Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

 

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Mediterranean District/Group/RAF Mediterranean Personnel, units and locations

[Mar 1920 | May 1920 | Jun 1920 | Jul 1920 | Jul 1921 | Jul 1922 | Jul 1923 | Jul 1925 | Jul 1926 | Jul 1927 | Jul 1928 | Jul 1929 | Jul 1930 | Jul 1931 | Jul 1932 | Jul 1933 | Jul 1934 | Jul 1935 | Jul 1936 | Jul 1937 | Jul 1938 | Jan 1939 | Apr 1939 | May 1939]

March 1920

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  1. No 267 Squadron (1 Flight) - Malta

  2. No 202 Squadron - Alexandria

  3. C & M Party (refuelling base) - Port Said

  4. Station Establishment and Workshops - Malta

  5. Disposal Depot - Malta

  6. Meteorological Station - Malta

  7. Aircraft Carrier - HMS Engadine

 

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre O Swann  2 Apr 1919 Air Officer Commanding, CB, CBE; later AVM
Wg Cdr A W Bigsworth 17 Sep 1919 Staff Officer 1st Class, CMG, DSO, AFC; later A/Cdre
Flt Lt D Iron 28 Feb 1920 Staff Officer 3rd Class, OBE; later A/Cdre
Flt Lt L E Middleton 20 Jul 1919 Staff Officer 3rd Class
Fg Off T J Q O'Hara  7 May 1919 Staff Officer 4th Class

Source - December 1919 Air Force List

May 1920

Renamed Mediterranean Group on 18 March 1920 retaining Command status

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  1. No 267 Squadron (1 Flight) - Malta

  2. No 202 Squadron - Alexandria

  3. C & M Party (refuelling base) - Port Said

  4. Disposal Depot - Malta

  5. Meteorological Station - Malta

  6. Aircraft Carrier - HMS Pegasus

  7. Aircraft Carrier - HMS Ark Royal

 

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Oliver Swann  2 Apr 1919 Air Officer Commanding, CB, CBE; later AVM
Hon Gp Capt (Sqn Ldr) Walter G Lawrie xx xxx 1920 Technical Staff Duties (Works and Buildings)
Wg Cdr Arthur Wellesley Bigsworth 17 Sep 1919 Supernumerary, CMG, DSO, AFC; later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Harry F A Gordon xx xxx 1920 Air Staff Duties
Flt Lt Douglas Iron 28 Feb 1920 Personnel Staff Duties, OBE; later A/Cdre
Flt Lt Norman S Douglas xx xxx 1920 Air Staff Duties (Communications)
Fg Off Eric G Richards xx xxx 1920 Supernumerary
Sqn Ldr Arthur R Sharrod xx xxx 1920 Medical Officer, MB, BS
Sqn Ldr William A S Duck xx xxx 1920 Medical Officer, OBE
Fg Off William J Dadoo-Langlois xx xxx 1920 Awaiting disposal

Source - May 1920 Air Force List

July 1920

Address Unit Location Officer Commanding

Valetta, Malta

 No 267 Sqn (1 Flt) Malta Sqn Ldr E Osmond
No 202 Sqn (1 Flt) Alexandria Sqn Ldr W G Sitwell
Care and Maintenance Party Port Said  
Disposal Depot* Malta Flt Lt W F Bryant
Meteorological Station Malta Flt Lt T Agius
Unit Afloat HMS Pegasus Flt Lt F N Halsted
Unit Afloat HMS Ark Royal Flt R H Kershaw

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Eugene L Gerrard  xx xxx 1920 Air Officer Commanding, CMG, DSO; later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Harry F A Gordon xx xxx 1920 Air Staff Duties
Flt Lt Douglas Iron 28 Feb 1920 Personnel Staff Duties, OBE; later A/Cdre
Flt Lt Norman S Douglas xx xxx 1920 Air Staff Duties (Communications)
Fg Off Basil H Godfrey xx xxx 1920 Supernumerary
Sqn Ldr Arthur R Sharrod xx xxx 1920 Medical Officer, MB, BS
Sqn Ldr William A S Duck xx xxx 1920 Medical Officer, OBE

Source - July 1920 Air Force List

July 1921

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  1. No 267 Squadron (1 Flight) - Malta

  2. No 202 Squadron (1 Flight)- Alexandria

  3. Seaplane Repair Base - Feneraki, Turkey

  4. Meteorological Station - Malta

  5. Aircraft Carrier - HMS Pegasus

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Eugene L Gerrard  2 Jun 1920 Air Officer Commanding, CMG, DSO; later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Harry F A Gordon  4 Mar 1920 Air Staff Duties
Flt Lt Douglas Iron 28 Feb 1920 Personnel Staff Duties, OBE; later A/Cdre
Stores Officer
Flt Lt Walter F Bryant 21 Jul 1920 Stores Staff Duties
Medical Administration
Sqn Ldr Thomas J Kelly  8 Feb 1921 Senior Medical Officer, MC, MB, BA

Source - July 1921 Air Force List

July 1922

Redesignated RAF Mediterranean on 1 April 1922.

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  1. No 267 Squadron - Calafrana, Malta

  2. Seaplane Repair Base - Feneraki, Turkey (to be disbanded)

  3. Meteorological Station - Malta

  4. Aircraft Carrier - HMS Pegasus

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Charles R Samson 18 Aug 1921 Air Officer Commanding, CMG, DSO, AFC
Sqn Ldr Harry F A Gordon  4 Mar 1920 Air Staff Duties, OBE
Flt Lt Douglas Iron 28 Feb 1920 Personnel Staff Duties, OBE; later A/Cdre
Stores Officer
Flt Lt Walter F Bryant 21 Jul 1920 Stores Staff Duties
Medical Administration
Sqn Ldr Thomas J Kelly  8 Feb 1921 Senior Medical Officer, MC, MB, BA

Source - July 1922 Air Force List

July 1923

Redesignated RAF Mediterranean on 1 April 1922.

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  1. No 267 Squadron - Calafrana, Malta

  2. Meteorological Station - Malta

  3. Aircraft Carrier - HMS Pegasus

  4. Aircraft Carrier - HMS Ark Royal

 

Rank Name Date Notes
Gp Capt Arthur W Bigsworth  2 Mar 1923 Officer Commanding, CMG, DSO, AFC; later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Harry F A Gordon  4 Mar 1920 Air Staff Duties, OBE
Flt Lt Douglas Iron 28 Feb 1920 Personnel Staff Duties, OBE; later A/Cdre
Stores Officer
Flt Lt Alexander J M Ross 13 Dec 1922 Stores Staff Duties, MBE
Medical Administration
Sqn Ldr Thomas J Kelly  8 Feb 1921 Senior Medical Officer, MC, MB, BA

Source - July 1923 Air Force List

July 1925

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 422 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

    • No 440 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 441 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 460 (Fleet Torpedo) Flight

    • No 461 (Flying Boat) Flight

  • Meteorological Station - Malta

  • Aircraft Carrier - HMS Hermes

  • Aircraft Carrier - HMS Eagle

 

Rank Name Date Notes
Gp Capt Arthur W Bigsworth  2 Mar 1923 CMG, DSO, AFC; later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr

William L Welsh

  8 Apr 1925 Officer Commanding (Temporary), DSC, AFC; later AM
Wg Cdr

Geoffrey R Bromet

  9 May 1924 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSO, OBE; later AVM
Sqn Ldr Harold E M Watkins  1 Dec 1925 Air Staff Duties, OBE
Flt Lt

Robert S Aitken

 22 Nov 1924 Signals Duties
Flt Lt Henry A J Wilson 23 Dec 1923 Personnel Staff Duties, OBE
Fg Off Frederick H H Twelvetree  8 Oct 1924 Technical Staff Duties
Stores Branch
Flt Lt Alexander J M Ross 13 Dec 1922 Stores Staff Duties, MBE
Accountant Branch
Flt Lt William E V Richards 12 Dec 1924 Accountant Duties; later A/Cdre
Medical Administration
Sqn Ldr Henry S C Starkey  9 Nov 1923 Senior Medical Officer, OBE, MB, MA
Education Officer
Capt Frederick E Cox   Grade III

Source - July 1925 Air Force List

July 1926

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 422 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

    • No 440 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 441 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 460 (Fleet Torpedo) Flight

    • No 461 (Flying Boat) Flight

  • Meteorological Station - Malta

  • Aircraft Carrier - HMS Hermes

  • Aircraft Carrier - HMS Eagle

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Robert H Clark-Hall

 9 Nov 1925 Air Officer Commanding, CMG, DSO; later AM
Wg Cdr

Geoffrey R Bromet

  9 May 1924 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSO, OBE; later AVM
Sqn Ldr Reginald L G Marix 24 Sep 1925 Air Staff Duties, DSO; later AVM
Flt Lt

Robert S Aitken

 22 Nov 1924 Signals Duties
Flt Lt Henry A J Wilson 23 Dec 1923 Personnel Staff Duties, OBE
Flt Lt Pat Murgatroyd 13 Feb 1926 Photographic Duties
Fg Off Christopher O Towler 12 Dec 1925 Technical Staff Duties, DSM
Stores Branch
Flt Lt Alexander J M Ross 13 Dec 1922 Stores Staff Duties, MBE
Accountant Branch
Flt Lt William E V Richards 12 Dec 1924 Accountant Duties; later A/Cdre
Medical Administration
Sqn Ldr Henry S C Starkey  9 Nov 1923 Senior Medical Officer, OBE, MB, MA
Education Officer
Capt Frederick E Cox  1 Sep 1924 Grade III

Source - July 1926 Air Force List

The full Air Force List for December 1926 is available

July 1927

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • HQ

    • No 481 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight

  • Meteorological Station - Malta

  • RAF Units for HMS Eagle

    • No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 421B (Fleet Spotter) Flight

    • No 423 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

    • No 460 (Fleet Torpedo) Flight

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Robert H Clark-Hall

 9 Nov 1925 Air Officer Commanding, CMG, DSO; later AM
Wg Cdr

Geoffrey R Bromet

  9 May 1924 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSO, OBE; later AVM
Sqn Ldr Reginald L G Marix 24 Sep 1925 Air Staff Duties, DSO; later AVM
Flt Lt

Robert S Aitken

 22 Nov 1924 Signals Duties
Flt Lt Edward G Hopcraft  8 Nov 1926 Personnel Staff Duties, DSC
Stores Branch
Sqn Ldr Alexander J M Ross 13 Dec 1922 Stores Staff Duties, MBE
Sqn Ldr Nevill B Fuller 26 Mar 1927 Stores Staff Duties
Accountant Branch
Flt Lt James H B Carson 25 Aug 1926 Accountant Duties;
Medical Branch
Sqn Ldr Eric W Craig 10 Nov 1926 Senior Medical Officer, MC, MB,
Education Officer
Capt Frederick E Cox  1 Sep 1924 Grade III

Source - July 1927 Air Force List

July 1928

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • HQ

    • No 481 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight

  • Meteorological Station - Malta

  • RAF Units for HMS Courageous

    • No 401 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 407 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 445 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 446 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 463 (Fleet Torpedo) Flight

    • No 464 (Fleet Torpedo) Flight

  • RAF Units for HMS Eagle

    • No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 423 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

    • No 460 (Fleet Torpedo) Flight

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Robert H Clark-Hall

 9 Nov 1925 Air Officer Commanding, CMG, DSO; later AM
Wg Cdr

Edward Osmond

 22 Mar 1928 Air Staff Duties, CBE
Wg Cdr

Edward L Tomkinson

  31 Dec 1927 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSO, AFC
Sqn Ldr Reginald L G Marix 24 Sep 1925 Air Staff Duties, DSO; later AVM
Flt Lt

John A Mac Nab

  9 Sep 1927 Signals Duties
Flt Lt Allen Hesketh 27 Sep 1927 Personnel Staff Duties, DFC; later AVM
Flt Lt Eric S Burns 30 Mar 1928 Air Staff Duties; later A/Cdre
Stores Branch
Sqn Ldr Nevill B Fuller 26 Mar 1927 Stores Staff Duties
Accountant Branch
Flt Lt James H B Carson 25 Aug 1926 Accountant Duties;
Medical Branch
Sqn Ldr Eric W Craig 10 Nov 1926 Senior Medical Officer, MC, MB,
Chaplains Branch
Rev Ronald N Shapley 17 Nov 1927 MC
Education Officer
Capt Albert B Fanstone  1 Nov 1927 Grade III, AFC, MA, AFRAeS

Source - July 1928 Air Force List

July 1929

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • HQ

    • SHQ Hal Far

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

    • Command Accounts Office

  • Meteorological Station - Malta

  • RAF Units for HMS Courageous

    • No 404 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 407 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 445 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 446 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 463 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

    • No 464 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

  • RAF Units for HMS Eagle

    • No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

    • No 448 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

    • No 460 (Fleet Torpedo) Flight

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

James L Forbes

  9 Nov 1925 Air Officer Commanding, OBE
Wg Cdr

Edward Osmond

 22 Mar 1928 Air Staff Duties, CBE
Wg Cdr

Edward L Tomkinson

  31 Dec 1927 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSO, AFC
Flt Lt

John A Mac Nab

  9 Sep 1927 Signals Duties
Flt Lt Allen Hesketh 27 Sep 1927 Personnel Staff Duties, DFC; later AVM
Flt Lt Eric S Burns 30 Mar 1928 Air Staff Duties; later A/Cdre
Stores Branch
Sqn Ldr Nevill B Fuller 26 Mar 1927 Stores Staff Duties
Accountant Branch
Flt Lt Percy A Simmonds  9 Mar 1929 Command Accountant
Medical Branch
Wg Cdr Harold B Porteous 22 Nov 1928 Principal Medical Officer, MB, DPM, DPH
Chaplains Branch
Rev Ronald N Shapley 17 Nov 1927 MC
Education Officer
Capt Albert B Fanstone  1 Nov 1927 Grade III, AFC, MA, AFRAeS

Source - July 1929 Air Force List

July 1930

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • SHQ Hal Far

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

    • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Eagle

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

James L Forbes

  9 Nov 1925 Air Officer Commanding, OBE
Wg Cdr

Edward L Tomkinson

  31 Dec 1927 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSO, AFC
Wg Cdr

Ivor T Lloyd

 17 Jan 1930 Air (Staff) Duties, later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Thomas W Elmhirst 23 May 1930 Air Staff Duties, AFC; laterAM
Flt Lt

John A Mac Nab

  9 Sep 1927 Signals Duties
Flt Lt Allen Hesketh 27 Sep 1927 Personnel Staff Duties, DFC; later AVM
Flt Lt Humphrey M Whittle  1 Sep 1929 Air Staff Duties
Fg Off Gilbert Lambourne  6 Dec 1929 Personnel Staff Duties
Stores Branch
Sqn Ldr Nevill R Fuller 26 Mar 1927 Stores Staff Duties
Accountant Branch
Sqn Ldr Percy J Farmer  3 Oct 1929 Command Accountant; later A/Cdre
Medical Branch
Wg Cdr Harold B Porteous 22 Nov 1928 Principal Medical Officer, MB, DPM, DPH
Chaplains Branch
Rev Ronald N Shapley 17 Nov 1927 MC
Education Officer
Capt Albert B Fanstone  1 Nov 1927 Grade III, AFC, MA, AFRAeS

Source - July 1930 Air Force List

July 1931

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

  • SHQ Hal Far

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Eagle

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

James L Forbes

  9 Nov 1925 Air Officer Commanding, OBE
Wg Cdr Gilbert G H Cooke 3 Jan 1931 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSC, AFC
Wg Cdr

Ivor T Lloyd

 17 Jan 1930 Air (Staff) Duties, later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Thomas W Elmhirst 23 May 1930 Air Staff Duties, AFC; laterAM
Flt Lt

John A Mac Nab

  9 Sep 1927 Signals Duties
Flt Lt Allen Hesketh 27 Sep 1927 Personnel Staff Duties, DFC; later AVM
Flt Lt Gilbert Lambourne  6 Dec 1929 Personnel Staff Duties
Stores Branch
Sqn Ldr Nevill R Fuller 26 Mar 1927 Stores Staff Duties
Fg Off Hugh J Butler 10 Mar 1931 Stores Staff Duties
Accountant Branch
Sqn Ldr Percy J Farmer  3 Oct 1929 Command Accountant; later A/Cdre
Medical Branch
Wg Cdr D'Arcy Power 15 Nov 1930 Principal Medical Officer, MC, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplains Branch
Rev Ronald N Shapley 17 Nov 1927 MC
Educational Service
Lt Edward A F Reeve  1 Sep 1930 Grade III, MSc, PhD

Source - July 1931 Air Force List

July 1932

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

  • SHQ Hal Far

    • Station Flight

    • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Charles E H Rathborne

22 Jan 1932 Air Officer Commanding, DSO
Wg Cdr Gilbert G H Cooke 3 Jan 1931 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Queen Elizabeth, DSC, AFC
Wg Cdr Charles C Miles  7 Nov 1931 Air (Staff) Duties, MC
Sqn Ldr Thomas W Elmhirst 23 May 1930 Air Staff Duties, AFC; later AM
Sqn Ldr

William E Theak

  8 Jan 1932 Signals Staff Duties; later AVM
Flt Lt Allen Hesketh 27 Sep 1927 Personnel Staff Duties, DFC; later AVM
Flt Lt Gilbert Lambourne  6 Dec 1929 Personnel Staff Duties
Stores Branch
Sqn Ldr William A Kingston 30 Sep 1931 Stores Staff Duties
Fg Off Hugh J Butler 10 Mar 1931 Stores Staff Duties
Accountant Branch
Sqn Ldr Percy J Farmer  3 Oct 1929 Command Accountant; later A/Cdre
Medical Branch
Wg Cdr D'Arcy Power 15 Nov 1930 Principal Medical Officer, MC, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplains Branch
Rev Arthur R A Watson 30 Sep 1931 MA
Educational Service
Lt Edward A F Reeve  1 Sep 1930 Grade III, MSc, PhD

Source - July 1932 Air Force List

July 1933

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

  • SHQ Hal Far

    • Station Flight

    • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Charles E H Rathborne

22 Jan 1932 Air Officer Commanding, DSO
Air Staff
Wg Cdr Charles C Miles  7 Nov 1931 Senior Air Staff Officer, MC
Sqn Ldr Thomas W Elmhirst 23 May 1930 AFC; later AM
Personnel Staff
Flt Lt John M J C J L Rook de Bescombes 28 Oct 1932  
Flt Lt Lionel G Martin  1 Sep 1932  
Equipment Staff
Sqn Ldr William A Kingston 30 Sep 1931 Senior Equipment Staff Officer
Stores Section
Fg Off William J B Elliott 30 Sep 1932  
Services
Signals
Sqn Ldr

William E Theak

  8 Jan 1932 Chief Signals Officer; later AVM
Accountant
Sqn Ldr Percy J Farmer  3 Oct 1929 Command Accountant; later A/Cdre
Medical
Wg Cdr D'Arcy Power 15 Nov 1930 Principal Medical Officer, MC, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplain
Rev Arthur R A Watson 30 Sep 1931 MA
Educational
Lt Edward A F Reeve  1 Sep 1930 Grade III, MSc, PhD
Meteorological
Mr G R Hay   Superintendent
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr

Frederick G D Hards

  1 Feb 1933 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet, DSC, DFC; later A/Cdre

Source - July 1933 Air Force List

July 1934

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

  • SHQ Hal Far

    • Station Flight

    • RAF Units for HMS Furious

  • HQs -

    • No 801 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 822 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Charles E H Rathborne

22 Jan 1932 Air Officer Commanding, DSO
Air Staff
Wg Cdr Charles C Miles  7 Nov 1931 Senior Air Staff Officer, MC
Sqn Ldr Frederick L B Hebbert 16 Feb 1934  
Personnel Staff
Sqn Ldr Edward F Turner 15 Sep 1933 Senior Personnel Staff Officer, AFC
Equipment Staff
Sqn Ldr William A Kingston 30 Sep 1931 Senior Equipment Staff Officer - Stores Branch
Stores Section
Fg Off William J B Elliott 30 Sep 1932  
Services
Signals
Sqn Ldr

William E Theak

  8 Jan 1932 Chief Signals Officer; later AVM
Accountant
Sqn Ldr

Reginald Byrne

 10 Nov 1933 Command Accountant MC; later A/Cdre
Medical
Wg Cdr D'Arcy Power 15 Nov 1930 Principal Medical Officer, MC, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplain
Rev Arthur R A Watson 30 Sep 1931 MA
Educational
Lt Edward A F Reeve  1 Sep 1930 Grade III, MSc, PhD
Meteorological
Mr G R Hay   Superintendent
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr

Frederick G D Hards

  1 Feb 1933 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet, DSC, DFC; later A/Cdre

Source - July 1934 Air Force List

July 1935

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

  • SHQ Hal Far

    • Station Flight

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units of the Fleet Air Arm

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 825 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • RAF Units for Capital Ships and Cruisers

    • No 445 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance)  Flight

    • No 447 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight (1st Battle Squadron and 1st Cruiser Squadron)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Charles E H Rathborne

22 Jan 1932 Air Officer Commanding, DSO
Air Staff
Wg Cdr Edward L Tomkinson 12 Apr 1935 Senior Air Staff Officer, DSO, AFC
Sqn Ldr Miles Cursham 11 Jan 1935 Lt Cdr RN
Personnel Staff
Sqn Ldr Edward F Turner 15 Sep 1933 Senior Personnel Staff Officer, AFC
Equipment Staff
Sqn Ldr William A Kingston 30 Sep 1931 Senior Equipment Staff Officer - Stores Branch
Stores Section
Fg Off William J B Elliott 30 Sep 1932  
Services
Signals
Sqn Ldr

William E Theak

  8 Jan 1932 Chief Signals Officer; later AVM
Accountant
Sqn Ldr

Reginald Byrne

 10 Nov 1933 Command Accountant MC; later A/Cdre
Medical
Wg Cdr Henry S C Starkey  7 Dec 1934 Principal Medical Officer, OBE, MD, BC, MRCS, LRCP, DPH
Chaplain
Rev Christopher R Richardson 11 Jan 1935  
Educational
Lt Edward A F Reeve  1 Sep 1930 Grade III, MSc, PhD
Meteorological
Mr G R Hay   Superintendent
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr James M Robb 12 Feb 1935 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet, DSO, AFC; later ACM
Supernumerary
Act A/Cdre

Paul C Maltby

  7 Jun 1935 Pending appointment as AOC,  DSO, AFC; later AVM

Source - July 1935 Air Force List

July 1936

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

  • SHQ Hal Far

    • Station Flight

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

    • No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

    • No 825 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • RAF Units for Capital Ships and Cruisers

    • No 445 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance)  Flight

    • No 447 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight (1st Battle Squadron and 1st Cruiser Squadron)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Paul C Maltby

  7 Jun 1935 Air Officer Commanding, DSO, AFC; later AVM
Air Staff
Wg Cdr Edward L Tomkinson 12 Apr 1935 Senior Air Staff Officer, DSO, AFC
Wg Cdr

Richard G Gardner

 5 Jun 1936 DSC; later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr

Harold J Collins

 9 Feb 1936 later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Miles Cursham 11 Jan 1935 Lt Cdr RN
Flt Lt Harold P Broad  3 Jan 1936 later A/Cdre
Personnel Staff
Sqn Ldr

John L Kirby

19 Sep 1935 later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Frederick E Vernon 14 Feb 1936 later A/Cdre
Equipment Staff
Engineer Section
Flt Lt J D F Bruce  1 Apr 1936
Stores Section
Sqn Ldr F J W Humphreys  7 Dec 1935  
Flt Lt E F Smith 19 Sep 1935  
Fg Off William J B Elliott 30 Sep 1932  
Services
Signals
Sqn Ldr D R W Thompson 26 Oct 1935 Chief Signals Officer
Accountant
Sqn Ldr

Reginald Byrne

 10 Nov 1933 Command Accountant MC; later A/Cdre
Medical
Wg Cdr Henry S C Starkey  7 Dec 1934 Principal Medical Officer, OBE, MD, BC, MRCS, LRCP, DPH
Chaplain
Rev Christopher R Richardson 11 Jan 1935  
Educational
Capt Richard B Garrard  2 Sep 1935 Grade III, BSc
Meteorological
Mr G R Hay   Superintendent
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr James M Robb 12 Feb 1935 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet, DSO, AFC; later ACM
Lt R W Langmaid   Civilian Assistant, late RAF

Source - July 1936 Air Force List

July 1937

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

  • RAF Base Calafrana, Malta

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

    • No 3 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit

    • Inter Command W/T Station

  • SHQ Hal Far

    • Station Flight

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

    • No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

    • No 825 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • Catapult Units

    • No 701 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Battle Squadron)

    • No 705 (Catapult)  Flight (Battle Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 711 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 713 (Catapult)  Flight (3rd Cruiser Squadron)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Paul C Maltby

  7 Jun 1935 Air Officer Commanding, DSO, AFC; later AVM
Air Staff
Wg Cdr

Richard G Gardner

 5 Jun 1936 Senior Air Staff Officer, DSC; later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr Miles Cursham 11 Jan 1935 Lt Cdr RN
Flt Lt Harold P Broad  3 Jan 1936 later A/Cdre
Personnel Staff
Sqn Ldr M W C Ridgway 22 Jun 1936  
Equipment Staff
Sqn Ldr F J W Humphreys  7 Dec 1935 Senior Equipment Staff Officer
Engineer Section
Sqn Ldr R L McK Barbour 10 Dec 1936 DFC
Stores Section
Flt Lt William J B Elliott 30 Sep 1932  
Services
Signals
Sqn Ldr D R W Thompson 26 Oct 1935 Chief Signals Officer
Accountant
Sqn Ldr W J Heneghan  1 Mar 1937 Command Accountant
Medical
Wg Cdr V R Smith  2 Mar 1937 Principal Medical Officer, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplain
Rev Christopher R Richardson 11 Jan 1935  
Educational
Capt R T Weddell  5 Sep 1936 Command Education Officer, MC, BSc
Lt T H A Vivers 15 Sep 1936 Grade III (for duty at Hal Far), BSc
Meteorological
Mr G R Hay   Superintendent
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr J A Sadler 14 Sep 1936 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet,
Fg Off R W Langmaid   Civilian Assistant, RAFO
Warrant Officer
WO I J Connell   For disposal

Source - July 1937 Air Force List

July 1938

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

Stations:-

 

Kalafrana

Hal Far

Valetta

  • RAF Station Hal Far

    • Station Flight

    • No 3 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit

  • RAF Station Kalafrana

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

    • Inter Command W/T Station

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

    • No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

    • No 825 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • Catapult Units

    • No 701 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Battle Squadron)

    • No 705 (Catapult)  Flight (Battle Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 711 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 713 (Catapult)  Flight (3rd Cruiser Squadron)

 

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Paul C Maltby

  7 Jun 1935 Air Officer Commanding, DSO, AFC; later AVM
Wg Cdr

Richard G Gardner

 5 Jun 1936 Staff Officer i/c Administration, DSC; later A/Cdre
Personal Appointment
Fg Off G Burges 26 Jan 1938 Pilot and Personal Assistant to AOC-in-C
Air Staff
Wg Cdr R L McK Barbour 10 Dec 1936 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr J E Fenton 24 Jan 1938 Lt Cdr RN
Sqn Ldr G F Macpherson 24 Jan 1938  
Flt Lt J O W Oliver 19 Dec 1937  
Administrative Staff
Sqn Ldr

Charles W Dicken

  6 Jul 1937 Personnel Duties; later A/Cdre
Staffs of the Services
Armament
Wg Cdr

Eric B Grenfell

 1 May 1936 AFC; later A/Cdre
Engineer
Sqn Ldr V Crome  2 Mar 1938
Signals
Sqn Ldr D R W Thompson 26 Oct 1935 Chief Signals Officer
Equipment
Wg Cdr J K McDonald 20 Nov 1937  
Sqn Ldr F J W Humphreys  7 Dec 1935  
Flt Lt G Blinman  2 Dec 1937  
Act Flt Lt (Fg Off) E G Ambridge 20 Nov 1937  
Accountant
Sqn Ldr W R Westcombe 29 Mar 1938 Command Accountant
Medical
Wg Cdr V R Smith  2 Mar 1937 Principal Medical Officer, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplain
Rev Christopher R Richardson 11 Jan 1935  
Educational
Capt R T Weddell  5 Sep 1936 Command Education Officer, MC, BSc
Lt T H A Vivers 15 Sep 1936 Grade III (for duty at Hal Far), BSc
Works
Mr T C Coles   Superintending Engineer, MESanI
Meteorological
Mr N H Smith   Acting Senior Technical Officer, BSc
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr J A Sadler 14 Sep 1936 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet,
Fg Off R W Langmaid   Civilian Assistant, RAFO
Warrant Officers
WO I J Connell  3 Mar 1937 Administrative
WO I J W Hartzig  2 Mar 1937 Accountant
WO I A E Hewes 28 May 1938 For disposal

Source - July 1938 Air Force List

January 1939

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

Stations:-

 

Kalafrana

Hal Far

Valetta

  • RAF Station Hal Far

    • Station Flight

    • No 3 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit

  • RAF Station Kalafrana

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

    • Inter Command W/T Station

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

    • No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

    • No 825 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • Catapult Units

    • No 701 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Battle Squadron)

    • No 705 (Catapult)  Flight (Battle Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 711 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 713 (Catapult)  Flight (3rd Cruiser Squadron)

 

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Robert Leckie

  2 Dec 1938 Air Officer Commanding,  DSO, DSC, DFC; later AVM
Gp Capt F E P Barrington 23 Jul 1938  
Gp Capt

Richard G Gardner

 5 Jun 1936 Staff Officer i/c Administration, DSC; later A/Cdre
Personal Appointment
Fg Off G Burges 26 Jan 1938 Pilot and Personal Assistant to AOC-in-C
Air Staff
Wg Cdr R L McK Barbour 10 Dec 1936 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr G R O'Sullivan 28 Oct 1938  
Sqn Ldr J E Fenton 24 Jan 1938 Lt Cdr RN
Sqn Ldr G F Macpherson 24 Jan 1938  
Flt Lt J O W Oliver 19 Dec 1937  
Administrative Staff
Sqn Ldr

Leslie W C Bower

 13 Oct 1938 Senior Personnel Staff Officer; later AM
Staffs of the Services
Armament
Wg Cdr

Eric B Grenfell

 1 May 1936 AFC; later A/Cdre
Engineer
Sqn Ldr V Crome  2 Mar 1938
Signals
Sqn Ldr D R W Thompson 26 Oct 1935 Chief Signals Officer
Equipment
Wg Cdr J K McDonald 20 Nov 1937  
Sqn Ldr F J W Humphreys  7 Dec 1935  
Flt Lt G Blinman  2 Dec 1937  
Act Flt Lt (Fg Off) E G Ambridge 20 Nov 1937  
Fg Off A H Gee 28 Nov 1938 MM
Accountant
Sqn Ldr W R Westcombe 29 Mar 1938 Command Accountant
Medical
Wg Cdr V R Smith  2 Mar 1937 Principal Medical Officer, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplain
Rev Christopher R Richardson 11 Jan 1935  
Educational
Capt R T Weddell  5 Sep 1936 Command Education Officer, MC, BSc
Lt T H A Vivers 15 Sep 1936 Grade III (for duty at Hal Far), BSc
Works
Mr T C Coles   Superintending Engineer, MESanI
Meteorological
Mr N H Smith   Acting Senior Technical Officer, BSc
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr J A Sadler 14 Sep 1936 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet,
Fg Off R W Langmaid   Civilian Assistant, RAFO
Warrant Officers
WO I C W A Davies   For disposal
WO I H Waite   For disposal

Source - January 1939 Air Force List

April 1939

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

Stations:-

 

Kalafrana

Hal Far

Valetta

  • RAF Station Hal Far

    • Station Flight

    • No 3 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit

  • RAF Station Kalafrana

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

    • Inter Command W/T Station

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

    • No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

    • No 825 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • Catapult Units

    • No 701 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Battle Squadron)

    • No 705 (Catapult)  Flight (Battle Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 711 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 713 (Catapult)  Flight (3rd Cruiser Squadron)

 

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Robert Leckie

  2 Dec 1938 Air Officer Commanding,  DSO, DSC, DFC; later AVM
Gp Capt

Richard G Gardner

 5 Jun 1936 Staff Officer i/c Administration, DSC; later A/Cdre
Personal Appointment
Fg Off G Burges 26 Jan 1938 Pilot and Personal Assistant to AOC-in-C
Air Staff
Wg Cdr R L McK Barbour 10 Dec 1936 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr G R O'Sullivan 28 Oct 1938  
Sqn Ldr J E Fenton 24 Jan 1938 Lt Cdr RN
Sqn Ldr G F Macpherson 24 Jan 1938  
Flt Lt J O W Oliver 19 Dec 1937  
Administrative Staff
Sqn Ldr

Leslie W C Bower

 13 Oct 1938 Senior Personnel Staff Officer; later AM
Staffs of the Services
Armament
Wg Cdr

Eric B Grenfell

 1 May 1936 AFC; later A/Cdre
Sqn Ldr John M Warfield 18 Feb 1939 later A/Cdre
Engineer
Sqn Ldr V Crome  2 Mar 1938
Fg Off M J Grennau 12 Jan 1939 Commissioned Engineer Officer
Signals
Wg Cdr D R W Thompson 26 Oct 1935 Chief Signals Officer
Equipment
Wg Cdr J K McDonald 20 Nov 1937  
Sqn Ldr

Walter A Stagg

12 Dec 1938 later A/Cdre
Flt Lt E G Ambridge 20 Nov 1937  
Fg Off A H Gee 28 Nov 1938 MM
Accountant
Wg Cdr W R Westcombe 29 Mar 1938 Command Accountant
Medical
Wg Cdr V R Smith  2 Mar 1937 Principal Medical Officer, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplain
Rev A C Gates 12 Jan 1929 MA
Educational
2 Lt P Alderton 17 Jan 1939 AMIEE, located at Kalafrana
Lt T H A Vivers 15 Sep 1936 Grade III (for duty at Hal Far), BSc
Meteorological
Mr N H Smith   Acting Senior Technical Officer, BSc
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr H L Macro 10 Dec 1938 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet,
Fg Off R W Langmaid   Civilian Assistant, RAFO
Warrant Officers
WO L Firth  1 Jan 1939 Accountant
WO C W A Davies   For disposal

Source - April 1939 Confidential Air Force List

May 1939

Address Controlled
Valetta, Malta

Stations:-

 

Kalafrana

Hal Far

Valetta

  • RAF Station Hal Far

    • Station Flight

    • No 3 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit

  • RAF Station Kalafrana

    • No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron

    • Inter Command W/T Station

  • Meteorological Station - Valetta

  • RAF Units for HMS Glorious

    • No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron

    • No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron

    • No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

    • No 825 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron

  • Catapult Units

    • No 701 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Battle Squadron)

    • No 705 (Catapult)  Flight (Battle Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 711 (Catapult)  Flight (1st Cruiser Squadron)

    • No 713 (Catapult)  Flight (3rd Cruiser Squadron)

 

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre

Robert Leckie

  2 Dec 1938 Air Officer Commanding,  DSO, DSC, DFC; later AVM
Gp Capt

Richard G Gardner

 5 Jun 1936 Staff Officer i/c Administration, DSC; later A/Cdre
Personal Appointment
Fg Off G Burges 26 Jan 1938 Pilot and Personal Assistant to AOC-in-C
Air Staff
Wg Cdr R L McK Barbour 10 Dec 1936 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr G R O'Sullivan 28 Oct 1938  
Sqn Ldr J E Fenton 24 Jan 1938 Lt Cdr RN
Sqn Ldr G F Macpherson 24 Jan 1938  
Flt Lt J O W Oliver 19 Dec 1937  
Administrative Staff
Sqn Ldr

Leslie W C Bower

 13 Oct 1938 Senior Personnel Staff Officer; later AM
Staffs of the Services
Armament
Sqn Ldr John M Warfield 18 Feb 1939 later A/Cdre
Engineer
Sqn Ldr V Crome  2 Mar 1938
Fg Off M J Grennau 12 Jan 1939 Commissioned Engineer Officer
Signals
Wg Cdr D R W Thompson 26 Oct 1935 Chief Signals Officer
Sqn Ldr

Arthur D Messenger

10 Feb 1939 later A/Cdre
Equipment
Wg Cdr J K McDonald 20 Nov 1937  
Sqn Ldr

Walter A Stagg

12 Dec 1938 later A/Cdre
Flt Lt E G Ambridge 20 Nov 1937  
Fg Off A H Gee 28 Nov 1938 MM
Accountant
Wg Cdr W R Westcombe 29 Mar 1938 Command Accountant
Plt Off N Adams  8 Mar 1939  
Medical
Wg Cdr V R Smith  2 Mar 1937 Principal Medical Officer, MRCS, LRCP
Chaplain
Rev A C Gates 12 Jan 1929 MA
Educational
2 Lt P Alderton 17 Jan 1939 AMIEE, located at Kalafrana
Lt T H A Vivers 15 Sep 1936 Grade III (for duty at Hal Far), BSc
Works
Maj H G Gates   Superintending Engineer
Meteorological
Mr N H Smith   Acting Senior Technical Officer, BSc
Miscellaneous Appointments
Wg Cdr H L Macro 10 Dec 1938 Fleet Aviation Officer to C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet,
Fg Off R W Langmaid   Civilian Assistant, RAFO
Supernumerary
Flt Lt R L Soper  4 Feb 1939  
Warrant Officers
WO L Firth  1 Jan 1939 Accountant
WO C W A Davies   For disposal

Source - May 1939 Confidential Air Force List

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