|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No 217 Sqn Personnel, aircraft and locations
[Jul 1937 | Jul 1938 | Jan 1939 | Apr 1939 | May 1939]
Personnel Movements: Mar - Jul 1937
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Plt Off | S M Boal | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | H A A Webster | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | N B Mole | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | P J Barwick | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | P G Cory | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | A Reece | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | G Shorrock | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | C G L Williams | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | R E Williams | 15 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sqn Ldr | D d'H Humphreys | 19 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting and assumed command of No 217 Sqn |
| Plt Off | J A Bateson | 25 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | B W Bowman | 25 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | C W Mott | 25 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Flt Lt | R N Clarke | 28 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Fg Off | F B Chapman | 28 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | G E Ford | 20 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | K F Arnold | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | D P Bamber | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | J E Bussey | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | V H Furlong | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | A H McLaren | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | C H Milton | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | D C Pritchard | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | D A Robertson | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | T S Kitching | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | J Portman | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | A W Southall | 24 Apr 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | L S S Edeson | 22 May 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | B T Scott | 22 May 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | F A B Tams | 22 May 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | L Wood | 22 May 1937 | Arrived on posting |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
Organisational Movements: Mar - Jul 1937
| Date | Notes |
| 15 Mar 1937 | Reformed at Boscombe Down as a General Reconnaissance unit, equipped with Avro Ansons |
 |
|
| 7 Jun 1937 | Squadron moved from RAF Boscombe Down to RAF Tangmere |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Avro Anson I | RAF Tangmere | Coastal Command/No 16 (Reconnaissance) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | D d'H Humphreys | 19 Mar 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
| Flt Lt | R N Clarke | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Fg Off | F B Chapman | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 15 Mar 1937 | later A/Cdre |
| Plt Off | S M Boal | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | H A A Webster | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | D E Hughes | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | N B Mole | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A Bateson | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | G E Ford | 20 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | J E Bussey | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | V H Furlong | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | C H Milton | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | K F Arnold | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | D P Bamber | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | A H McLaren | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | D C Pritchard | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | D A Robertson | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| APO | L S S Edeson | 22 May 1937 | |
| APO | B T Scott | 22 May 1937 | |
|
- |
|||
|
6 Airman Pilots |
|||
Source - July 1937 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Mar - Jul 1937
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Flt Lt | 1 Jul 1937 | Arrived on posting | |
| Plt Off | N M Bayliss | 7 Aug 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | R F D Anstead | 7 Aug 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | A V Hunter | 7 Aug 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | K Petrie | 7 Aug 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | J D Tilliott | 4 Sep 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | J A C White | 4 Sep 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | W P Green | 23 Oct 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | J A D Stuges | 23 Oct 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | W P Bain | 23 Oct 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | R D C Chambers | 23 Oct 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | Lazelle | 23 Nov 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | J W Boreham | 27 Nov 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | B G Haylock | 27 Nov 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | L M Moore | 18 Dec 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | T I Mathewson | 18 Dec 1937 | Arrived on posting |
| Wg Cdr | C W Hill | 3 Jan 1938 | Arrived on posting and assumed command of No 217 Sqn |
| Fg Off | P W Townsend | 5 Feb 1938 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 6 Feb 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Sqn Ldr | D d'H Humphreys | 28 Feb 1938 | Assumed command of No 217 Sqn |
| Flt Lt | T U Rolfe | 1 Mar 1938 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | N M Bayliss | 15 Mar 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| APO | J P Thompson | 29 Mar 1938 | Arrived on posting, wef 26 Mar 1938 |
| Sgt Plt | G L Wood | 29 Mar 1938 | Arrived on posting |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1937 - Jul 1938
| Date | Notes |
| 16 Aug 1937 | Squadron moved from RAF Tangmere to RAF Bicester |
| 13 Sep 1937 | Squadron moved from RAF Bicester to RAF Tangmere |
| 1 Feb 1938 | Squadron proceeded to RAF Leuchars for Annual Armament Training |
| 26 Feb 1938 | Squadron returned from RAF Leuchars on completion of Annual Armament Training |
| xx Feb 1938 | The Squadron Badge was authorised by HM King George VI* |
 |
|
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338), except *
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Avro Anson I | RAF Tangmere | Coastal Command/No 16 (Reconnaissance) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | D d'H Humphreys | 19 Mar 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
| Sqn Ldr | 1 Jul 1937 | later A/Cdre | |
| Flt Lt | R N Clarke | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Flt Lt | F B Chapman | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Flt Lt | T U Rolfe | 1 Mar 1938 | Navigation duties |
| Fg Off | P W Townsend | 5 Feb 1938 | |
| Fg Off | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 15 Mar 1937 | later A/Cdre |
| Plt Off | S M Boal | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A Bateson | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J E Bussey | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | V H Furlong | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | C H Milton | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | K F Arnold | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | A H McLaren | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | D A Robertson | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | L S S Edeson | 22 May 1937 | |
| Plt Off | B T Scott | 22 May 1937 | |
| Plt Off | R F D Anstead | 7 Aug 1937 | |
| Plt Off | A V Hunter | 7 Aug 1937 | |
| Plt Off | K Petrie | 7 Aug 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J D Tilliott | 4 Sep 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A C White | 4 Sep 1937 | |
| Plt Off | W P Green | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A D Stuges | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | W P Bain | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | R D C Chambers | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | L M Moore | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | T I Mathewson | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J W Boreham | 27 Nov 1937 | |
| Plt Off | B G Haylock | 27 Nov 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J P Thompson | 26 Mar 1938 | |
|
- |
|||
|
15 Airman Pilots |
|||
Source - July 1938 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1938 - Jan 1939
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| APO | C E L Powell | 17 Sep 1938 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | A P Morgan | 17 Sep 1938 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | J A Bateson | 17 Sep 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Flt Lt | T U Rolfe | 5 Oct 1938 | Posted to No 8 Sqn, Aden |
| Sgt Plt | J V West-Stedman | 29 Oct 1938 | Arrived on posting |
| Sqn Ldr | D d'H Humphreys | 1 Nov 1938 | Promoted to Wg Cdr |
| Plt Off | S M Boal | 3 Nov 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Plt Off | D A Robertson | 7 Nov 1938 | Posted to RAF Evanton |
| Plt Off | K F Arnold | 29 Dec 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Plt Off | A H McLaren | 29 Dec 1938 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| APO | R J Fursman | 29 Dec 1938 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | N S Petch | 29 Dec 1938 | Arrived on posting |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1938 - Jan 1939
| Date | Notes |
| 26 Sep 1938 | Squadron from RAF Tangmere to RAF Warmwell |
| 5 Oct 1938 | Squadron from RAF Warmwell to RAF Tangmere |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Avro Anson I | RAF Tangmere | Coastal Command/No 16 (Reconnaissance) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Wg Cdr | D d'H Humphreys | 19 Mar 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
| Sqn Ldr | 1 Jul 1937 | later A/Cdre | |
| Flt Lt | F B Chapman | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Fg Off | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 15 Mar 1937 | later A/Cdre |
| Fg Off | S M Boal | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Fg Off | J A Bateson | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J E Bussey | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | V H Furlong | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | C H Milton | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | K F Arnold | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | A H McLaren | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Plt Off | L S S Edeson | 22 May 1937 | |
| Plt Off | B T Scott | 22 May 1937 | |
| Plt Off | R F D Anstead | 7 Aug 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A C White | 4 Sep 1937 | |
| Plt Off | W P Green | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A D Stuges | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | L M Moore | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | T I Mathewson | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J P Thompson | 26 Mar 1938 | |
| Plt Off | C E L Powell | 17 Sep 1938 |
Source - January 1939 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jan - May 1939
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| APO | Arthur F Johnson | 14 Jan 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | K J Heinbuch | 14 Jan 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | J E Bussey | 29 Jan 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Plt Off | V H Furlong | 29 Jan 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Plt Off | C H Milton | 29 Jan 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Plt Off | L S S Edeson | 6 Feb 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Fg Off | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 6 Feb 1939 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt |
| Plt Off | J A D Stuges | 13 Feb 1939 | Posted to School of Naval Co-operation |
| Fg Off | A H McLaren | 18 Feb 1939 | Posted to No 233 Sqn, RAF Leuchars |
| Plt Off | A G M Paul | 1 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 220 Sqn |
| Plt Off | C E L Powell | 1 Mar 1939 | Posted to No 220 Sqn |
| Fg Off | S M Boal | 2 Mar 1939 | Promoted to Act Flt Lt |
| Plt Off | B T Scott | 3 Mar 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| APO | A Gordon Peiniger | 4 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | J A R M Reid | 4 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | A Blackwell | 5 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | A W Southall | 21 Mar 1939 | Posted to School of Air Navigation |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Mar 1939
| Date | Notes |
| 26 Sep 1938 | Squadron from RAF Tangmere to RAF Warmwell |
| 5 Oct 1938 | Squadron from RAF Warmwell to RAF Tangmere |
| 18 Feb 1939 | Squadron proceeded to RAF Leuchars for Annual Armament Training |
| 11 Mar 1939 | Squadron returned from RAF Leuchars on completion of Annual Armament Training |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Avro Anson I | RAF Tangmere | Coastal Command/No 16 (Reconnaissance) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Wg Cdr | D d'H Humphreys | 19 Mar 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
| Sqn Ldr | 1 Jul 1937 | later A/Cdre | |
| Flt Lt | R C Gordon | 28 May 1938 | RCAF |
| Act Flt Lt | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 15 Mar 1937 | later A/Cdre |
| Fg Off | S M Boal | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Fg Off | J A Bateson | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Fg Off | K F Arnold | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | J E Bussey | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | V H Furlong | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | C H Milton | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | L S S Edeson | 22 May 1937 | |
| Fg Off | B T Scott | 22 May 1937 | |
| Plt Off | R F D Anstead | 7 Aug 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A C White | 4 Sep 1937 | |
| Plt Off | W P Green | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | L M Moore | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | T I Mathewson | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J P Thompson | 26 Mar 1938 | |
| Plt Off | Arthur F Johnson | 14 Jan 1939 | later A/Cdre |
| Plt Off | A G M Paul | 1 Mar 1939 | |
| APO | R J Fursman | 17 Dec 1938 | |
| APO | K J Heinbuch | 14 Jan 1939 | |
| APO | A Blackwell | 4 Mar 1939 | |
| APO | A Gordon Peiniger | 4 Mar 1939 | |
| APO | J A R M Reid | 4 Mar 1939 | |
| Warrant Officer | |||
| WO | E R Cuff | 22 May 1937 | |
Source - April 1939 Confidential Air Force List
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Avro Anson I | RAF Tangmere | Coastal Command/No 16 (Reconnaissance) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Wg Cdr | D d'H Humphreys | 19 Mar 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
| Sqn Ldr | 1 Jul 1937 | later A/Cdre | |
| Flt Lt | R C Gordon | 28 May 1938 | RCAF |
| Act Flt Lt | Jeaffreson H Greswell | 15 Mar 1937 | later A/Cdre |
| Act Flt Lt | S M Boal | 15 Mar 1937 | |
| Fg Off | J A Bateson | 28 Mar 1937 | |
| Fg Off | K F Arnold | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | J E Bussey | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | V H Furlong | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | C H Milton | 24 Apr 1937 | |
| Fg Off | L S S Edeson | 22 May 1937 | |
| Fg Off | B T Scott | 22 May 1937 | |
| Plt Off | R F D Anstead | 7 Aug 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J A C White | 4 Sep 1937 | |
| Plt Off | W P Green | 23 Oct 1937 | |
| Plt Off | L M Moore | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | T I Mathewson | 18 Dec 1937 | |
| Plt Off | J P Thompson | 26 Mar 1938 | |
| Plt Off | Arthur F Johnson | 14 Jan 1939 | later A/Cdre |
| Plt Off | A G M Paul | 1 Mar 1939 | |
| Plt Off | R J Fursman | 17 Dec 1938 | |
| Plt Off | R W Gair | 29 Mar 1939 | |
| Plt Off | L G W Lililly | 29 Mar 1939 | |
| APO | K J Heinbuch | 14 Jan 1939 | |
| APO | A Blackwell | 4 Mar 1939 | |
| APO | A Gordon Peiniger | 4 Mar 1939 | |
| APO | J A R M Reid | 4 Mar 1939 | |
| Warrant Officer | |||
| WO | H Clarke | 1 Mar 1939 | |
Source - May 1939 Confidential Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Apr - Dec 1939
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| APO | R W Gair | 29 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | L G W Lililly | 29 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | F J Fenton | 1 Apr 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | D E H Levin-Raw | 1 Apr 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Wg Cdr | A P Revington | 4 May 1939 | Arrived on posting, pending assuming command of No 217 Sqn |
| Sgt Plt | F W Walker | 4 May 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 220 Sqn |
| Sgt Plt | A Woodward | 4 May 1939 | Posted to No 220 Sqn |
| Sgt Plt | N H Webb | 6 May 1939 | Arrived on posting from School of General Reconnaissance |
| Plt Off | R F D Anstead | 12 May 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off |
| Flt Lt | R C Gordon | 13 May 1939 | RCAF, embarked for Canada on completion of interchange duties |
| Sgt Plt | K J Holmes | 13 May 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Sgt Plt | L W G Ward | 13 May 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | D Forward | 15 May 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | H E Mussenden | 15 May 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Wg Cdr | A P Revington | 18 May 1939 | Assumed command of No 217 Sqn |
| Wg Cdr | D d'H Humphreys | 18 May 1939 | Relinquished command of No 217 Sqn on posting to HQ Coastal Command |
| APO | Arthur F Johnson | 3 Jun 1939 | Posted to No 240 Sqn |
| APO | K J Heinbuch | 3 Jun 1939 | Posted to No 240 Sqn |
| Sgt Plt | J Welsh | 5 Jun 1939 | Arrived on posting from No 233 Sqn |
| Sgt Plt | F Parvin | 5 Jun 1939 | Posted to No 233 Sqn |
| Sgt Plt | W L Ather | 5 Jun 1939 | Posted to No 233 Sqn |
| Sgt Plt | F F Bousefield | 5 Jun 1939 | Posted to No 233 Sqn |
| Sqn Ldr | L H Anderson | 6 Jun 1939 | Arrived on posted and assumed command of detached flight at RAF Warmwell |
| APO | Wylde | 26 Jun 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| APO | Watkin | 26 Jun 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Sqn Ldr | W E Oulton | 31 Aug 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Sqn Ldr | W E Oulton | 2 Sep 1939 | Assumed command of 'C' Flight |
| Fg Off | R F D Anstead | 26 Oct 1939 | Assumed command of 'A' Flight |
| Flt Lt | K F Arnold | 26 Oct 1939 | Relinquished command of 'A' Flight |
| Sqn Ldr | Fairtlonal? | 27 Oct 1939 | Posted to RAF Leuchars |
| AC1 | Troubridge | 1 Nov 1939 | Posted to Blenheim Fighter Sqn, RAF Leuchars |
| Plt Off | Mace | 14 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF St Athan for duty with Coastal Patrol Flight |
| Plt Off | Franklin | 14 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF St Athan for duty with Coastal Patrol Flight |
| Plt Off | Cook | 14 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF St Athan for duty with Coastal Patrol Flight |
| Plt Off | Gordon-Dean | 14 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF St Athan for duty with Coastal Patrol Flight |
| Plt Off | Spink | 14 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF St Athan for duty with Coastal Patrol Flight |
| Fg Off | Milton | 14 Nov 1939 | Assumed command of Coastal Patrol Flight |
| Plt Off | W C Potter | 24 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting |
| Plt Off | H T Smith | 28 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| Plt Off | S Livingston | 28 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| Plt Off | H Wright | 28 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| Plt Off | J R Bloxham | 28 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| Plt Off | T F Kerr | 28 Nov 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| Plt Off | R M Coulman | 5 Dec 1939 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island, wef 2 Dec 1939 |
| Plt Off | H E Mussenden | 28 Dec 1939 | Attached to HQ No 15 Group |
| Plt Off | D C Carlton | 30 Dec 1939 | Arrived on posting for duty with Coastal Patrol Flight |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338)
Organisational Movements: Apr - Dec 1939
| Date | Notes |
| xx Apr 1939 | Squadron adopted the code letters 'YQ'* |
| 25 Aug 1939 | 'A' and 'B' Flights moved to RAF Warmwell |
| 25 Aug 1939 | 'C' Flight moved to RAF Carew Cheriton |
| xx Sep 1939 | Squadron changed its code letters from 'YQ' to 'MW'* |
 |
|
| 2 Oct 1939 | Squadron moved from RAF Warmwell to RAF St Eval |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338), except *
Personnel Movements: Jan - Dec 1940
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Plt Off | H E Mussenden | 8 Jan 1940 | Ceased to be attached to HQ No 15 Group |
| Fg Off | L M Moore | 9 Jan 1940 | Arrived on posting from SHQ, RAF St Eval |
| Sqn Ldr | L H Anderson | 20 Jan 1940 | Posted to SHQ, RAF St Eval |
| Act Flt Lt | L S S Edeson | 3 Feb 1940 | Ceased to be attached to School of Administration, Gerrard's Cross |
| Fg Off | J A C White | 6 Feb 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
| Plt Off | H Wright | 6 Feb 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
| LAC | H J N Marsden | 6 Feb 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
| Plt Off | P A Hughes | 19 Feb 1940 | Attached from No 6 CPF |
| Plt Off | J B Holgate | 19 Feb 1940 | Attached from No 6 CPF |
| Plt Off | E B Weir | 3 Mar 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| Plt Off | R A Robertson | 3 Mar 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| Plt Off | R J S Wootton | 3 Mar 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Thorney Island |
| APO | A C Blake | 6 Mar 1940 | Arrived on posting from Newton Down for Air Gunner duties |
| APO | E A M Sack | 6 Mar 1940 | Arrived on posting from Newton Down for Air Gunner duties |
| APO | A G F Hobb | 6 Mar 1940 | Arrived on posting from Newton Down for Air Gunner duties |
| Fg Off | L M Moore | 11 Mar 1940 | Attached to RAF Boscombe Down for No 11 Blind Approach Course |
| Plt Off | L G Buchanan | 11 Mar 1940 | Attached from No 6 CPF |
| Plt Off | P A Hughes | 8 Apr 1940 | Posted from No 6 CPF |
| Plt Off | J B Holgate | 8 Apr 1940 | Posted from No 6 CPF |
| Plt Off | L G Buchanan | 8 Apr 1940 | Posted from No 6 CPF |
| Sqn Ldr | L H Anderson | 15 Apr 1940 | Arrived on posting from SHQ, RAF St Eval |
| Fg Off | R F D Anstead | 14 Apr 1940 | Attached to RAF Boscombe Down for Blind Approach Course |
| Plt Off | R J Weaver | 26 Apr 1940 | Arrived on posting for Regional Control duties |
| Plt Off | R H Kewish | 1 May 1940 | Resigned his commission |
| Flt Sgt Plt | A W Southall | 1 May 1940 | Appointed to a commission in the rank of Plt Off |
| Sgt Plt | T S Kitching | 1 May 1940 | Appointed to a commission in the rank of Plt Off |
| Sgt Plt | F A B Tams | 1 May 1940 | Appointed to a commission in the rank of Plt Off |
| Plt Off | L Barry | 4 May 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 8 BGS, RAF Evanton |
| Sqn Ldr | L H Anderson | 5 May 1940 | Attached to RAF Farnborough for Oxygen Course |
| Plt Off | H M D Walker | 17 May 1940 | Arrived on posting from SHQ, RAF St Eval |
| Fg Off | R F D Anstead | 25 May 1940 | Proceeded to RAF Silloth for Beaufort course |
| Plt Off | F A B Tams | 25 May 1940 | Proceeded to RAF Silloth for Beaufort course |
| Sqn Ldr | L H Anderson | 1 Jun 1940 | Assumed command of No 217 Sqn* |
| Plt Off | H M D Walker | 10 Jun 1940 | Adjutant, promoted to Act Fg Off, wef 17 May 1940 |
| Sqn Ldr | L H Anderson | 15 Jun 1940 | Promoted to Act Wg Cdr, wef 1 Jun 1940 |
| Plt Off | P S Rivington | 15 Jun 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Wick, wef 12 Jun 1940 |
| Sqn Ldr | L B B King | 24 Jun 1940 | Arrived on posting from HQ Coastal Command |
| Plt Off | J W B Blennerhassel | 14 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Jurby, wef 12 Jul 1940 |
| Plt Off | P S Rivington | 14 Jul 1940 | Posted to RAF St Athan |
| Plt Off | P A Hughes | 14 Jul 1940 | Posted to RAF St Athan |
| Plt Off | C S H McDonald | 14 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting |
| Wg Cdr | L H Anderson | 16 Jul 1940 | Relinquished command of No 217 Sqn |
| Sqn Ldr | L B B King | 16 Jul 1940 | Assumed temporary command of No 217 Sqn |
| Plt Off | J K Punshon | 16 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Warmwell |
| Plt Off | E B Weir | 24 Jul 1940 | Posted to No 417 Flight, RAF St Athan |
| Sgt Plt | C W Mott | 24 Jul 1940 | Posted to No 417 Flight, RAF St Athan |
| Flt Sgt Plt | H M Marple? | 24 Jul 1940 | Posted to No 417 Flight, RAF St Athan |
| Fg Off | D A Robertson | 24 Jul 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF St Athan |
| Fg Off | L M Moore | 10 Aug 1940 | Attached to RAF St Athan for Specialist Navigation Course |
| Plt Off | R M Coulman | 11 Aug 1940 | Killed in action |
| Plt Off | A Gordon Peiniger | 11 Aug 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | E Hopperton | 11 Aug 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | E K Mellody | 11 Aug 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sqn Ldr | C Bolland | 14 Aug 1940 | Arrived on and assumed command of No 217 Sqn |
| Plt Off | A G M Paul | 1 Sep 1940 | Promoted to Fg Off, wef 29 Jun 1940 |
| Fg Off | H M D Walker | 1 Sep 1940 | Adjutant, promoted to Act Flt Lt, wef 17 Aug 1940 |
| Plt Off | L G W Lililly | 7 Sep 1940 | Posted to CFS, RAF Upavon |
| Plt Off | B L Watkin | 7 Sep 1940 | Posted to CFS, RAF Upavon |
| Plt Off | L B Barry | 8 Sep 1940 | Attached to RAF Warmwell |
| Plt Off | A H Stratford | 9 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting wef, 7 Sep 1940 and attached to RAF Silloth |
| Plt Off | J G Yates | 9 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting wef, 7 Sep 1940 and attached to RAF Silloth |
| Plt Off | R G Fowles | 9 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting wef, 7 Sep 1940 and attached to RAF Silloth |
| Sgt Plt | W H Wake | 9 Sep 1940 | Arrived on posting wef, 7 Sep 1940 and attached to RAF Silloth |
| Fg Off | L M Moore | 11 Sep 1940 | Posted to School of Air Navigation, RAF St Athan, wef 11 Aug 1940 |
| Act Flt Lt | H M D Walker | 18 Sep 1940 | Adjutant, attached to SHQ, RAF St Eval |
| Sgt Plt | W H Wake | 30 Sep 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
| Plt Off | E A Rance | 5 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Silloth |
| Plt Off | F Parvin | 7 Oct 1940 | Posted to PRU, RAF St Eval |
| Plt Off | A H Stratford | 10 Oct 1940 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Silloth, wef 3 Oct 1940 |
| Plt Off | J G Yates | 10 Oct 1940 | Ceased to be attached to RAF Silloth, wef 3 Oct 1940 |
| Sgt Plt | Tiplady | 10 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 224 Sqn, RAF Leuchars |
| Fg Off | T I Mathewson | 17 Oct 1940 | Promoted to Flt Lt, wef 3 Sep 1940 |
| Plt Off | R J S Wootton | 19 Oct 1940 | Posted to No 431 Flight, RAF Bircham Newton |
| Plt Off | J R Bloxham | 19 Oct 1940 | Posted to No 431 Flight, RAF Bircham Newton |
| Fg Off | K F Arnold | 19 Oct 1940 | Posted to PRU, RAF Heston |
| Fg Off | L S S Edeson | 19 Oct 1940 | Posted to CFS, RAF Upavon |
| Flt Lt | C H Milton | 25 Oct 1940 | Posted to No 6 OTU, RAF Sutton Bridge |
| Plt Off | Gubbins | 30 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 1 (C) OTU, RAF Silloth |
| Plt Off | Spencer-Schralder | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 1 (C) OTU, RAF Silloth |
| Plt Off | Howard | 31 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 1 (C) OTU, RAF Silloth |
| Flt Lt | R F D Anstead | 3 Nov 1940 | Posted to No 1 (C) OTU, RAF Silloth |
| Plt Off | K C Stevens | 4 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 1 (C) OTU, RAF Silloth |
| Sgt | Hickson | 4 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 1 (C) OTU, RAF Silloth |
| Plt Off | J E Gibson | 21 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Finningley |
| Plt Off | G H Brooks | 22 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from RAF Finningley |
| Plt Off | Kenny | 26 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 48 Sqn |
| Plt Off | Bolt | 26 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 48 Sqn |
| Plt Off | Dunn | 26 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 48 Sqn |
| Flt Lt | Hunter | 27 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 48 Sqn |
| Plt Off | Tilson | 28 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from No 48 Sqn |
| Flt Lt | J E Bussey | 28 Nov 1940 | Posted to No 48 Sqn |
| Fg Off | H E Mussenden | 7 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Plt Off | G H Brooks | 7 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | T J G Eede | 7 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | J W Pratt | 7 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | D A G Matthews | 17 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | Massey | 17 Dec 1940 | Failed to return from an operation |
| Sgt | Ayres | 17 Dec 1940 | Failed to return from an operation |
| Sgt | Hastie | 17 Dec 1940 | Failed to return from an operation |
| Sgt | H E Postill | 17 Dec 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
| Plt Off | N H Webb | 20 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | C M Tiplady | 20 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | P Milligan | 20 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Sgt | W S Plant | 20 Dec 1940 | Killed in action |
| Plt Off | R A Robertson | 24 Dec 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338, AIR 27/1339 & AIR 27/1340), except *
Organisational Movements: Jan - Dec 1940
| Date | Notes |
| 24 May 1940 | Squadron received 3 x Beauforts (dual control) from RAF Cosford |
 |
|
| 18 Jul 1940 | Air Party 'C' Flight moved from RAF Carew Cheriton to RAF St Eval on ceasing to be detached |
| 19 Jul 1940 | Road and Rail Parties, 'C' Flight arrived at RAF St Eval from RAF Carew Cheriton |
| 25 Sep 1940 | Squadron conducted its first operation with Beauforts, when two attacked Brest harbour |
| 6 Jan 1940 | 6 x surplus Beauforts allotted to TTU |
| 7 Jan 1940 | 7 x surplus Beauforts allotted to TTU |
Source - No 217 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1338, AIR 27/1339 & AIR 27/1340)
[Jul 1937 | Jul 1938 | Jan 1939 | Apr 1939 | May 1939]
This page was last updated on 17/10/23©
