Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
No 72 Sqn Personnel, aircraft and locations
[Jul 1937 | Jul 1938 | Jan 1939 | Apr 1939 | May 1939 | Jan-Dec 1940 | Jan-Dec 1941]
Personnel Movements: Feb - Jul 1937
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | 22 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting from No 1 Sqn as Officer Commanding, | |
Sqn Ldr | E J L Hope | 9 Jun 1937 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Flt Lt | 9 Jun 1937 | Relinquished command of the squadron |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Organisational Movements: Feb - Jul 1937
Date | Notes |
22 Feb 1937 |
Reformed at Tangmere from a nucleus provided by No 1 Squadron, equipped with Gloster Gladiator Is |
1 Jun 1937 | Squadron moved from RAF Tangmere to RAF Church Fenton |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Gladiator I | RAF Church Fenton | Fighter Command/No 12 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | E J L Hope | 9 Jun 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
Flt Lt | 22 Mar 1937 | later A/Cdre | |
Plt Off | E Graham | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | F M Smith | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | J H Coghlan | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | L F Henstock | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | A A Devany | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | J C Boulter | 22 Mar 1937 | |
APO | P H Crompton | 22 May 1937 |
Source - July 1937 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1937 - Jul 1938
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | E J L Hope | 22 Dec 1937 | Relinquished command of the squadron |
Flt Lt | B W Knox | 22 Dec 1937 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Flt Lt | B W Knox | 15 Jan 1938 | Relinquished command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | J B H Rogers | 15 Jan 1938 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Plt Off | A A Devany | 7 Feb 1938 | Killed in a flying accident |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1937 - Jul 1938
Date | Notes |
30 Apr 1938 | Squadron proceeded, posted to RAF Aldergrove for Annual Armament Training |
20 May 1938 | Air Party returned from RAF Aldergrove on completion of Annual Armament Training |
21 May 1938 | Main Party returned from RAF Aldergrove on completion of Annual Armament Training |
14 Jun 1938 | The Squadron Badge which had been authorised by HM King George VI was presented by the AOC-in-C, Fighter Command |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
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 Gladiator I | RAF Church Fenton | Fighter Command/No 12 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | J B H Rogers | 15 Jan 1938 | Officer Commanding, |
Flt Lt | B W Knox | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Flt Lt | W F Pharazyn | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Fg Off | E Graham | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | F M Smith | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | L F Henstock | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | J C Boulter | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | D F B Sheen | 30 Jun 1937 | |
Plt Off | J B W Humpherson | 7 Aug 1937 | |
Plt Off | J B Nicolson | 7 Aug 1937 | later VC |
Plt Off | R A Thomson | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | T A F Elsdon | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Plt Off | O St J Pigg | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | Walter T Brooks | 19 Feb 1938 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | R J Walker | 23 Apr 1938 | |
- |
|||
7 Airman Pilots |
Source - July 1938 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1938 - Jan 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | W F Pharazyn | 29 Jun 1938 | Killed in a flying accident |
Sqn Ldr | J B H Rogers | 1 Nov 1938 | Promoted to Wg Cdr |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | 8 Dec 1938 | Arrived on posting as Supernumerary, pending taking over command |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1938 - Jan 1939
Date | Notes |
29 Jul 1938 | Squadron moved to RAF Wittering to participate in Annual Air Defence Exercises |
12 Aug 1938 | Squadron returned from RAF Wittering on completion of Annual Air Defence Exercises |
xx Sep 1938 | Squadron camouflaged its aircraft and adopted the code letters, 'RN' as the result of the 'Munich Crisis'* |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624), except*
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Gladiator I | RAF Church Fenton | Fighter Command/No 12 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Wg Cdr | J B H Rogers | 15 Jan 1938 | Officer Commanding, |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | 8 Dec 1938 | later AM |
Flt Lt | B W Knox | 18 Dec 1937 | |
act Flt Lt | E Graham | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Fg Off | F M Smith | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Fg Off | D F B Sheen | 30 Jun 1937 | |
Fg Off | L F Henstock | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Fg Off | J C Boulter | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | J B W Humpherson | 7 Aug 1937 | |
Plt Off | J B Nicolson | 7 Aug 1937 | later VC |
Plt Off | R A Thomson | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | T A F Elsdon | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Plt Off | O St J Pigg | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | R J Walker | 23 Apr 1938 | |
APO | N C H Robson | 29 Oct 1938 | RAFO |
Source - January 1939 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Dec 1938 - Apr 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Wg Cdr | J B H Rogers | 14 Dec 1938 | Relinquished command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | 14 Dec 1938 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Wg Cdr | J B H Rogers | 28 Dec 1938 | Posted to RAF Digby as Officer Commanding |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Gladiator I Supermarine Spitfire I |
RAF Church Fenton | Fighter Command/No 12 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | 8 Dec 1938 | Officer Commanding; later AM |
Flt Lt | B W Knox | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Act Flt Lt | E Graham | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Fg Off | F M Smith | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Fg Off | D F B Sheen | 30 Jun 1937 | |
Fg Off | L F Henstock | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | J B Nicolson | 7 Aug 1937 | later VC |
Plt Off | R A Thomson | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | T A F Elsdon | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Plt Off | O St J Pigg | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | R J Walker | 23 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | R Miller | 14 Jan 1939 | |
Plt Off | J W Villa | 30 Jan 1939 | |
Plt Off | J L Coldwells | 17 Dec 1938 | |
Plt Off | N C H Robson | 17 Jan 1939 | |
Warrant Officers | |||
WO | L O'Neill | 6 Jan 1939 | |
WO | J A Paine | 30 Mar 1937 |
Source - April 1939 Confidential Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Gloster Gladiator I Supermarine Spitfire I |
RAF Church Fenton | Fighter Command/No 12 (Fighter) Group |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | 8 Dec 1938 | Officer Commanding; later AM |
Flt Lt | B W Knox | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Act Flt Lt | E Graham | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Fg Off | F M Smith | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Fg Off | D F B Sheen | 30 Jun 1937 | |
Fg Off | L F Henstock | 22 Mar 1937 | |
Plt Off | J B Nicolson | 7 Aug 1937 | later VC |
Plt Off | R A Thomson | 4 Sep 1937 | |
Plt Off | T A F Elsdon | 18 Dec 1937 | |
Plt Off | O St J Pigg | 27 Nov 1937 | |
Plt Off | R J Walker | 23 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | J W Villa | 30 Jan 1939 | |
Plt Off | J L Coldwells | 17 Dec 1938 | |
Plt Off | N C H Robson | 17 Jan 1939 | |
Warrant Officers | |||
WO | L O'Neill | 6 Jan 1939 |
Source - May 1939 Confidential Air Force List
Personnel Movements
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sgt | D V Peacock | 21 Aug 1939 | Killed in a flying accident |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Organisational Movements: Apr - Sep 1939
Date | Notes |
xx Apr 1939 | Squadron commenced re-equipment with Supermarine Spitfire Is |
xx May 1939 | Squadron disposed of its last Gladiator |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Nominal Roll of Officers - 1 Sep 1939
Rank | Name | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | Officer Commanding |
Fg Off | T A F Elsdon | Adjutant |
Flt Lt | F M Smith | OC, 'A' Flight |
Flt Lt | E Graham | OC, 'B' Flight |
Fg Off | L F Henstock | |
Fg Off | D F B Sheen | |
Fg Off | R A Thomson | |
Fg Off | J B Nicolson | later VC |
Plt Off | O St J Pigg | |
Plt Off | J W Villa | |
Plt Off | R J Walker | |
Plt Off | E J Wilcox | |
Plt Off | N C H Robson |
Personnel Movements Sep - Dec 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
AC2 | 4 x Fitters RAFVR | 2 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
Fg Off | J A Thomson | 4 Sep 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 73 Sqn |
AC2 | 5 x Riggers RAFVR | 5 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
AC2 | 1 x Electrician II RAFVR | 5 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
AC2 | 1 x Electrician II RAFVR | 6 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
Act Sgt Plt | Eagle | 7 Sep 1939 | Promoted to Sergeant (Temporary) |
Act Sgt Plt | Menzies | 7 Sep 1939 | Promoted to Sergeant (Temporary) |
Act Sgt Plt | Twiggs | 7 Sep 1939 | Promoted to Sergeant (Temporary) |
AC2 | 1 x Fitter Armourer RAFVR | 8 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
AC1 | 1 x Instrument Repairer RAFVR | 9 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
Sgt Plt | M Gray | 12 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
AC1 | L O Schofield | 13 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | J Murphy | 13 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | W Howe | 13 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC2 | 2 x Electricians | 13 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
AC1 | 1 x WEM | 13 Sep 1939 | Reported for duty |
AC1 | A C Stark | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | B B Wheeldon | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | A Collins | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | J Lee | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | J W Kippax | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | J Whittingham | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | W Southwood | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
AC1 | J Young | 15 Sep 1939 | Reclassified LAC |
Sgt | B A Harrop | 18 Sep 1939 | Promoted to Flight Sergeant (Temporary) wef 15 Sep 1939 |
AC1 | T Compton | 20 Sep 1939 | Awarded 1st Good Conduct Badge |
LAC | J Callaghan | 20 Sep 1939 | Awarded 1st Good Conduct Badge |
LAC | A Hall | 20 Sep 1939 | Awarded 2nd Good Conduct Badge |
LAC | D C Peat | 20 Sep 1939 | Posted to No 4 Wing, Hednesford |
AC2 | J Furnival | 22 Sep 1939 | Remustered as AC1 Flight Rigger wef 4 Sep 1939 |
AC2 | A Edmond | 23 Sep 1939 | Posted to No 2 Wing, Henlow |
AC2 | M A Parr | 23 Sep 1939 | Posted to No 2 Wing, Henlow |
Flt Sgt | A C Llewellyn | 27 Sep 1939 | Carpenter/Rigger (1), posted to No 30 MU |
AC2 | C Dyson | 29 Sep 1939 | ACH/Electrician II, posted to No 2 Wing, Henlow |
AC2 | H Atherton | 29 Sep 1939 | ACH/Electrician II, posted to No 2 Wing, Henlow |
AC2 | H J Williams | 29 Sep 1939 | ACH/Electrician II, posted to No 2 Wing, Henlow |
AC2 | J Taylor | 29 Sep 1939 | ACH (5), attached, posted to School of PT for course |
Flt Sgt | B A Harrop | 30 Sep 1939 | Awarded 3rd Good Conduct Badge wef 17 Mar 1939 |
Flt Sgt | C McKenna | 30 Sep 1939 | Attached to Rolleston Camp for Anti-Gas Course |
AC1 | A Allsop | 3 Oct 1939 | Fitter II, posted to No 152 Sqn |
LAC | F R C Rolfe | 4 Oct 1939 | F/Mech, posted to No 141 Sqn |
LAC | J E F Callaghan | 4 Oct 1939 | F/Mech, posted to No 141 Sqn |
LAC | J E A Hess | 5 Oct 1939 | F/Mech, posted to No 222 Sqn |
LAC | J W Kippax | 5 Oct 1939 | Fitter II, posted to No 222 Sqn |
AC2 | J H Compton | 5 Oct 1939 | Fitter/Armourer, posted to No 222 Sqn |
Cpl | O Brittlebank | 6 Oct 1939 | Clerk-GD promoted to Sergeant (Temporary) |
Sgt | W S Menzies | 7 Oct 1939 | Fitter/Armourer attached, to No 1 AAS |
Cpl | O Brittlebank | 8 Oct 1939 | Attached to Messrs Rolls Royce |
AC1 | P T Perry | 10 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 145 Sqn |
AC1 | J Walker | 10 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 145 Sqn |
AC2 | T Brooks | 10 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 145 Sqn |
AC2 | G P Moraghan | 10 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 145 Sqn |
AC2 | J R Jones | 10 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 145 Sqn |
AC2 | M Mackay | 10 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 145 Sqn |
AC2 | T O'Brien | 10 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 145 Sqn |
LAC | J Lee | 10 Oct 1939 | Fitter II, posted to No 145 Sqn |
Fg Off | R A Thomson | 10 Oct 1939 | Attached to RAF Northolt for Air Fighting Course |
AC2 | W F Proudlock | 13 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 2 Wing, Henlow |
AC1 | T W Martin | 13 Oct 1939 | Mate, posted to No 2 Wing, Hednesford |
LAC | W Southwood | 13 Oct 1939 | F/Mech, posted to No 1 RC (SDL) |
LAC | J Young | 13 Oct 1939 | F/Mech, posted to No 1 RC (SDL) |
Cpl | J F Orrell | 15 Oct 1939 | Fitter I, attached to Messrs De Havilland for Course on VP Propellers |
AC1 | W Scott | 17 Oct 1939 | Armourer, posted to No 1 RC (SDL) |
AC2 | J W Nelson | 22 Oct 1939 | ACH, posted to No 2 Wing, Henlow |
AC1 | J Moore | 22 Oct 1939 | Mate, posted to No 2 Wing, Hednesford |
AC1 | S Rockett | 22 Oct 1939 | Mate, posted to No 2 Wing, Hednesford |
AC1 | H J Eastwood | 22 Oct 1939 | Mate, posted to No 2 Wing, Hednesford |
AC2 | C Dobson | 24 Oct 1939 | Fitter Aero Engine, reported for duty |
AC2 | H Lord | 24 Oct 1939 | Instrument Repairer, reported for duty |
AC2 | G A N Leonard | 24 Oct 1939 | Equipment Assistant, reported for duty |
AC1 | R N Powell | 25 Oct 1939 | Mate, posted to No 2 Wing, Hednesford |
Cpl | W Jones | 26 Oct 1939 | Clerk-GD reported for duty |
AC1 | H C Wooller | 27 Oct 1939 | Equipment Assistant reported for duty |
AC2 | D Harmer | 27 Oct 1939 | F/Rigger reported for duty |
AC2 | D Eaton | 27 Oct 1939 | F/Mech reported for duty |
AC2 | W Garrett | 27 Oct 1939 | F/Mech reported for duty |
AC2 | W Holmes | 27 Oct 1939 | F/Mech reported for duty |
AC2 | W Rae | 27 Oct 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech reported for duty |
AC2 | S H Emerson | 27 Oct 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech reported for duty |
AC2 | G W Smith | 27 Oct 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech reported for duty |
AC2 | W N Docherty | 27 Oct 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech reported for duty |
Cpl | J F Orrell | 1 Nov 1939 | Fitter I, posted to No 242 Sqn, Church Fenton |
AC1 | W H Hughes | 1 Nov 1939 | F/Mech, posted to No 242 Sqn, Church Fenton |
AC1 | G W Levett | 1 Nov 1939 | F/Rigger, posted to No 264 Sqn, Sutton Bridge |
AC1 | L Driver | 1 Nov 1939 | F/Rigger, posted to No 264 Sqn, Sutton Bridge |
Fg Off | J A Thomson | 2 Nov 1939 | Posted to No 245 Sqn, Leconfield |
Plt Off | H C Martineau | 2 Nov 1939 | Reported for duty as Adjutant, wef 1 Nov 1939 |
AC1 | L Driver | 2 Nov 1939 | F/Rigger, posted to No 4 Wing, Hednesford |
T/Sgt | O Brittlebank | 3 Nov 1939 | Clerk-GD, posted to HQ, No 22 Group, Farnborough |
Sgt Plt | R J Staples | 4 Nov 1939 | Detached to No 609 Sqn, Drem |
AC2 | F Gibbs | 4 Nov 1939 | F/Rigger from No 2 Wing, Locking |
AC1 | C King | 10 Nov 1939 | F/Mech from No 2 Wing, Locking |
AC2 | S Bird | 10 Nov 1939 | F/Rigger from No 2 Wing, Locking |
AC2 | W Rae | 17 Nov 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech/Rigger, posted to No 1 Wing, Hednesford |
AC2 | S H Emerson | 17 Nov 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech/Rigger, posted to No 1 Wing, Hednesford |
AC2 | G W Smith | 17 Nov 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech/Rigger, posted to No 1 Wing, Hednesford |
AC2 | W N Docherty | 17 Nov 1939 | ACH u/t F/Mech/Rigger, posted to No 1 Wing, Hednesford |
Plt Off | O St J Pigg | 20 Nov 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Plt Off | J W Villa | 20 Nov 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Sgt Plt | M Gray | 5 Dec 1939 | Posted back, posted to No 72 Sqn |
Sgt Plt | M A Pocock | 5 Dec 1939 | Reported for duty from No 12 Group Pool |
Fg Off | D B Hobson | 8 Dec 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 609 Sqn |
Plt Off | R D Elliott | 16 Dec 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 6 SFTS |
Sgt Plt | Else | 16 Dec 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 6 SFTS |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Organisational Movements: Sep - Dec 1939
Date | Notes |
xx Sep 1939 | Squadron changed its code letters from 'SD', posted to 'RN'* |
15 Oct 1939 | Squadron moved from RAF Church Fenton, posted to RAF Leconfield |
28 Oct 1939 | 'A' and 'B' Flights proceeded to RAF Drem, HQ remained at RAF Leconfield |
7 Nov 1939 | Sqn HQ and Maintenance Party moved from RAF Leconfield to RAF Church Fenton |
3 Dec 1939 | Sqn HQ moved from RAF Church Fenton to RAF Drem |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624), except *
Personnel Movements Jan - Dec 1940
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Sgt | G McKenna | 1 Feb 1940 | ACH, promoted to Temp WO |
Fg Off | L F Henstock | 17 Feb 1940 | Posted to No 64 Sqn |
Fg Off | N C H Robson | 17 Feb 1940 | Posted to No 64 Sqn |
Sgt | Winter | 1 Apr 1940 | Appointed, to a Commission in the rank of Plt Off |
Fg Off | D F B Sheen | 20 Apr 1940 | Posted to No 212 Sqn, Heston |
Sqn Ldr | A R Collins | 19 Jul 1940 | Supernumerary pending taking command the squadron |
Plt Off | H C Martineau | 19 Jul 1940 | Left to take up duties with Welsh Guards |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | 25 Jul 1940 | Relinquished command of the squadron |
Sqn Ldr | A R Collins | 25 Jul 1940 | Assumed command of the squadron |
Plt Off | Welhuish | 25 Jul 1940 | Reported for duty as Adjutant |
Fg Off | D F B Sheen | 29 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 212 Sqn, Heston |
Plt Off | Whitaker | 4 Aug 1940 | Reported for duty as Intelligence Officer |
Plt Off | R J Walker | 4 Aug 1940 | Posted to No 7 OTU as an Instructor |
Plt Off | Hogben | 19 Aug 1940 | Posted to RAF Drem as Station Intelligence Officer |
Fg Off | E J Wilcox | 31 Aug 1940 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | O St J Pigg | 1 Sep 1940 | Killed in action |
Sqn Ldr | A R Collins | 2 Sep 1940 | Wounded in action |
Sqn Ldr | Ronald B Lees | 2 Sep 1940 | Supernumerary as temporary OC |
Plt Off | D C Winter | 5 Sep 1940 | Killed in action |
Sgt | M Gray | 5 Sep 1940 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | Lindsay | 11 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | Ritchie | 11 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | Lloyd | 11 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Sgt | Bell-Walker | 11 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | H R Case | 15 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | D F Holland | 20 Sep 1940 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | J O'Meara | 20 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | P J Davies-Cooke | 20 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | Cosby | 20 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | Brown | 20 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | P J Davies-Cooke | 27 Sep 1940 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | E E Males | 27 Sep 1940 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | Secretan | 27 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | Davy | 28 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | N Sutton | 29 Sep 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | J O'Meara | 3 Oct 1940 | Attached to No 421 Flight |
Sgt | M A Lee | 3 Oct 1940 | Attached to No 421 Flight |
Plt Off | P D Poole | 3 Oct 1940 | Reported for duty |
Sgt | P H R R A Terry | 3 Oct 1940 | Reported for duty |
Sgt | Morrison | 4 Oct 1940 | Reported for duty |
Plt Off | N Sutton | 5 Oct 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Sgt | R E Plant | 10 Oct 1940 | Posted to No 611 Sqn |
Plt Off | H R Case | 12 Oct 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Flt Lt | J W Villa | 15 Oct 1940 | Posted to No 92 Sqn |
Plt Off | R S Smith | 29 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Plt Off | L B Fordham | 29 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Sgt | J Hurst | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Sgt | S A Hibbert | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Sgt | W H Lamberton | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Sgt | A J Casey | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Sgt | D S Corser | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Sgt | W Gregson | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Sgt | S Hamer | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 7 OTU |
Plt Off | Cosby | 4 Nov 1940 | Posted to No 222 Sqn |
Plt Off | J F Reeves | 4 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | W J Rosser | 4 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | B C Webber | 4 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Act Flt Lt | Robson | 5 Nov 1940 | Relinquished his acting rank and reverted to Fg Off |
Sgt | G E Camplin | 8 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 611 Sqn |
Sgt | E W Perkins | 8 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 611 Sqn |
Sgt | A C Leigh | 8 Nov 1940 | Posted to No 611 Sqn |
Sgt | N Glew | 8 Nov 1940 | Posted to No 616 Sqn |
Sgt | J S Gilders | 8 Nov 1940 | Posted to No 616 Sqn |
Fg Off | Robson | 9 Nov 1940 | Posted to CFS |
Sgt | T E J Ream | 9 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 616 Sqn |
Sgt | S Wilson | 9 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 616 Sqn |
Sgt | A Raw | 14 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 616 Sqn |
Flt Lt | R A Thomson | 16 Nov 1940 | Transferred to the RAFO and recalled for service |
Sgt | Squier | 24 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 64 Sqn |
Flt Lt | F M Smith | 28 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from SHQ Biggin Hill for temporary duty until 21 Dec 1940 |
Sgt | J Hurst | 20 Dec 1940 | Posted to No 603 Sqn |
Sgt | A Raw | 20 Dec 1940 | Posted to No 603 Sqn |
Sgt | Squier | 20 Dec 1940 | Posted to No 603 Sqn |
Sgt | B C Webber | 20 Dec 1940 | Posted to No 603 Sqn |
Sgt | S Wilson | 20 Dec 1940 | Posted to No 603 Sqn |
Sgt | T E J Ream | 21 Dec 1940 | Posted to No 92 Sqn |
Sgt | S Hamer | 21 Dec 1940 | Posted to No 610 Sqn |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Dec 1940
Date | Notes |
12 Jan 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Drem to RAF Leconfield pending RAF Church Fenton becoming available |
13 Jan 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Leconfield to RAF Church Fenton |
2 Mar 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Church Fenton to RAF Acklington |
19 Mar 1940 | Squadron began using RAF Thornaby for the overnight dispersal of the aircraft, returning to Acklington each morning |
23 Mar 1940 | Squadron ceased using RAF Thornaby for overnight dispersal |
1 Jun 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Acklington to RAF Gravesend in No 11 Group |
6 Jun 1940 | Squadron returned to RAF Acklington from RAF Gravesend and reverted to No 12 Group |
31 Aug 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Acklington to RAF Biggin Hill in No 11 Group |
1 Sep 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Biggin Hill to RAF Croydon |
12 Sep 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Croydon to RAF Biggin Hill |
13 Oct 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Biggin Hill to RAF Leconfield in No 12 Group |
20 Oct 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Leconfield to RAF Coltishall |
29 Nov 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Coltishall to RAF Leuchars, although Orderly Room and Maintenance Party went to RAF Turnhouse |
15 Dec 1940 | Adjutant. Orderly Room and Maintenance Party moved to RAF Acklington |
19 Dec 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Leuchars to RAF Acklington |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Personnel Movements Jan - Dec 1941
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | H A Doobyn | 8 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Plt Off | G H Marshal | 8 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Plt Off | H A Doobyn | 9 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 258 Sqn |
Plt Off | G H Marshal | 9 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 258 Sqn |
Sgt | E A Southey | 9 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 258 Sqn |
Sgt | J E T Dykes | 9 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 258 Sqn |
Sgt | T R Mallett | 9 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 258 Sqn |
Sgt | W A Lack | 9 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 258 Sqn |
Flt Lt | R A Thomson | 12 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 2 CFS, RAF Cranwell for flying instructors' course |
Sgt | G E Camplin | 23 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 145 Sqn |
Sgt | W T Rolls | 24 Jan 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 56 OTU |
Plt Off | T R Ritchie | 24 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 58 OTU |
Fg Off | T D H Davy | 29 Jan 1941 | Posted to No 315 Sqn for duty as Flight Commander |
Fg Off | H B Jones | 1 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from RAF Acklington for duty as Medical Officer |
Plt Off | R B Newton | 10 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | D J Prytherch | 10 Feb 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | White | 24 Feb 1941 | Admitted to Newcastle General Hospital |
Plt Off | R S Smith | 25 Feb 1941 | Posted to RAF Acklington |
Sgt | B Collyer | 11 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | C L Harrison | 11 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | Gledhill | 11 Mar 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | J E T Dykes | 16 Mar 1941 | Posted to No 74 Sqn |
Sgt | T R Mallett | 16 Mar 1941 | Posted to No 74 Sqn |
Flt Sgt | R J Staples | 26 Mar 1941 | Posted to No 58 OTU |
Sqn Ldr | E Graham | 1 Apr 1941 | Ceased to be attached on posting to RAF Catterick |
Act Sqn Ldr | D F B Sheen | 1 Apr 1941 | Assumed command of No 72 Sqn |
Fg Off | D Secretan | 1 Apr 1941 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt and assumed command of 'A' Flight |
Fg Off | R D Elliott | 1 Apr 1941 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt and assumed command of 'B' Flight |
Act Flt Lt | D Secretan | 4 Apr 1941 | Attached to RAF Biggin Hill for tactical instruction |
Act Flt Lt | D Secretan | 8 Apr 1941 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Biggin Hill for tactical instruction |
Act Flt Lt | R D Elliott | 15 Apr 1941 | Attached to RAF Biggin Hill for tactical instruction |
Sgt | Mason | 15 Apr 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 58 OTU |
Plt Off | P D Poole | 15 Apr 1941 | Attached to AGME |
Act Sqn Ldr | D F B Sheen | 17 Apr 1941 | Promoted to Act (paid) Sqn Ldr, wef 28 Mar 1941 |
Act Flt Lt | D Secretan | 17 Apr 1941 | Promoted to Act (paid) Flt Lt |
Plt Off | E P W Bocock | 17 Apr 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 58 OTU |
Plt Off | F Baldwin | 17 Apr 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 58 OTU |
Fg Off | H B Jones | 20 Apr 1941 | Medical Officer, attached to MTE for Sanitary Course |
Act Flt Lt | D Secretan | 20 Apr 1941 | Posted to RAF Acklington as non-effective, sick |
Act Flt Lt | R D Elliott | 21 Apr 1941 | Promoted to Act (paid) Flt Lt |
Plt Off | J M T Godlewski | 22 Apr 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Plt Off | T Stabrowski | 25 Apr 1941 | Attached from No 317 Sqn |
Sgt | Biel | 26 Apr 1941 | Attached from No 317 Sqn |
Sgt | W J Rosser | 26 Apr 1941 | Ceased to be attached to No 43 Group |
Fg Off | H B Jones | 27 Apr 1941 | Medical Officer, ceased to be attached to MTE for Sanitary Course |
Sgt | B Collyer | 29 Apr 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | W A Lack | 3 May 1941 | Posted to No 213 Sqn |
Sgt | White | 3 May 1941 | Posted to No 213 Sqn |
Plt Off | R B Newton | 3 May 1941 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Weeton for Parachute Course |
Plt Off | F Baldwin | 3 May 1941 | Posted to No 260 Sqn |
Sgt | Hemingway | 5 May 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | Gledhill | 5 May 1941 | Posted to No 213 Sqn |
Plt Off | Douthwaite | 7 May 1941 | Posted to No 213 Sqn |
Sgt | Bell-Walker | 7 May 1941 | Arrived on posting from RAF Biggin Hill |
Act Flt Lt | D Secretan | 10 May 1941 | Arrived on posting from RAF Acklington on ceasing to be non-effective, sick |
Plt Off | P D Poole | 11 May 1941 | Ceased to be attached and posted to AGME |
Sgt | Rutherford RAAF | 9 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | Falkiner RAAF | 9 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | J G Merrett RAAF | 9 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Plt Off | J M T Godlewski | 16 Jun 1941 | Promoted to Fg Off, wef 1 Mar 1941 |
Sgt | Biel | 16 Jun 1941 | Posted to No 308 Sqn |
Plt Off | T Stabrowski | 22 Jun 1941 | Ceased to be attached on return to No 317 Sqn |
Sgt | D J Prytherch | 29 Jun 1941 | Posted to No 603 Sqn |
Fg Off | Farmer | 30 Jun 1941 | Posted to No 23 Sqn |
Plt Off | N E Bishop | 30 Jun 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 74 Sqn |
Sgt | Mallett | 1 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 74 Sqn |
Sgt | Gledhill | 2 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 213 Sqn |
Sgt | E A Southey | 7 Jul 1941 | Posted to No 53 OTU |
Sgt | Bell-Walker | 7 Jul 1941 | Posted to No 602 Sqn |
Plt Off | N E Bishop | 8 Jul 1941 | Attached to No 74 Sqn |
Fg Off | J M T Godlewski | 10 Jul 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | A J Casey | 10 Jul 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | C L Harrison | 10 Jul 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | Mallett | 10 Jul 1941 | Attached to No 1 Delivery Flight, RAF Hendon |
Fg Off | Nicholson | 13 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from RAF Turnhouse for Intelligence duties |
Sgt | W M Lamberton | 13 Jul 1941 | Failed to return from a sortie, later reported to be a POW |
Plt Off | R C Gosling | 14 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 266 Sqn |
Sgt | McCann | 14 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 452 Sqn |
Sgt | Cox | 14 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 452 Sqn |
Sgt | R F Lewis | 14 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 266 Sqn |
Sgt | Stone | 14 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 64 Sqn |
Sgt | G F Breckon | 14 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 501 Sqn |
Sgt | Ingham | 14 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 501 Sqn |
Act Flt Lt | R D Elliott | 15 Jul 1941 | Posted to RAF Biggin Hill as non-effective, sick |
Plt Off | D Clive | 15 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 152 Sqn |
Plt Off | L B Fordham | 17 Jul 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | R F Lewis | 19 Jul 1941 | Killed in action |
Act Flt Lt | D Stewart-Clark | 19 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 603 Sqn |
Sgt | Sika | 20 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 452 Sqn |
Sgt | Valenta | 20 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 452 Sqn |
Sgt | J W Perkins | 23 Jul 1941 | Failed to return from a sortie, later reported to be a POW |
Sgt | G F Breckon | 24 Jul 1941 | Failed to return from a sortie, later reported to be a POW |
Sgt | R T Grisdale | 26 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 234 Sqn |
Sgt | D R White RNZAF | 26 Jul 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 66 Sqn |
Flt Lt | K Kosinski | 1 Aug 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 145 Sqn, wef 22 Jul 1941 |
Fg Off | H Skalski | 1 Aug 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 11 Group Flight, wef 24 Jul 1941 |
Sgt | Sika | 2 Aug 1941 | Posted to No 57 OTU |
Plt Off | N E Bishop | 6 Aug 1941 | Ceased to be attached to No 74 Sqn |
Sgt | W J Rosser | 6 Aug 1941 | Appointed to a commission and reposted to No 72 Sqn |
Act Flt Lt | D Stewart-Clark | 8 Aug 1941 | Promoted to Act (paid) Flt Lt |
Sgt | W Gregson | 9 Aug 1941 | Appointed to a commission and reposted to No 72 Sqn |
Act Flt Lt | D Secretan | 10 Aug 1941 | Posted to RAF Biggin Hill as non-effective, sick |
Flt Lt | K N T Lee | 14 Aug 1941 | Attached from No 59 OTU |
Fg Off | H Skalski | 27 Aug 1941 | Failed to return from a sortie, later reported to be a POW |
Sgt | R T Grisdale | 29 Aug 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | A F Binns | 31 Aug 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 123 Sqn |
Sgt | S Croft | 31 Aug 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 123 Sqn |
Sgt | L Stock | 4 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 19 Sqn |
Sgt | R C Richards | 4 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 19 Sqn |
Plt Off | R B Newton | 11 Sep 1941 | Posted to No 403 Sqn for duty as Flight Commander |
Plt Off | D Clive | 17 Sep 1941 | Attached to AFDU |
Sgt | Gledhill | 18 Sep 1941 | Posted to RAF Biggin Hill as non-effective, sick |
Sgt | J E T Dykes | 18 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 74 Sqn |
Sgt | C L A Thompson | 18 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 74 Sqn |
Flt Lt | D Stewart-Clark | 19 Sep 1941 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | H J Birkland RCAF | 19 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 122 Sqn |
Flt Lt | D B Sherrington | 20 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 452 Sqn |
Sgt | Booth | 21 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 122 Sqn |
Sgt | K R Roberts | 21 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 122 Sqn |
Flt Lt | R M D Hall | 22 Sep 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 64 Sqn |
Flt Lt | D B Sherrington | 22 Sep 1941 | Posted to RAF Biggin Hill |
Fg Off | Nicholson | 24 Sep 1941 | Intelligence Officer, posted to No 2 PDC pending posting to HQ Middle East |
Sgt | A F Binns | 27 Sep 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | J G Merrett RAAF | 27 Sep 1941 | Killed in action |
Fg Off | H V C Gibbs | 1 Oct 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 457 Sqn for duty as Intelligence Officer |
APO | W F Le Petit | 14 Oct 1941 | Regraded as Plt Off on Probation |
Flt Lt | H B Jones | 21 Oct 1941 | Medical Officer, posted to RAF Manston |
Fg Off | M L White | 23 Oct 1941 | Arrived on posting from RAF Manston for duty as Medical Officer |
Sgt | T Watson | 25 Oct 1941 | Posted to RAF Gravesend as non-effective, sick |
Sgt | L Stock | 26 Oct 1941 | Killed in action |
Sqn Ldr | C A Masterman | 27 Oct 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 57 OTU |
Sgt | Falkiner RAAF | 27 Oct 1941 | Failed to return from a sortie, later reported to be a POW |
Sgt | J P Campbell | 28 Oct 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 61 OTU |
Sgt | Robillard RCAF | 1 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 145 Sqn |
Sqn Ldr | C A Masterman | 4 Nov 1941 | Assumed command of No 72 Sqn |
Act Sqn Ldr | D F B Sheen | 4 Nov 1941 | Relinquished command of No 72 Sqn on posting to HQ, No 9 Group |
Plt Off | D Clive | 4 Nov 1941 | Ceased to be attached to AFDU |
Sgt | F E Jones RCAF | 4 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 53 OTU |
Plt Off | H J Birkland RCAF | 7 Nov 1941 | Failed to return from a sortie, later reported to be a POW |
Plt Off | N E Bishop | 8 Nov 1941 | Killed in action |
Flt Sgt | D R White RNZAF | 8 Nov 1941 | Killed in action |
Plt Off | R C Gosling | 8 Nov 1941 | Confirmed in his appointment and promoted to Fg Off (WS), wef 7 Sep 1941 |
Fg Off | H V C Gibbs | 12 Nov 1941 | Intelligence Officer, posted to No 92 Sqn |
Fg Off | Weise | 12 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting from No 92 Sqn for duty as Intelligence Officer |
Sgt | Liby | 25 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Sgt | Waerner | 25 Nov 1941 | Arrived on posting |
Sgt | C L A Thompson | 8 Dec 1941 | Killed in action |
Sgt | E G Enright RAAF | 8 Dec 1941 | Killed in action |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Dec 1941
Date | Notes |
19 Dec 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Leuchars to RAF Acklington |
xx Apr 1941 | Squadron re-equipped with Spitfire IIA and IIBs |
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8 Jul 1941 | Squadron moved from RAF Acklington to RAF Gravesend by rail and air |
xx Jul 1941 | Squadron re-equipped with Spitfire VBs |
26 Jul 1941 | Squadron moved from RAF Gravesend to RAF Biggin Hill |
20 Oct 1941 | Squadron moved from RAF Biggin Hill to RAF Gravesend |
Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)
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This page was last updated on 17/10/23