Ldr | G A L Manton | 28 Jun 1940 | Arrived pending assuming command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | E V Knowles | 1 Jul 1940 | Relinquished command of the squadron on posting to the Air Ministry (D of Plans) |
Sqn Ldr | G A L Manton | 1 Jul 1940 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Plt Off | C C O Joubert | 15 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Plt Off | K J Marston | 28 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 8 SFTS |
Fg Off | W E Newman | 28 Jul 1940 | Posted to SHQ North Weald for duty as Adjutant in the rank of Flt Lt |
Plt Off | L W Graham | 29 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Fg Off | I B Westmacott | 3 Aug 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 6 OTU |
Fg Off | E C Lenton | 5 Aug 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 6 OTU |
Plt Off | L B Hudson | 6 Aug 1940 | Reported for duty as Adjutant |
Act Flt Lt | J H Coghlan | 7 Aug 1940 | Posted to Parachute Practice Unit, Ringway |
Fg Off | P S Weaver | 7 Aug 1940 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt |
Sgt | R D Baker | 11 Aug 1940 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | L W Graham | 19 Aug 1940 | Posted to SHQ North Weald (Non-effective, sick) |
Flt Lt | H M Pinfold | 25 Aug 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 5 OTU |
Flt Lt | H M Pinfold | 30 Aug 1940 | Promoted to Act Sqn Ldr and assumed command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | G A L Manton | 31 Aug 1940 | Posted to RAF Hawkinge and relinquished command of the squadron |
Plt Off | M H Mounsdon | 31 Aug 1940 | Posted to SHQ North Weald (Non-effective, sick) |
Fg Off | I B Westmacott | 31 Aug 1940 | Posted to SHQ North Weald (Non-effective, sick) |
Plt Off | M Chelmscki | 31 Aug 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 6 OTU |
Plt Off | Z Nosowicz | 31 Aug 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 6 OTU |
Between 1 - 24 Sep 1940, the pilots of No 56 Sqn were attached to No 249 Sqn at Boscombe Down | |||
Fg Off | R E P Brooker | 1 Sep 1940 | Promoted to Flt Lt |
Flt Lt | E J Gracie | 1 Sep 1940 | Posted to SHQ North Weald (Non-effective, sick) |
Sgt | Whitehead | 1 Sep 1940 | Promoted to Flt Sgt |
Plt Off | D C MacKenzie | 5 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 12 Sqn |
Sgt | Tweed | 5 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 142 Sqn |
Sgt | Doniger | 5 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 142 Sqn |
Sgt | Ray | 5 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 142 Sqn |
Sgt | Heslop | 5 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 142 Sqn |
Sgt | Morse | 5 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 142 Sqn |
Fg Off | E C Lenton | 7 Sep 1940 | Posted to SHQ North Weald (Non-effective, sick) |
Plt Off | M Chelmscki | 9 Sep 1940 | Posted to No 17 Sqn |
Flt Lt | R S J Edwards | 10 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 11 Group |
Sgt | Fox | 15 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 5 OTU |
Sgt | Nichols | 15 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 5 OTU |
Sgt | Tweed | 15 Sep 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Sgt | Doniger | 18 Sep 1940 | Posted to SHQ Middle Wallop (Non-effective, sick) |
Plt Off | P D M Down | 19 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 6 OTU |
Sgt | Meeson | 15 Sep 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Plt Off | R A Barnett | 23 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty for Intelligence duties |
Sgt | F W Higginson | 24 Sep 1940 | Appointed to a Commission as a Plt Off |
Plt Off | E D Syson | 25 Sep 1940 | Posted to RAF North Weald for Intelligence duties |
Fg Off | Young | 26 Sep 1940 | Attached for Intelligence duties |
Sgt | Ray | 30 Sep 1940 | Posted to SHQ Middle Wallop (Non-effective, sick) |
Sgt | Nichols | 7 Oct 1940 | Posted to SHQ Middle Wallop (Non-effective, sick) |
Plt Off | Himr | 8 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 79 Sqn |
Sgt | J Hlavac | 8 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 79 Sqn |
Sgt | J Hlavac | 10 Oct 1940 | Killed in action |
Fg Off | Young | 10 Oct 1940 | Ceased to be attached for Intelligence duties |
Plt Off | Ingle-Finch | 14 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 607 Sqn |
Plt Off | Radwanskie | 14 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 607 Sqn |
Sgt | Szacfraniec | 14 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 607 Sqn |
Plt Off | T F Guest | 15 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 79 Sqn |
Plt Off | G G Bailey | 16 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 79 Sqn |
Flt Lt | E J Gracie | 17 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from SHQ North Weald (Non-effective, sick) |
Sgt | Morse | 21 Oct 1940 | Posted to No 266 Sqn |
Flt Lt | E J Gracie | 27 Oct 1940 | Attached to RAF Christchurch |
Plt Off | Himr | 27 Oct 1940 | Attached to RAF Christchurch |
Plt Off | G G Bailey | 27 Oct 1940 | Attached to RAF Christchurch |
Flt Lt | E J Gracie | 28 Oct 1940 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Christchurch |
Plt Off | Himr | 28 Oct 1940 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Christchurch |
Plt Off | G G Bailey | 28 Oct 1940 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Christchurch |
Fg Off | Young | 3 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 249 Sqn for Intelligence duties |
Fg Off | I B Westmacott | 4 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from SHQ North Weald (Non-effective, sick) |
Flt Sgt | Smythe | 5 Nov 1940 | Attached to No 5 OTU |
Plt Off | C C O Joubert | 6 Nov 1940 | Posted to No 73 Sqn |
Plt Off | Ingle-Finch | 16 Nov 1940 | Posted to SHQ Middle Wallop (Non-effective, sick) |
Sgt | Fox | 16 Nov 1940 | Posted to SHQ Middle Wallop (Non-effective, sick) |
Sgt | Doniger | 23 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from A & AEE |
Sgt | Szacfraniec | 23 Nov 1940 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | Malengreau | 29 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 87 Sqn |
Plt Off | de Spirlet | 29 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 87 Sqn |
Sgt | Myall | 2 Dec 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 601 Sqn |
Plt Off | L B Hudson | 4 Dec 1940 | Promoted to Act Fg Off |
Plt Off | R G Wyatt | 7 Dec 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 601 Sqn |
Plt Off | R A Barnett | 14 Dec 1940 | Promoted to Act Fg Off |
Plt Off | D C MacKenzie | 29 Dec 1940 | Posted to RAF Upavon |
Flt Sgt | Whitehead | 29 Dec 1940 | Posted to RAF Upavon |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/528)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Dec 1940
Date | Notes |
28 Feb 1940 | 'A' Flight moved from RAF Martlesham Heath to RAF North Weald |
29 Apr 1940 | 'A' Flight moved from RAF North Weald to RAF Martlesham Heath |
10 May 1940 | 'A' Flight moved from RAF Martlesham Heath to RAF Gravesend |
10 May 1940 | 'B' Flight moved from RAF North Weald to RAF Gravesend |
12 May 1940 | Squadron moved to RAF Martlesham Heath and then returned to RAF North Weald on its return from a patrol |
16 May 1940 | 'B' Flight proceeded to Vitry-en-Artois in France |
18 May 1940 | Air Party, 'B' Flight returned from France |
18 May 1940 | Ground Party, 'B' Flight departed Vitry-en-Artois for Boulogne, disembarked at Dover and proceeded to Tidworth by rail |
22 May 1940 | Ground Party, 'B' Flight departed Tidworth by rail for RAF North Weald via London and Epping |
31 May 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF North Weald to RAF Digby for a rest |
3 Jun 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Digby (satellite) to RAF Wittering |
4 Jun 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Wittering to RAF North Weald via RAF Digby |
1 Sep 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF North Weald to RAF Boscombe Down |
29 Nov 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Boscombe Down to RAF Middle Wallop |
17 Dec 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Middle Wallop to RAF North Weald |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/528)
Personnel Movements Jan - Dec 1941
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | E J Gracie | 7 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 23 Sqn, RAF Ford |
Plt Off | F W Higginson | 8 Jan 1941 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt |
Sgt | Hillwood | 12 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 2 CFS, RAF Cranwell |
Act Sqn Ldr | E N Ryder | 15 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 41 Sqn |
Sqn Ldr | H M Pinfold | 18 Jan 1941 | Relinquished command of No 56 Sqn on posting to Cambridge UAS |
Act Sqn Ldr | E N Ryder | 18 Jan 1941 | Assumed command of No 56 Sqn |
Fg Off | R F Martin | 19 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 56 OTU |
Sgt | Heslop | 20 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 1 SFTS, RAF Netheravon |
Sgt | Rabbidge | 25 Jan 1941 | Discharged from the RAF |
Plt Off | R E J Wilmet | 24 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 43 Sqn |
Sgt | R C Jones | 26 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 245 Sqn |
Fg Off | R F Martin | 28 Jan 1941 | Attached to No 1 PDC, RAF Uxbridge |
Plt Off | P A Harris | 2 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 3 Sqn |
Sgt | R C Jones | 5 Feb 1941 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | G G Bailey | 8 Feb 1941 | Attached to No 1 SPP, RAF White Waltham |
Sgt | Robinson | 8 Feb 1941 | Attached to No 1 SPP, RAF White Waltham |
Sgt | A Turner | 10 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 229 Sqn |
Flt Sgt | Smythe | 11 Feb 1941 | Ceased to be attached to No 55 OTU |
Sgt | Vardy | 11 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 258 Sqn |
Flt Sgt | Smythe | 12 Feb 1941 | Posted to No 25 Sqn |
Sgt | P E M Robinson | 14 Feb 1941 | Ceased to be attached to No 1 SPP, RAF White Waltham |
Plt Off | R L Harper | 18 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 56 OTU |
Plt Off | R A Haggar | 18 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 56 OTU |
Plt Off | Z Nosowicz | 20 Feb 1941 | Posted to No 316 Sqn |
Plt Off | G G Bailey | 21 Feb 1941 | Ceased to be attached to No 1 SPP, RAF White Waltham |
Plt Off | H Wesolowski | 21 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 607 Sqn |
Fg Off | M H Constable-Maxwell | 21 Feb 1941 | Posted to No 52 OTU |
Fg Off | R F Martin | 25 Feb 1941 | Ceased to be attached to No 1 PDC, RAF Uxbridge |
Fg Off | R F Martin | 26 Feb 1941 | Posted to the Middle East |
Sgt | A Turner | 26 Feb 1941 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | Orzechowski | 2 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 607 Sqn |
Plt Off | Inglis-Finch | 4 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting from RAF Middle Wallop |
Plt Off | Orzechowski | 5 Mar 1941 | Posted to RAF North Weald as non-effective, sick |
Sgt | R G Carvill | 5 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 56 OTU |
Sgt | G V Hoyle | 10 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 232 Sqn |
Fg Off | I B Westmacott | 11 Mar 1941 | Attached to RAF Northolt |
Sgt | Vardy | 11 Mar 1941 | Attached to RAF Northolt |
Plt Off | Orzechowski | 15 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting RAF North Weald on ceasing to be non-effective, sick |
Sgt | Myall | 27 Mar 1941 | Admitted to No 4 Casualty Clearing Station, Dorking |
Plt Off | R G Wyatt | 4 Apr 1941 | Attached to RAF North Weald |
Flt Lt | Morello | 15 Apr 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Plt Off | Lindsell | 18 Apr 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Flt Lt | Morello | 20 Apr 1941 | Posted to No 1 Sqn |
Flt Lt | R E P Brooker | 20 Apr 1941 | Posted to No 1 Sqn |
Fg Off | B J Wicks | 20 Apr 1941 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt |
Sqn Ldr | V Oats | 22 Apr 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Plt Off | T F Guest | 26 Apr 1941 | Failed to return from a sortie, later reported to be a POW |
Flt Lt | Gibbs | 5 May 1941 | Arrived on posting as supernumerary |
Fg Off | Coleman | 15 May 1941 | Engineer Officer, posted to No 60 OTU |
Plt Off | Wareham | 15 May 1941 | Arrived on posting for duty as Engineer Officer |
Plt Off | Radwanskie | 16 May 1941 | Posted to No 302 Sqn |
Flt Sgt | G V Hoyle | 21 May 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | K L Kubiak | 30 May 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | P E M Robinson | 5 Jun 1941 | Appointed to a commission in the rank of Plt Off |
Plt Off | P A Harris | 17 Jun 1941 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | P E M Robinson | 17 Jun 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | R G Carvill | 17 Jun 1941 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | L Stapel | 17 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Sgt | Brozda | 17 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Act Sqn Ldr | E N Ryder | 18 Jun 1941 | Relinquished command of No 56 Sqn on posting to No 53 OTU |
Act Sqn Ldr | P P Hanks | 18 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting and assumed command of No 56 Sqn |
Sgt | Truhla | 18 Jun 1941 | Posted to No 313 Sqn |
Sgt | Valenta | 18 Jun 1941 | Posted to No 313 Sqn |
Flt Lt | R E Drake | 23 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting for duty as Flight Commander |
Plt Off | L Harper | 3 Jul 1941 | Departed on posting |
Sgt | Rippon | 14 Jul 1941 | Departed on posting |
Sqn Ldr | V Oats | 19 Jul 1941 | Departed on posting |
Plt Off | Rouse | 19 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Sgt | Kay | 19 Jul 1941 | Departed on posting |
Plt Off | J F Deck | 1 Nov 1941 | Killed in a flying accident |
Fg Off | O'Leary | 3 Nov 1941 | Posted to No 19 Sqn |
Flt Lt | Wicks | 4 Nov 1941 | Posted to No 610 Sqn |
Fg Off | Ingle-Finch | 4 Nov 1941 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt and assumed command of 'B' Flight |
Sgt | Cluderay RCAF | 6 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 601 Sqn |
Sgt | Smith RAAF | 7 Nov 1941 | Posted to RAF Duxford |
Sgt | Elwell | 8 Nov 1941 | Posted to RAF Duxford |
Sgt | Stuart Turner | 11 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 55 OTU |
Sgt | Bray | 11 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 55 OTU |
Sgt | Stimpson | 11 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 55 OTU |
Sgt | Gee | 18 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 52 OTU |
Sgt | R H Deugo RCAF | 25 Nov 1941 | Appointed to a commission in the rank of Plt Off in the RCAF |
Sgt | W E Coombes | 9 Dec 1941 | Appointed to a commission in the rank of Plt Off in the RCAF |
Sgt | Worley | 10 Dec 1941 | Posted to No 154 Sqn |
Sgt | Gee | 10 Dec 1941 | Posted to No 91 Sqn |
Flt Sgt | M B Innes RCAF | 13 Dec 1941 | Killed in a flying accident |
Act Sqn Ldr | P P Hanks | 20 Dec 1941 | Relinquished command of No 56 Sqn on promotion to Act Wg Cdr and posting to RAF Duxford |
Flt Lt | H S L Dundas | 20 Dec 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 610 Sqn and assumed command of No 56 Sqn |
Sgt | Bray | 22 Dec 1941 | Posted to No 610 Sqn |
Sgt | R B Cameron RAAF | 24 Dec 1941 | Killed in a flying accident |
Plt Off | Pollock | 26 Dec 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 610 Sqn |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/529)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Dec 1941
Date | Notes |
xx Feb 1941 | Hurricane I were replaced by Hurricane IIBs |
12 May 1941 | Squadron aircraft began night operations from RAF Hunsdon |
16 May 1941 | Squadron aircraft returned to RAF North Weald |
15 May 1941 | Squadron aircraft moved to RAF Hunsdon for night operations |
17 May 1941 | Squadron aircraft returned to RAF North Weald |
7 Jun 1941 | Squadron aircraft moved to RAF Hunsdon for night operations |
9 Jun 1941 | Squadron aircraft returned to RAF North Weald |
23 Jun 1941 | Squadron moved to RAF Martlesham Heath |
26 Jun 1941 | Squadron moved to RAF Duxford |
11 Sep 1941 | First Hawker Typhoon delivered to the squadron |
13 Sep 1941 | Second Typhoon arrived |
Source - No 56 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/529)
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