Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Home Page

Main Menu

Quick Menu

Members' Area

What New?

About this site

Reunions

Help Needed?

Glossary

Bibliography

Sign Guest Book

View Guest Book

Link to Amazon

Online Store

Contact Me

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

Edward M Donaldson

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

Edward M Donaldson

 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
Gladiator I of No 72 Squadron (1937)
1 Jun 1937 Squadron moved from RAF Tangmere to RAF Church Fenton

Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624)

July 1937

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

Edward M Donaldson

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
No 72 Squadron badge
Gladiator I of No 72 Squadron (Silver scheme)

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

July 1938

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'*
Gladiator I of No 72 Squadron (camouflage scheme)

Source - No 72 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/624), except*

January 1939

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)

April 1939

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

May 1939

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
Spifire I of No 72 Squadron (coded SD)
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'*
Spifire I of No 72 Squadron (coded 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
Spitfire IIA of No 72 Squadron

Spitfire IIb
 8 Jul 1941 Squadron moved from RAF Acklington to RAF Gravesend by rail and air
xx Jul 1941 Squadron re-equipped with Spitfire VBs
Spitfire VB
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)

[Jul 1937 | Jul 1938 | Jan 1939 | Apr 1939 | May 1939 | Jan-Dec 1940 | Jan-Dec 1941]

This page was last updated on 17/10/23

     [Top of Page]