Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
No 203 Sqn Personnel, aircraft and locations
[July 1920 | Aug 1920 | Apr 1921 | Jul 1921 | Jul 1922 | May 1923 | Jul 1929 | Jul 1930 | Aug 1930 | Sep 1930 | Oct 1930 | Nov 1930 | Dec 1930 | Jul 1931 | Jul 1932 | Jul 1933 | Jan 1934 | Jul 1934 | Jul 1935 | Jul 1936 |Aug 1936 | Jul 1937 | Jul 1938 | Jan 1939 | Apr 1939 | May 1939]
Organisational Movements: Mar - Jul 1920
Date | Notes |
1 Mar 1920 | Reformed at RAF Leuchars. |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Camel | Leuchars | Coastal Area/No 29 Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Ernest C Usher | A & S | 15 Apr 1920 | |
Fg Off | Robert B Sutherland | A | 2 Jul 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | Arthur E de M Jarvis | A | 28 Apr 1920 | DFC |
Source - July 1920 Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Camel | Leuchars | Coastal Area/No 29 Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Ernest C Usher | A & S | 15 Apr 1920 | |
Fg Off | Robert B Sutherland | A | 2 Jul 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | Arthur E de M Jarvis | A | 28 Apr 1920 | DFC |
Source - August 1920 Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Camel | Leuchars | Coastal Area/No 29 Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Albert W Fletcher | A & S | 25 Oct 1920 | DFC, AFC |
Fg Off | James MacG Fairweather | A | 1 Apr 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | Louis M Hilton | A | 1 Apr 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | George R Hicks | A | 18 sep 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | John H T Carr | A | 1 Feb 1921 | |
Fg Off | Kingsley C L Gorringe | A | 16 Mar 1920 | |
Fg Off | Fred Kirk | A | 1 Feb 1920 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Arthur A B Chipper | A | 20 Jul 1920 |
Source - April 1921 Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Camel | Leuchars | Coastal Area/No 29 Group |
Rank | Name | Branch | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Joseph S T Fall | A | 15 Mar 1921 | DSC, AFC |
Flt Lt | Albert W Fletcher | A & S | 25 Oct 1920 | DFC, AFC |
Fg Off | Walter E Swann | A | 9 May 1921 | |
Fg Off | James MacG Fairweather | A | 1 Apr 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | Louis M Hilton | A | 1 Apr 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | George R Hicks | A | 18 sep 1920 | DFC |
Fg Off | Kingsley C L Gorringe | A | 16 Mar 1920 | |
Fg Off | Fred Kirk | A | 1 Feb 1920 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Lawrence C Pharoah-Band | A | 20 May 1921 | |
Fg Off | Arthur A B Chipper | A | 20 Jul 1920 | |
Fg Off | William F Shaylor | A | 23 May 1921 |
Source - July 1921 Air Force List
Branches: A = Aeroplane, A & S = Aeroplane and Seaplane, Ad = Administrative, Med = Medical, O = Observer, T = Technical
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Camel | Leuchars | Coastal Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Leonard H Slatter | 1 Oct 1921 | OBE, DSC, DFC; later AM |
Fg Off | William Jones | 1 Jun 1922 | |
Fg Off | Gerald G Walker | 1 Oct 1921 | MC |
Fg Off | Ernest C Usher | 1 Jun 1922 | |
Fg Off | Thomas Brewin | 1 Oct 1921 | |
Fg Off | Ian C G Simpson | 20 Jun 1921 | |
Fg Off | James V Medcalf | 30 Jan 1922 | |
Fg Off | Benjamin Sykes | 30 Jan 1922 | |
Stores Officers | |||
Flt Lt | Frank Paterson | 1 Oct 1921 | |
Fg Off | Robert D Lambert | 1 Oct 1921 |
Source - July 1922 Air Force List
Organisational Movements: Jul 1922 - May 1923
Date | Notes |
xx Aug 1922 | Squadron received a number of Nieuport Nightjars |
1 Apr 1923 | Squadron disbanded into Nos 401 and 402 Flights, but was still shown in the May 1923 AFL. |
Source - 'RAF Commands' - C G Jefford
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Sopwith Camel | Leuchars | Coastal Area |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Leonard H Slatter | 1 Oct 1921 | OBE, DSC, DFC; later AM |
Flt Lt | Albert W Fletcher | 27Jan 1923 | DFC, AFC |
Fg Off | William Jones | 1 Jun 1922 | |
Fg Off | Ernest C Usher | 1 Jun 1922 | |
Fg Off | Thomas Brewin | 1 Oct 1921 | |
Fg Off | Ian C G Simpson | 20 Jun 1921 | |
Fg Off | James V Medcalf | 30 Jan 1922 | |
Fg Off | George C Lugg | 12 Mar 1923 | |
Fg Off | John B Lynch | 12 Mar 1923 | |
Fg Off | Cyril B Wincott | 12 Mar 1923 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | John M Burd | 12 Mar 1923 |
Source - May 1923 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jan - Jul 1929
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | H R Busteed | 1 Jan 1929 | Transferred from No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flt and assumed command |
Sqn Ldr | Rene M Bayley | 1 Jan 1929 | Transferred from No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flt |
Flt Lt | William J Daddo-Langlois | 1 Jan 1929 | Transferred from No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flt |
Flt Lt | Gerard L Gandy | 1 Jan 1929 | Transferred from No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flt |
Fg Off | Richard F Shenton | 1 Jan 1929 | Transferred from No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flt |
Fg Off | Harold F G Southey | 1 Jan 1929 | Transferred from No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flt |
Fg Off | William G Abrams | 1 Jan 1929 | Transferred from No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flt |
Fg Off | F E Fairhead | xx Jan 1929 | Arrived on posting as member of Seaplane Flight |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 1 Feb 1929 | Attached to HQ Iraq Command |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 6 Feb 1929 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn (Basrah element) |
Gp Capt | H R Busteed | xx Feb 1929 | Declared medically unfit for service overseas |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 23 Feb 1929 | Proceeded to Iraq by the overland route |
Wg Cdr | 25 Feb 1929 | Arrived on posting to lead the flight to Basrah | |
Gp Capt | H R Busteed | 26 Feb 1929 | Relinquished command of Air Party |
Wg Cdr | 26 Feb 1929 | Assumed command of Air Party | |
Fg Off | George J Gaynor | 9 Mar 1929 | Assumed duties of Equipment Officer, wef 1 Feb 1929 |
Fg Off | Donald C Stone | 9 Mar 1929 | Assumed duties of Accountant Officer, wef 14 Feb 1929 |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 14 Mar 1929 | Rejoined the squadron at Basrah |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 14 Mar 1929 | Relinquished command of No 203 Sqn |
Wg Cdr | 14 Mar 1929 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn | |
Fg Off | F E Fairhead | xx Apr 1929 | Departed on posting |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Jul 1929
Date | Notes |
1 Jan 1929 |
Reformed at RAF Mount Batten by redesignating No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight, equipped with Southampton IIs |
24 Jan 1929 | Ground personnel in Basrah |
28 Feb 1929 | Squadron (S1298, S1299 and S1300) departed RAF Cattewater for Hourtin, near Bordeaux |
1 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed Hourtin for Berre, near Marseilles |
3 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed Berre for Naples but where forced to land at Bastia (S1300) and Leghorn (S1298 and S1299) |
5 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed Bastia and Leghorn and arrived at Naples |
7 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed Naples for RAF Kalafrana, Malta |
9 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed RAF Kalafrana, Malta for Benghazi |
10 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed Benghazi for Aboukir |
12 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed Aboukir for Alexandretta |
13 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed Alexandretta for RAF Hinaidi, Iraq |
14 Mar 1929 | Squadron departed RAF Hinaidi for Basrah, Iraq |
xx Jan 1929 |
Seaplane Flight at Basrah equipped with Fairey IIIFs was attached to No 203 Sqn |
18 Apr 1929 | Squadron disposed of its Fairey IIIFs on disbandment of the Seaplane Flight |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Southampton II | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Wg Cdr | 25 Feb 1929 | Officer Commanding, AFC; later A/Cdre | |
Sqn Ldr | Rene M Bayley | 24 Sep 1928* | DFC |
Flt Lt | William J Daddo-Langlois | 7 Nov 1928* | Signals duties |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 14 Mar 1929 | Engineer duties |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 1 Feb 1929 | later A/Cdre |
Flt Lt | Gerard L Gandy | 10 Nov 1928* | |
Fg Off | Richard F Shenton | 14 Oct 1928* | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
Fg Off | Harold F G Southey | 14 Oct 1928* | Armament duties; later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | William G Abrams | 10 Oct 1928* | Photographic duties |
Stores Branch | |||
Fg Off | George J Gaynor | 1 Feb 1929 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Fg Off | Donald C Stone | 14 Feb 1929 | |
Chaplains Branch | |||
Rev | John A Jagoe | 1 Feb 1929 |
* Date of appointment to No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight.
Source - July 1929 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1929 - Jul 1930
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | Rene M Bayley | 1 Jul 1929 | Promoted to Wg Cdr |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 12 Aug 1929 | Posted for duty as OC, Summer Camp |
Sqn Ldr Rev | George H Piercy | 30 Oct 1929 | Arrived on HT Nevasa for duty as Chaplain, wef 8 Oct 1929 |
Wg Cdr | Rene M Bayley | 2 Nov 1929 | Departed on HT Nevasa on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 15 Nov 1929 | Returned on completion of duty as OC, Summer Camp and sick leave |
Sgt Plt | Hamblin | xx Nov 1929 | Proceeded to UK on compassionate leave and transferred to Home Establishment |
Sgt Plt | Davies | xx Nov 1929 | Arrived on attachment from No 70 Sqn |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 29 Dec 1929 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 7 Dec 1929 |
Sgt Plt | Davies | xx Jan 1930 | Ceased to be attached from No 70 Sqn |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 17 Mar 1930 | Proceeded overland to the UK to collect new aircraft |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 17 Mar 1930 | Proceeded overland to the UK to collect new aircraft |
Flt Lt | William J Daddo-Langlois | 17 Mar 1930 | Proceeded overland to the UK to collect new aircraft |
Fg Off | Harold F G Southey | 24 Mar 1930 | Proceeded overland to the UK on posting to Signals Course |
Fg Off | N X Sheldrick | xx Mar 1930 | Attached to flying out party in UK pending posting to No 203 Sqn |
Plt Off | Frederick R Drew | xx Mar 1930 | Attached to flying out party in UK pending posting to No 203 Sqn |
Flt Lt | Ernest Drudge | 22 Apr 1930 | Arrived on posting for duty as Adjutant, wef 19 Apr 1930 |
Flt Lt | Gerard L Gandy | 29 Apr 1930 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant on posting to No 70 Sqn |
Flt Lt | Ernest Drudge | 29 Apr 1930 | Asumed duties of Adjutant |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 7 Jun 1930 | Departed Plymouth for Iraq (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 7 Jun 1930 | Departed Plymouth for Iraq (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Flt Lt | William J Daddo-Langlois | 7 Jun 1930 | Departed Plymouth for Iraq (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Plt Off | Frederick R Drew | 7 Jun 1930 | Departed Plymouth for Iraq (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Plt Off | Gareth G Barrett | 7 Jun 1930 | Departed Plymouth for Iraq (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 19 Jun 1930 | Rejoined the squadron on return from the UK (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 19 Jun 1930 | Rejoined the squadron on return from the UK (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Flt Lt | William J Daddo-Langlois | 19 Jun 1930 | Rejoined the squadron on return from the UK (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Plt Off | Frederick R Drew | 19 Jun 1930 | Joined the squadron from the UK (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Plt Off | Gareth G Barrett | 19 Jun 1930 | Joined the squadron from the UK (Southamptons S1421 and S1422) |
Sqn Ldr Rev | George H Piercy | 6 Jul 1930 |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1929 - Jul 1930
Date | Notes |
7 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Plymouth for Hourtin |
8 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Hourtin for Berre |
9 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Berre for Naples |
11 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Naples for Brindisi |
12 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Brindisi for Athens |
14 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Athens for Spinalonga |
14 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Spinalonga for Aboukir |
17 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Aboukir for Farmagusta |
17 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Farmagusta for Alexandretta |
18 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Alexandretta for Lake Habbaniya |
19 Jun 1930 | Southamptons S1421 and S1422, departed Lake Habbaniya for Basrah |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Southampton II | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Wg Cdr | 25 Feb 1929 | Officer Commanding, AFC; later A/Cdre | |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 7 Dec 1929 | DFC |
Flt Lt | Ernest Drudge | 19 Apr 1930 | MBE |
Flt Lt | William J Daddo-Langlois | 7 Nov 1928* | Signals duties |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 14 Mar 1929 | Engineer duties |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 1 Feb 1929 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Richard F Shenton | 14 Oct 1928* | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
Fg Off | William G Abrams | 10 Oct 1928* | Photographic duties |
Plt Off | Gareth G Barrett | 7 Jun 1930 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | Frederick R Drew | 7 Jun 1930 | later A/Cdre |
- |
|||
2 Airman Pilots | |||
Stores Branch | |||
Fg Off | George J Gaynor | 1 Feb 1929 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Fg Off | Donald C Stone | 14 Feb 1929 | |
Chaplains Branch | |||
Rev | George H Piercy | 8 Oct 1929 | MA |
Source - July 1930 Air Force List
Source - August 1930 Air Force List
Source - September 1930 Air Force List
Source - October 1930 Air Force List
Source - November 1930 Air Force List
Source - December 1930 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1930 - Jul 1931
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr Rev | George H Piercy | 6 Jul 1930 | Posted to No 30 Sqn, Mosul |
Rev | S S M Hawkins | 6 Jul 1930 | Appointed as Civilian Chaplain |
Flt Lt | F F W Wilson | 15 Jul 1930 | Arrived on posting from No 1 Armoured Car Company for Armament duties |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 25 Jul 1930 | Attached to No 84 Sqn, RAF Shaibah |
Flt Lt | F F W Wilson | 25 Oct 1930 | Armament Officer, posted to No 70 Sqn |
Wg Cdr Rev | George A Davies | 30 Oct 1930 | Arrived on posting, wef 7 Oct 1930 |
Wg Cdr | 20 Nov 1930 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment | |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 20 Nov 1930 | Assumed temporary command of No 203 Sqn |
Gp Capt | 6 Feb 1931 | Departed the UK in command of Rangoon Flight | |
Sqn Ldr | P H Mackworth | 6 Feb 1931 | Departed the UK as part of Rangoon Flight |
Flt Lt | Harold A Hamersley | 6 Feb 1931 | Departed the UK as part of Rangoon Flight |
Flt Lt | 6 Feb 1931 | Departed the UK as part of Rangoon Flight | |
Flt Lt | 6 Feb 1931 | Departed the UK as part of Rangoon Flight | |
Fg Off | Richard R Councell | 6 Feb 1931 | Departed the UK as part of Rangoon Flight |
Flt Lt | John L Armstrong | 28 Mar 1931 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 10 Mar 1931 for Accountant duties |
Gp Capt | 21 Apr 1931 | Arrived on posting from the UK in command of Rangoon Flight | |
Sqn Ldr | P H Mackworth | 21 Apr 1931 | Arrived on posting from the UK as part of Rangoon Flight |
Flt Lt | Harold A Hamersley | 21 Apr 1931 | Arrived on posting from the UK as part of Rangoon Flight |
Flt Lt | 21 Apr 1931 | Arrived on posting from the UK as part of Rangoon Flight | |
Flt Lt | 21 Apr 1931 | Arrived on posting from the UK as part of Rangoon Flight | |
Fg Off | Richard R Councell | 21 Apr 1931 | Arrived on posting from the UK as part of Rangoon Flight |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 24 Apr 1931 | Relinquished temporary command of No 203 Sqn |
Gp Capt | 24 Apr 1931 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn | |
Sqn Ldr | P H Mackworth | 28 Apr 1931 | Departed on posting to the UK in command of Southampton Flight |
Flt Lt | Robert H Horniman | 28 Apr 1931 | Departed on posting to the UK as part of Southampton Flight |
Flt Lt | William J Daddo-Langlois | 28 Apr 1931 | Departed on posting to the UK as part of Southampton Flight |
Flt Lt | Arthur P Revington | 28 Apr 1931 | Departed on posting to the UK as part of Southampton Flight |
Fg Off | R Louis | 28 Apr 1931 | Departed on posting to the UK as part of Southampton Flight |
Plt Off | Frederick R Drew | 12 Jun 1931 | Admitted to the British General Hospital, Hinaidi |
Flt Lt | W G MacD Nicholl | 18 Jun 1931 | Arrived on posting for duty as Station Stores Officer |
Plt Off | Frederick R Drew | 19 Jun 1931 | Promoted to Fg Off, wef 27 Jan 1931 |
Plt Off | Gareth G Barrett | 19 Jun 1931 | Promoted to Fg Off, wef 27 Jan 1931 |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1930 - Jul 1931
Date | Notes |
6 Feb 1931 | A Flight of three Short Rangoons departed RAF Felixstowe for RAF Calshot en-route to Basrah |
7 Feb 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed RAF Calshot for RAF Mount Batten |
14 Feb 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed RAF Mount Batten for Hourtin |
15 Feb 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Hourtin for Berre |
18 Feb 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Berre for Ostia |
23 Feb 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Ostia for Naples |
25 Feb 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Naples for RAF Calafrana |
16 Apr 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed RAF Calafrana for Sollum |
17 Apr 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Sollum for Aboukir |
18 Apr 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Aboukir for Alexandretta |
19 Apr 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Alexandretta for Lake Habbaniya |
21 Apr 1931 | Rangoon Flight departed Lake Habbaniya for Basrah |
28 Apr 1931 | 3 x Southamptons, S1421, S1422 and S1423, departed on transfer to the UK |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Rangoon | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 6 Feb 1931 | Officer Commanding, DSC, AFC; later AM | |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 7 Dec 1929 | DFC |
Flt Lt | Ernest Drudge | 19 Apr 1930 | MBE |
Flt Lt | Harold A Hamersley | 6 Feb 1931 | Engineer duties, MC |
Flt Lt | 6 Feb 1931 | AFC; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | 6 Feb 1931 | Signals duties; later AM | |
Fg Off | Gareth G Barrett | 7 Jun 1930 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Frederick R Drew | 7 Jun 1930 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | Richard R Councell | 6 Feb 1931 | Armament duties |
- |
|||
2 Airman Pilots | |||
Stores Branch | |||
Fg Off | George J Gaynor | 1 Feb 1929 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | John L Armstrong | 10 Mar 1931 | |
Fg Off | Donald C Stone | 14 Feb 1929 | |
Chaplains Branch | |||
Rev | George A Davies | 7 Oct 1930 | BA |
Source - July 1931 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1931 - Jul 1932
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | George J Gaynor | 12 Jul 1931 | Equipment Officer, posted to Aircraft Depot |
Flt Lt | 8 Jul 1931 | Admitted to SSQ | |
Flt Lt | 20 Jul 1931 | Discharged from SSQ | |
Flt Lt | Ernest Drudge | 30 Aug 1931 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant on proceeding to the UK on leave |
Flt Lt | 30 Aug 1931 | Assumed duties of Adjutant | |
Gp Capt | 17 Sep 1931 | Proceeded to Palestine on leave | |
Sqn Ldr | George W Bentley | 17 Sep 1931 | Assumed temporary command of No 203 Sqn |
Flt Lt | Harold A Hamersley | 19 Sep 1931 | Proceeded to Egypt to study maintenance of Calcutta flying boats by Imperial Airways |
Gp Capt | 9 Oct 1931 | Resumed command of No 203 Sqn | |
Flt Lt | Harold A Hamersley | 9 Oct 1931 | Returned from Egypt |
Fg Off | 6 Apr 1932 | Arrived on posting from the UK (in K2134), wef 1 Apr 1932 | |
Plt Off | 6 Apr 1932 | Arrived on posting from the UK (in K2134), wef 1 Apr 1932 | |
Fg Off | Frederick R Drew | 27 Apr 1932 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Fg Off | Gareth G Barrett | 27 Apr 1932 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1931 - Jul 1932
Date | Notes |
xx Sep 1931 | A Wapiti was received from No 84 Sqn for conversion to floatplane configuration for training purposes |
6 Apr 1932 | Rangoon, K2134, arrived at Basrah from Felixstowe |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Rangoon | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 6 Feb 1931 | Officer Commanding, DSC, AFC; later AM | |
Sqn Ldr | Albert W Fletcher | 24 Oct 1931 | Navigation duties, OBE, DFC, AFC |
Sqn Ldr | 23 Jan 1932 | MC, AFC; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Harold A Hamersley | 6 Feb 1931 | Engineer duties, MC |
Flt Lt | 6 Feb 1931 | AFC; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | 6 Feb 1931 | Signals duties; later AM | |
Fg Off | Alistair R Sarel | 6 Mar 1932 | |
Fg Off | Richard R Councell | 6 Feb 1931 | Armament duties |
Fg Off | 1 Apr 1932 | later AM | |
Plt Off | 1 Apr 1932 | later Act AVM | |
- |
|||
2 Airman Pilots | |||
Stores Branch | |||
Flt Lt | John R Brown | 4 Mar 1932 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | John L Armstrong | 10 Mar 1931 | |
Chaplains Branch | |||
Rev | George A Davies | 7 Oct 1930 | BA |
Source - July 1932 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1932 - Jul 1933
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | N B Littlejohn | 28 Oct 1932 | Arrived on secondment from RAAF |
Fg Off | John W Burgess | 9 Mar 1933 | Disembarked from SS Varsova and arrived on posting, wef 8 Feb 1933 |
Sgt Plt | Lawson | 9 Mar 1933 | Disembarked from SS Varsova and arrived on posting |
Sgt Plt | Wheeler | 9 Mar 1933 | Disembarked from SS Varsova and arrived on posting |
Flt Lt | Harold A Hamersley | 11 Mar 1933 | Embarked on SS Varsova on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | 11 Mar 1933 | Embarked on SS Varsova on posting to Home Establishment | |
Flt Lt | Leonard K Barnes | 18 Mar 1933 | Arrived on posting, wef 23 Feb 1933 |
Flt Lt | Carter | 23 Apr 1933 | Arrived on posting having delivered Rangoon, K2809 |
Fg Off | Riley | 23 Apr 1933 | Arrived on posting having delivered Rangoon, K2809 |
Gp Capt | 8 May 1933 | Proceeded to the UK on annual leave | |
Sqn Ldr | 8 May 1933 | Assumed temporary command of No 203 Sqn |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1932 - Jul 1933
Date | Notes |
23 Apr 1933 | Rangoon, K2809, arrived at Basrah from Felixstowe |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Rangoon | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 6 Feb 1931 | Officer Commanding, DSC, AFC; later AM | |
Sqn Ldr | 23 Jan 1932 | MC, AFC; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Leonard K Barnes | 28 Feb 1932 | Navigation duties; later A/Cdre |
Flt Lt | Hugh M G Parker | 17 Jan 1933 | Engineer duties |
Flt Lt | Alistair R Sarel | 6 Mar 1932 | |
Fg Off | 1 Apr 1932 | later AM | |
Fg Off | Normand B Littlejohn | 4 Oct 1932 | |
Fg Off | 1 Apr 1932 | later Act AVM | |
Fg Off | John W Burgess | 8 Feb 1933 | |
- |
|||
2 Airman Pilots | |||
Stores Branch | |||
Flt Lt | John R Brown | 4 Mar 1932 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Bernard L Blofeld | 29 Apr 1933 | later A/Cdre |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | Percy H Legg | 19 Aug 1932 | Grade III, BSc |
Warrant Officers | |||
WO | Walter R Mayes | 29 Oct 1932 | DSM, AFM |
WO | Alexander Davidson | 13 Oct 1931 | |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | George Magee | 9 Mar 1933 |
Source - July 1933 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1933 - Jan 1934
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 26 Jul 1933 | Resumed command of No 203 Sqn | |
Sqn Ldr | 26 Jul 1933 | Relinquished temporary command of No 203 Sqn | |
Fg Off | K R Coates | 4 Sep 1933 | Attached from AHQ Iraq for duty as Intelligence/Recording Officer |
Gp Capt | 14 Oct 1933 | Arrived on posting, wef 26 Sep 1933, pending assuming command of No 203 Sqn | |
Gp Capt | 26 Oct 1933 | Relinquished command of No 203 Sqn | |
Gp Capt | 26 Oct 1933 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn | |
Sgt Plt | J C Wheeler | 10 Nov 1933 | Arrived on posting |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Rangoon | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 26 Sep 1933 | Officer Commanding, DFC; later AVM | |
Sqn Ldr | Philip G Scott | 10 Oct 1933 | |
Sqn Ldr | 23 Jan 1932 | MC, AFC; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Leonard K Barnes | 28 Feb 1932 | Navigation duties; later A/Cdre |
Flt Lt | Hugh M G Parker | 17 Jan 1933 | Engineer duties |
Flt Lt | Alistair R Sarel | 6 Mar 1932 | |
Fg Off | 1 Apr 1932 | later AM | |
Fg Off | Normand B Littlejohn | 4 Oct 1932 | |
Fg Off | 1 Apr 1932 | later Act AVM | |
Fg Off | John W Burgess | 8 Feb 1933 | |
- |
|||
3 Airman Pilots | |||
Stores Branch | |||
Flt Lt | John R Brown | 4 Mar 1932 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Bernard L Blofeld | 29 Apr 1933 | later A/Cdre |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | Percy H Legg | 19 Aug 1932 | Grade III, BSc |
Warrant Officers | |||
WO | Arthur Hibbins | 22 May 1933 | MM |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | George Magee | 9 Mar 1933 | |
WO II | Frederick P Gee | 10 Nov 1933 | |
WO II | Leonard Brown | 20 May 1933 |
Source - January 1934 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jan - Jul 1934
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | Donald W Baird | 29 Jan 1934 | Arrived on posting from No 204 Sqn, wef 10 Jan 1934 |
Flt Lt | 16 Mar 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 5 Mar 1934 in Rangoon, S1433 | |
Fg Off | Andrew N Combe | 16 Mar 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 5 Mar 1934 in Rangoon, S1433 |
Flt Lt | Kenneth F T Pickles | 23 Jun 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 11 Jun 1934 in Rangoon, K3678 |
Fg Off | C C McMullen | 23 Jun 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 11 Jun 1934 in Rangoon, K3678 |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Jul 1934
Date | Notes |
5 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed RAF Calshot for Hourtin |
6 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Hourtin for Berre |
7 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Berre for Nisida |
9 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Nisida for Brindisi |
10 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Brindisi for Athens |
13 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Athens for Castel Rosso |
14 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Castel Rosso for Alexandretta |
15 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Alexandretta for Hinaidi via Antioch Bay |
16 Mar 1934 | Rangoon, S1433 departed Hinaidi for Basrah |
11 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed RAF Calshot for Hourtin |
12 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Hourtin for Berre |
13 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Berre for Nisida |
15 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Nisida for Brindisi |
16 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Brindisi for Athens |
19 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Athens for Castel Rosso |
21 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Castel Rosso for Alexandretta |
22 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Alexandretta for Hinaidi |
23 Jun 1934 | Rangoon, K3678 departed Hinaidi for Basrah |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Rangoon | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 26 Sep 1933 | Officer Commanding, DFC; later AVM | |
Sqn Ldr | Philip G Scott | 10 Oct 1933 | |
Flt Lt | Leonard K Barnes | 28 Feb 1932 | Navigation duties; later A/Cdre |
Flt Lt | Hugh M G Parker | 17 Jan 1933 | Engineer duties |
Flt Lt | 5 Mar 1934 | DFC; later A/Cdre | |
Fg Off | Normand B Littlejohn | 4 Oct 1932 | |
Fg Off | John W Burgess | 8 Feb 1933 | |
Fg Off | Donald W Baird | 10 Jan 1934 | |
Fg Off | Andrew N Combe | 5 Mar 1934 | |
- |
|||
3 Airman Pilots | |||
Stores Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Raymond A Latham | 26 Feb 1934 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Bernard L Blofeld | 29 Apr 1933 | later A/Cdre |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | Percy H Legg | 19 Aug 1932 | Grade III, BSc |
Warrant Officers | |||
WO | Arthur Hibbins | 22 May 1933 | MM |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | Frederick P Gee | 10 Nov 1933 | |
WO II | Leonard Brown | 20 May 1933 |
Source - July 1934 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1934 - Jul 1935
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | K R Coates | 1 Aug 1934 | Intelligence/Recording Officer, promoted to Flt Lt |
Flt Lt | Francis S Hodder | 1 Nov 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 10 Oct 1934 on HMT Lancashire |
Plt Off | Desmond E B Wheeler | 1 Nov 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 10 Oct 1934 on HMT Lancashire |
Plt Off | John E Townsend | 1 Nov 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 10 Oct 1934 on HMT Lancashire |
Plt Off | Fred Rump | 1 Nov 1934 | Arrived on posting, wef 10 Oct 1934 on HMT Lancashire |
Flt Lt | 1 Dec 1934 | Promoted to Sqn Ldr | |
Flt Lt | Leonard K Barnes | 28 Dec 1934 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment for Staff College Course |
Fg Off | N B Littlejohn | 19 Feb 1935 | Departed for leave in the UK pending posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | Bernard L Blofeld | 2 Mar 1935 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Fg Off | John W Burgess | 2 Mar 1935 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Fg Off | C C McMullen | 2 Mar 1935 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | Hugh M G Parker | 12 Mar 1935 | Engineer Officer, departed on posting to No 205 Sqn, Singapore |
Plt Off | Charles H Brandon | 17 Mar 1935 | Arrived on posting, wef 22 Feb 1935 |
Flt Lt | Victor H Clift | 26 Mar 1935 | Arrived on posting from AHQ Iraq |
Flt Lt | Edgar A Jones | 30 Mar 1935 | Arrived on posting, wef 9 Mar 1935 for Navigation duties |
Flt Lt | William R Baird | 3 May 1935 | Arrived on posting, wef 18 Apr 1935 |
Plt Off | Charles H Brandon | 16 Jun 1935 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Plt Off | Desmond E B Wheeler | 16 Jun 1935 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1934 - Jul 1935
Date | Notes |
5 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight, (3 x Rangoons) departed Basrah en-route to Melbourne, arriving at Ras-al-Khaimah |
6 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Ras-al-Khaimah for Karachi |
7 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Karachi for Salaya |
8 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Salaya for Udaipur |
9 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Udaipur for Gwalior |
10 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Gwalior for Bhagalpur via Allahbad |
11 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Bhagalpur for Chittagong |
13 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Chittagong for Rangoon via Akyab |
15 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Rangoon for Mergui |
16 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Mergui for Penang via Victoria Point |
17 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Penang for Singapore |
20 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Singapore for Batavia via Klabat Bay |
22 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Batavia for Surabiya |
23 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Surabiya to Bima |
23 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Bima for Koepang |
26 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Koepang for Darwin |
27 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Darwin for Milingimbi |
28 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Milingimbi for Thursday Island |
29 Sep 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Thursday Island for Cooktown |
1 Oct 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Cooktown for Bowen |
2 Oct 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Bowen for Brisbane via Gladstone |
5 Oct 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Brisbane for Sydney via Newcastle |
8 Oct 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Sydney for Melbourne via Metung |
12 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Melbourne for Sydney via Metung |
14 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Sydney for Brisbane via Newcastle |
16 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Brisbane for Bowen |
17 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Bowen for Cooktown |
18 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Cooktown for Thursday Island |
19 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Thursday Island for Milingimbi |
20 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Milingimbi for Darwin |
21 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Darwin for Koepang |
22 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Koepang for Bima |
23 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Bima for Surabaya |
25 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Surabaya for Batavia |
26 Nov 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Batavia for Singapore |
11 Dec 1934 | K2809 and K3678 (Melbourne Flight) departed Singapore for Penang |
12 Dec 1934 | K2809 and K3678 (Melbourne Flight) departed Penang for Mergui |
13 Dec 1934 | S1433 (Melbourne Flight) departed Singapore for Heanzay Bay via Penang |
13 Dec 1934 | K2809 and K3678 (Melbourne Flight) departed Mergui for Rangoon |
14 Dec 1934 | S1433 (Melbourne Flight) departed Heanzay Bay for Rangoon, rejoining K2809 and K3678 |
14 Dec 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Rangoon for Chittagong |
15 Dec 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Chittagong for Allahbad via Bhagalpur |
17 Dec 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Allahbad for Udaipur |
18 Dec 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Udaipur for Karachi |
19 Dec 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Karachi to Ras-al-Kharmah via Gwadur |
20 Dec 1934 | Melbourne Flight departed Ras-al-Kharmah for Basrah via Bahrain |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Rangoon | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 26 Sep 1933 | Officer Commanding, DFC; later AVM | |
Sqn Ldr | Philip G Scott | 10 Oct 1933 | |
Sqn Ldr | 5 Mar 1934 | DFC; later A/Cdre | |
Flt Lt | Victor H Clift | 26 Mar 1935 | |
Flt Lt | Francis S Hodder | 10 Oct 1934 | |
Flt Lt | Kenneth F T Pickles | 11 Jun 1934 | |
Flt Lt | William R Baird | 18 Apr 1935 | |
Flt Lt | Edgar A Jones | 9 Mar 1935 | Navigation duties |
Fg Off | Normand B Littlejohn | 4 Oct 1932 | |
Fg Off | Donald W Baird | 10 Jan 1934 | |
Fg Off | Andrew N Combe | 5 Mar 1934 | |
Fg Off | Desmond E B Wheeler | 10 Oct 1934 | |
Fg Off | Charles H Brandon | 22 Feb 1935 | |
Plt Off | John E Townsend | 10 Oct 1934 | |
Plt Off | Fred Rump | 10 Oct 1934 | later A/Cdre |
- |
|||
3 Airman Pilots | |||
Stores Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Raymond A Latham | 26 Feb 1934 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | Frank M Hall | 23 Jan 1935 | |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | Arthur G Abel | 3 Sep 1934 | Grade III, BSc |
Warrant Officers | |||
WO | James Woods | 1 Nov 1934 | |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | Frederick P Gee | 10 Nov 1933 |
Source - July 1935 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1935 - Jul 1936
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | Fred Rump | 3 Oct 1935 | Promoted to Fg Off |
Fg Off | Andrew N Combe | 11 Dec 1935 | Departed on posting to the UK for Armament Course |
Plt Off | G A V Clayton | 28 Dec 1935 | Arrived on posting, wef 12 Dec 1935 |
Fg Off | A A de Gruyther | 12 Feb 1936 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 28 Jan 1936 |
Sqn Ldr | F C B Savile | 17 Feb 1936 | Arrived on posting from the UK in K6908, wef 30 Jan 1936 |
Fg Off | J J Zwarenstein | 17 Feb 1936 | Arrived on posting from the UK in K6908, wef 30 Jan 1936 |
Plt Off | G A V Clayton | 16 Mar 1936 | Promoted to Fg Off, wef 28 Jan 1936 |
Gp Capt | 5 Apr 1936 | Arrived on posting from the UK on SS Kaiser-I-Hind, wef 20 Mar 1936 | |
Gp Capt | 15 Apr 1936 | Relinquished command of No 203 Sqn on posting to Home Establishment | |
Gp Capt | 15 Apr 1936 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn | |
Fg Off | Ambridge | 18 Apr 1936 | Stores Officer, embarked on HT Neuralia on posting to Home establishment |
Sqn Ldr | 26 Apr 1936 | Embarked on HMT Dorsetshire on posting to Home establishment | |
Fg Off | J J Zwarenstein | 28 Apr 1936 | Promoted to Flt Lt, wef 1 Apr 1936 |
Flt Lt | H J Titherington | 3 May 1936 | Arrived on posting on SS Carthay, wef 17 Apr 1936 for Accountant duties |
Fg Off | J G Wigley | 6 May 1936 | Embarked on SS Naldera on posting to Home establishment |
Flt Lt | T W G Eady | 23 May 1936 | Arrived on posting on SS Matiara, wef 2 May 1936 for Engineer duties |
LAC | Dunn | 3 Jun 1936 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment for training as a pilot |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1935 - Jul 1936
Date | Notes |
24 Jul 1935 | 4 x Rangoons, K2809, S1433, S1434 and S1435 departed Basrah to Lake Habbaniya en-route to the UK |
25 Jul 1935 | 4 x Rangoons departed Lake Habbaniya for Alexandretta but landed at Deir ez Zor |
26 Jul 1935 | 4 x Rangoons departed Deir ez Zor for Alexandretta, one, S1433 force landing at Madan |
27 Jul 1935 | 3 x Rangoons departed Alexandretta for Athens via Kastelorizo |
28 Jul 1935 | S1433 departed Madan, following an engine change, for Alexandretta |
29 Jul 1935 | 3 x Rangoons departed Athens for Brindisi |
29 Jul 1935 | S1433 departed Alexandretta for Athens |
30 Jul 1935 | 3 x Rangoons departed Brindisi for Naples |
30 Jul 1935 | S1433 departed Athens for Naples to rejoin the other three |
1 Aug 1955 | 4 x Rangoons departed Naples for Berre |
2 Aug 1935 | 4 x Rangoons departed Berre for Hourtin |
3 Aug 1935 | 4 x Rangoons departed Hourtin for RAF Pembroke Dock, |
3 Aug 1935 | 4 x Rangoons were handed over to No 210 Sqn and 3 x Short Singapore III were taken over by No 203 Sqn |
2 Sep 1935 | 3 x Singapores, K4582, K4583 and K4584 departed RAF Pembroke Dock for RAF Mount Batten |
9 Sep 1935 | 3 x Singapores, departed RAF Mount Batten for Gibraltar |
12 Sep 1935 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K4583, departed Gibraltar for Malta but diverted to Bizerta, K4584 damaged tailplane on take off |
16 Sep 1935 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K4583, departed Bizerta for Malta |
17 Sep 1935 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K4583, departed Malta for Aboukir |
23 Sep 1935 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K4583, departed Aboukir for Port Sudan via Ismailia |
23 Sep 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 departed Basrah for Lake Habbaniya and then to Alexandretta |
24 Sep 1935 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K4583, departed Port Sudan for Aden |
24 Sep 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 departed Alexandretta for Lake Timsah |
26 Sep 1935 | Squadron personnel arrived in Aden from Basrah by sea |
28 Sep 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 departed Lake Timsah for Dougouab Bay via Hurgarda |
29 Sep 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 departed Hurgarda for Port Sudan |
30 Sep 1935 | Singapore K4584 departed Gibraltar for Malta following repairs |
30 Sep 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 departed Port Sudan for Kamaran |
30 Sep 1935 | Singapore K4577 departed RAF Mount Batten for Berre en-route to Aden |
1 Oct 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 departed Kamaran for Aden |
1 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4577 departed Berre for Bizerta |
2 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4584 departed Malta for Aboukir |
2 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4577 departed Bizerta for Malta |
5 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4584 departed Aboukir for Port Sudan |
5 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4577 departed Malta for Mirabella |
6 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4577 departed Mirabella for Aboukir |
7 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4584 departed Port Sudan for Aden |
8 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4577 departed Aboukir for Port Sudan |
10 Oct 1935 | Singapore K4577 departed Port Sudan for Aden |
11 Oct 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 departed Aden en-route to Gibraltar |
14 Oct 1935 | Squadron personnel moved from RAF Khormaksar to Isthmus |
2 Nov 1935 | 2 x Rangoons, K3678 and K2134 arrived at Gibraltar and handed over to No 210 Sqn |
16 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed RAF Mount Batten for Hourtin en-route to Aden |
17 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed Hourtin for Berre |
19 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed Berre for Malta |
22 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed Malta for Mirabella |
23 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed Mirabella for Aboukir |
27 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed Aboukir for Port Sudan |
29 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed Port Sudan for Aden but alighted at Perim due to fuel shortage |
30 Jan 1936 | Singapore K6907 departed Perim for Aden |
17 Feb 1936 | Singapore K6908 arrived in Aden |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Singapore III | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 20 Mar 1936 | Officer Commanding, AFC; later AVM | |
Sqn Ldr | F C B Savile | 30 Jan 1936 | |
Flt Lt | Francis S Hodder | 10 Oct 1934 | |
Flt Lt | Kenneth F T Pickles | 11 Jun 1934 | |
Flt Lt | T W G Eady | 2 May 1936 | Engineer duties |
Flt Lt | William R Baird | 18 Apr 1935 | |
Flt Lt | Edgar A Jones | 9 Mar 1935 | Navigation duties |
Flt Lt | J J Zwarenstein | 30 Jan 1936 | |
Fg Off | Desmond E B Wheeler | 10 Oct 1934 | |
Fg Off | Charles H Brandon | 22 Feb 1935 | |
Fg Off | Fred Rump | 10 Oct 1934 | later A/Cdre |
Fg Off | G A V Clayton | 12 Dec 1935 | |
Fg Off | A A de Gruyther | 28 Jan 1936 | |
Plt Off | J D T Revell | 18 Mar 1936 | |
Equipment Branch | |||
Flt Lt | G J Gaynor | 18 Mar 1936 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | H J Titherington | 17 Apr 1936 | |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | Arthur G Abel | 3 Sep 1934 | Grade III, BSc |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | W Riddell | 12 Feb 1936 |
Source - July 1936 Air Force List
Source - August 1936 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1936 - Jul 1937
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Flt Lt | Francis S Hodder | 28 Sep 1936 | Proceeded to UK on leave pending posting to RAF Staff College |
Flt Lt | R S Darbyshire | 17 Nov 1936 | Arrived on posting on HT Dorsetshire, wef 24 Oct 1936 |
Fg Off | A R Leggate | 17 Nov 1936 | Arrived on posting on HT Dorsetshire, wef 24 Oct 1936 |
Fg Off | W I Hammond | 17 Nov 1936 | Arrived on posting on HT Dorsetshire, wef 24 Oct 1936 |
Fg Off | Desmond E B Wheeler | 19 Nov 1936 | Embarked on HT Dorsetshire on posting to Home Establishment |
Fg Off | Fred Rump | 19 Nov 1936 | Embarked on HT Dorsetshire on posting to Home Establishment |
Fg Off | Charles H Brandon | 23 Dec 1936 | Departed on posting to the UK to attend Armament Course |
Flt Lt | D I Coote | 5 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 11 Feb 1937 for Navigation duties |
Fg Off | S T Misselbrook | 5 Mar 1937 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 11 Feb 1937 |
Flt Lt | Edgar A Jones | 5 Mar 1937 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | William R Baird | 5 Mar 1937 | Departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Gp Capt | 13 Jun 1937 | Proceeded to the UK on leave |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1936 - Jul 1937
Date | Notes |
17 Jul 1936 | Heavy kit and some stores despatched to Basrah |
19 Jul 1936 | Advance Party departed Aden for Basrah |
23 Jul 1936 | 2 x Singapores, K4584 and K6907, departed Aden for Port Sudan en-route to Alexandria |
24 Jul 1936 | 2 x Singapores, K4584 and K6907, Port Sudan for Hurghada |
25 Jul 1936 | 2 x Singapores, K4584 and K6907, Hurghada for Alexandria |
30 Jul 1936 | 3 x Singapores, K4577, K4582 and K6908, departed Aden for Port Sudan en-route to Alexandria |
31 Jul 1936 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K6908, departed Port Sudan for Hurghada |
1 Aug 1936 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K6908, departed Hurghada for Aboukir (to undergo modifications) |
1 Aug 1936 | 2 x Singapores, K4584 and K6907, departed Alexandria for Aboukir (to undergo modifications) |
6 Aug 1936 | Singapore, K4577 departed Port Sudan for Hurghada |
7 Aug 1936 | Singapore, K4577 departed Hurghada for Aboukir |
24 Aug 1936 | 4 x Singapores, K4582, K4584, K6907 and K6908, departed Aboukir for Basra (K4582 and K6907 diverted) |
26 Aug 1936 | 2 x Singapores, K4582 and K6907, arrived from Lake Habbaniya |
12 Oct 1936 | K4577 arrived from Aboukir, following repairs |
10 Nov 1936 | K4583 arrived from Aboukir, following repairs |
17 Jan 1937 | 4 x Singapores departed Basrah for Singapore |
22 Jan 1937 | 2 x Singapores arrived at Singapore from Mergui, two refuelling at Penang |
23 Jan 1937 | 2 x Singapores arrived at Singapore from Penang |
15 Feb 1937 | 4 x Singapores departed Singapore for Penang |
17 Feb 1937 | 4 x Singapores departed Penang for Mergui |
18 Feb 1937 | 4 x Singapores departed Mergui for Rangoon |
20 Feb 1937 | 4 x Singapores departed Rangoon for Calcutta |
23 Feb 1937 | 3 x Singapores departed Calcutta for Allahabad, one left damaged at Calcutta |
24 Feb 1937 | 2 x Singapores departed Allahabad for Jhansi, one, K6908, left needing repair at Allahabad |
25 Feb 1937 | 2 x Singapores departed Jhansi for Karachi, one arrived, the other diverted to Udaipur |
1 Mar 1937 | 1 x Singapore departed Karachi for Ras-al-Khaimah |
2 Mar 1937 | 1 x Singapore departed Ras-al-Khaimah for Basrah |
3 Mar 1937 | 1 x Singapore departed Udaipur for Karachi |
5 Mar 1937 | K6908 departed Allahabad for Jhansi |
6 Mar 1937 | K6908 departed Jhansi for Karachi |
7 Mar 1937 | K6908 departed Karachi for Bahrain via Ras-al-Khairmah |
7 Mar 1937 | K6907 departed Karachi r Bahrain but diverted to Muscat |
8 Mar 1937 | K6908 departed Bahrain for Basrah |
10 Mar 1937 | K6907 departed Bahrain for Basrah |
xx Mar 1937 | The Squadron Badge was authorised by HM King George VI |
2 Apr 1937 | K4584 departed Calcutta following repairs for Basrah |
9 Apr 1937 | K4584 arrived at Basrah |
20 May 1937 | The Squadron Badge was presented by the AOC |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
The Squadron Badge on this page is Crown Copyright and has been produced by Mary Denton on behalf of the RAF Heraldry Trust and is displayed on this page with the permission of the RAFHT.
© Crown Copyright is reproduced with the permission of the Directorate of Intellectual Property Rights
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Singapore III | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 20 Mar 1936 | Officer Commanding, AFC; later AVM | |
Sqn Ldr | F C B Savile | 30 Jan 1936 | |
Sqn Ldr | 17 Mar 1937 | later AVM | |
Flt Lt | William R Baird | 18 Apr 1935 | |
Flt Lt | R S Darbyshire | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Flt Lt | T W G Eady | 2 May 1936 | Engineer duties |
Flt Lt | J J Zwarenstein | 30 Jan 1936 | |
Flt Lt | D I Coote | 11 Feb 1937 | Navigation duties |
Fg Off | S T Misselbrook | 11 Feb 1937 | |
Fg Off | G A V Clayton | 12 Dec 1935 | |
Fg Off | A A de Gruyther | 28 Jan 1936 | |
Fg Off | J D T Revell | 18 Mar 1936 | |
Fg Off | W H Kearney | 3 Apr 1937 | |
Fg Off | A R Leggate | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Fg Off | W I Hammond | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Equipment Branch | |||
Flt Lt | G J Gaynor | 18 Mar 1936 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | H J Titherington | 17 Apr 1936 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Sqn Ldr | L Freeman | 12 Nov 1936 | LMSSA. DMRE |
Flt Lt | R A Cumming | 9 Mar 1937 | MB, ChB |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | H Falkner | 19 Aug 1936 | Grade III, MSc, AInstP |
Warrant Officers - 2nd Class | |||
WO II | W Riddell | 12 Feb 1936 |
Source - July 1937 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1937 - Jul 1938
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | 3 Jul 1937 | Promoted to A/Cdre, wef 1 Jul 1937 | |
Sqn Ldr | F C B Savile | 17 Aug 1937 | Assumed temporary command of No 203 Sqn |
A/Cdre | 17 Aug 1937 | Posted to Command No 5 (Bomber) Group | |
Sqn Ldr | F C B Savile | 1 Oct 1937 | Promoted to Wg Cdr |
Gp Capt | R H Kershaw | 8 Nov 1937 | Arrived on posting wef 23 Oct 1937 and assumed command of No 203 Sqn |
Sqn Ldr | F C B Savile | 8 Nov 1937 | Relinquished temporary command of No 203 Sqn |
Flt Lt | R S Darbyshire | 1 Dec 1937 | Promoted to Sqn Ldr |
Wg Cdr | F C B Savile | 4 Dec 1937 | Embarked on SS Vasna on posting to Home Establishment |
Plt Off | S C Pendred | 11 Feb 1938 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 28 Jan 1938 |
Plt Off | C S Thomas | 11 Feb 1938 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 28 Jan 1938 |
Flt Lt | M Q Candler | 8 Apr 1938 | Arrived on SS Vasna on posting from the UK for Engineer duties, wef 8 Mar 1938 |
Flt Lt | H Crowther | 8 Apr 1938 | Arrived on SS Vasna on posting from the UK for Accountant duties, wef 8 Mar 1938 |
Fg Off | J J Zwarenstein | 15 Apr 1938 | Embarked on SS Varsova on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | H J Titherington | 15 Apr 1938 | Embarked on SS Varsova on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | E G Northway | 18 Apr 1938 | Arrived overland on posting from the UK for Equipment duties, wef 29 Mar 1938 |
Plt Off | R L C Branson | 15 May 1938 | Arrived overland on posting from the UK, wef 30 Apr 1938 |
Plt Off | J R Grice | 15 May 1938 | Arrived overland on posting from the UK, wef 30 Apr 1938 |
Plt Off | P W Dawson | 9 Jun 1938 | Arrived on K4584 on posting from the UK, wef 3 Jun 1938 |
Plt Off | J C Whittall | 9 Jun 1938 | Arrived on K4584 on posting from the UK, wef 3 Jun 1938 |
Mr | H Falkner | 16 Jun 1938 | Education Officer, departed on posting to Home Establishment |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: Jul 1937 - Jul 1938
Date | Notes |
1 Sep 1937 | Squadron title changed from No 203 (Flying Boat) Sqn to No 203 (General Reconnaissance) Sqn |
15 Sep 1937 | Singapores, K4582 and K4584 departed Basrah for Lake Habbaniya |
17 Sep 1937 | Singapores, K4582 and K4584 departed Lake Habbaniya for Alexandretta |
18 Sep 1937 | Singapores, K4582 and K4584 departed Alexandretta for Athens |
21 Sep 1937 | Singapores, K4582 and K4584 departed Athens to Brindisi |
22 Sep 1937 | Singapores, K4582 and K4584 departed Brindisi for Naples, K4582 crashed at Paolo, K4584 landed at Milazzo, Sicily |
23 Sep 1937 | Singapore, K4584 departed Milazzo for Naples |
24 Sep 1937 | Singapore, K4584 departed Naples for Berre |
6 Oct 1937 | Singapore, K4584 arrived at RAF Calshot via Jersey |
19 Oct 1937 | Singapores, K6913 and K8859 departed RAF Pembroke Dock for Basrah |
3 Nov 1937 | Singapore, K6913 arrived at Basrah |
6 Nov 1937 | Singapore, K8859 arrived at Basrah |
15 Jan 1938 | 4 x Singapores departed Basrah for Singapore |
19 Jan 1938 | 4 x Singapores departed Calcutta for Singapore, but one returned for repairs |
20 Jan 1938 | 3 x Singapores arrived in Singapore |
23 Jan 1938 | 1 x Singapore departed Calcutta for Singapore |
25 Jan 1938 | 1 x Singapore arrived in Singapore |
9 Feb 1938 | 4 x Singapores departed Singapore for Basrah |
12 Feb 1938 | 4 x Singapores arrived in Calcutta en-route to Basrah, one remaining behind |
13 Feb 1938 | 2 x Singapores departed Calcutta for Gwador |
14 Feb 1938 | 2 x Singapores departed Gwador for Karachi |
xx Feb 1938 | 1 x Singapore arrived at Karachi from Calcutta |
18 Feb 1938 | 2 x Singapores departed Karachi for Dubai and 1 x Singapore departed Karachi for Ras-al-Khaimah and Dubai |
19 Feb 1938 | 2 x Singapores departed Dubai for Basrah |
21 Feb 1938 | 1 x Singapore arrived at Basrah from Dubai |
22 Feb 1938 | 1 x Singapore arrived at Basrah from Calcutta |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Singapore III | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | R H Kershaw | 23 Oct 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
Sqn Ldr | C H Cahill | 13 Oct 1937 | AFC |
Sqn Ldr | R S Darbyshire | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Flt Lt | M Q Candler | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Flt Lt | D I Coote | 11 Feb 1937 | Navigation duties |
Flt Lt | S T Misselbrook | 11 Feb 1937 | |
Fg Off | A R Leggate | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Fg Off | W I Hammond | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Plt Off | S C Pendred | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Plt Off | C S Thomas | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Plt Off | R L C Branson | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | J R Grice | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | P W Dawson | 3 Jun 1938 | |
Plt Off | J C Whittall | 3 Jun 1938 | |
- |
|||
1 Airman Pilot | |||
Equipment Branch | |||
Flt Lt | G J Gaynor | 18 Mar 1936 | |
Flt Lt | E G Northway | 29 Mar 1938 | MBE |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | H Crowther | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | J H Lewis | 5 Nov 1937 | LMSSA |
Flt Lt | H E Bellringer | 25 Nov 1937 | MB, ChB |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | H Falkner | 19 Aug 1936 | Grade III, MSc, AInstP |
Source - July 1938 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jul 1938 - Jan 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Sqn Ldr | C H Cahill | 1 Jul 1938 | Promoted to Wg Cdr |
Flt Lt | M Q Candler | 1 Jul 1938 | Promoted to Sqn Ldr |
LAC | T H Scaife | 6 Aug 1938 | Died in hospital |
Act Flt Lt | A R Leggate | 28 Sep 1938 | Arrived on posting from RAF Shaibah |
Fg Off | Gates | 29 Sep 1938 | Arrived on attachment from Singapore (in K6912) |
Fg Off | Spotswood | 29 Sep 1938 | Arrived on attachment from Singapore (in K6912) |
Act Flt Lt | A R Leggate | 5 Oct 1938 | Posted back to RAF Shaibah |
Fg Off | Gates | 5 Oct 1938 | Ceased to be attached |
Fg Off | Spotswood | 5 Oct 1938 | Ceased to be attached |
Sqn Ldr | E A Healy | 17 Nov 1938 | Arrived on HT Nevasa on posting from the UK, wef 25 Oct 1938 |
Plt Off | James M N Pike | 17 Nov 1938 | Arrived on HT Nevasa on posting from the UK, wef 25 Oct 1938 |
Plt Off | P R M Williams | 17 Nov 1938 | Arrived on HT Nevasa on posting from the UK, wef 25 Oct 1938 |
Fg Off | F G C Gilbert | 17 Nov 1938 | Arrived on HT Nevasa on posting from the UK for Equipment duties, wef 25 Oct 1938 |
Wg Cdr | C H Cahill | 18 Nov 1938 | Embarked on HT Nevasa on posting to Home Establishment |
Sqn Ldr | R S Darbyshire | 18 Nov 1938 | Embarked on HT Nevasa on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | H E Bellringer | 18 Nov 1938 | Embarked on HT Nevasa on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | E G Northway | 29 Nov 1938 | Embarked on HMS Shoreham on posting to Home Establishment |
Sqn Ldr | M Q Candler | 23 Dec 1938 | Returned from General Hospital, Habbaniya |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Singapore III | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | R H Kershaw | 23 Oct 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
Wg Cdr | C H Cahill | 13 Oct 1937 | AFC |
Sqn Ldr | E A Healy | 25 Oct 1938 | |
Sqn Ldr | R S Darbyshire | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Sqn Ldr | M Q Candler | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Flt Lt | D I Coote | 11 Feb 1937 | Navigation duties |
Flt Lt | S T Misselbrook | 11 Feb 1937 | |
Fg Off | W I Hammond | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Plt Off | S C Pendred | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Plt Off | C S Thomas | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Plt Off | R L C Branson | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | J R Grice | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | P W Dawson | 3 Jun 1938 | |
Plt Off | J C Whittall | 3 Jun 1938 | |
Plt Off | James M N Pike | 25 Oct 1938 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | P R M Williams | 25 Oct 1938 | |
Equipment Branch | |||
Flt Lt | E G Northway | 29 Mar 1938 | MBE |
Fg Off | F G C Gilbert | 25 Oct 1938 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | H Crowther | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | J H Lewis | 5 Nov 1937 | LMSSA |
Flt Lt | H E Bellringer | 25 Nov 1937 | MB, ChB |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | W F Dowsett | 20 Aug 1938 | Grade III, AFRAeS |
Warrant Officers | |||
WO | C R Saddington | 7 Apr 1938 | |
WO | W R Hardeman | 9 Feb 1938 |
Source - January 1939 Air Force List
Personnel Movements: Jan - Apr 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | R K Beale | 21 Jan 1939 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 23 Dec 1938 |
Flt Lt | D I Coote | 28 Jan 1938 | Embarked on SS Verela on posting to Home Establishment |
Flt Lt | S T Misselbrook | 28 Jan 1938 | Embarked on SS Verela on posting to Home Establishment |
Sqn Ldr | E A Healy | 3 Feb 1939 | Posted to RAF Habbaniya |
Sqn Ldr | C D C Boyce | 6 Feb 1939 | Arrived on posting from AHQ Iraq |
Fg Off | W I Hammond | 24 Feb 1939 | Departed on posting to CFS, RAF Upavon |
Plt Off | K B Corbould | 10 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 10 Feb 1939 |
Fg Off | J T C Hillman | 24 Mar 1939 | Arrived on posting for service on the High Speed Launch |
Fg Off | A G Williams | 3 Apr 1939 | Attached from Aircraft Depot, Habbaniya for duty as i/c Blenheim erection work |
Sqn Ldr | 4 Apr 1939 | Arrived on posting from the UK, wef 23 Mar 1939 |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Singapore III | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | R H Kershaw | 23 Oct 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
Sqn Ldr | M Q Candler | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Flt Lt | W I Hammond | 24 Oct 1936 | |
Fg Off | C S Thomas | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Fg Off | S C Pendred | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Fg Off | P W Dawson | 3 Jun 1938 | |
Fg Off | James M N Pike | 25 Oct 1938 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | R L C Branson | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | J R Grice | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | J C Whittall | 3 Jun 1938 | |
Plt Off | P R M Williams | 25 Oct 1938 | |
Plt Off | R K Beale | 23 Dec 1938 | |
Plt Off | K B Corbould | 10 Feb 1939 | |
Equipment Branch | |||
Fg Off | F G C Gilbert | 25 Oct 1938 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | H Crowther | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | J H Lewis | 5 Nov 1937 | LMSSA |
Flt Lt | D J Sheehan | 17 Nov 1938 | MRCS, LRCP |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | W F Dowsett | 20 Aug 1938 | Grade III, AFRAeS |
Warrant Officer | |||
WO | C R Saddington | 7 Apr 1938 |
Source - April 1939 Confidential Air Force List
Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
Short Singapore III | RAF Basrah | Iraq Command |
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Gp Capt | R H Kershaw | 23 Oct 1937 | Officer Commanding, |
Sqn Ldr | M Q Candler | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Sqn Ldr | 23 Mar 1939 | Navigation duties; later AVM | |
Fg Off | C S Thomas | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Fg Off | S C Pendred | 28 Jan 1938 | |
Fg Off | P W Dawson | 3 Jun 1938 | |
Fg Off | James M N Pike | 25 Oct 1938 | later A/Cdre |
Plt Off | R L C Branson | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | J R Grice | 30 Apr 1938 | |
Plt Off | J C Whittall | 3 Jun 1938 | |
Plt Off | P R M Williams | 25 Oct 1938 | |
Plt Off | R K Beale | 23 Dec 1938 | |
Plt Off | K B Corbould | 10 Feb 1939 | |
Equipment Branch | |||
Fg Off | F G C Gilbert | 25 Oct 1938 | |
Accountant Branch | |||
Flt Lt | H Crowther | 8 Mar 1938 | |
Medical Branch | |||
Flt Lt | J H Lewis | 5 Nov 1937 | LMSSA |
Flt Lt | D J Sheehan | 17 Nov 1938 | MRCS, LRCP |
Education Officer | |||
Mr | W F Dowsett | 20 Aug 1938 | Grade III, AFRAeS |
Warrant Officer | |||
WO | G Andrews | 23 Feb 1939 |
Source - May 1939 Confidential Air Force List
Personnel Movements: May - Dec 1939
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Plt Off | F M Hunter | 5 May 1939 | Arrived on posting from the UK |
Fg Off | C S Thomas | 7 May 1939 | Posted to Communications Flight, RAF Habbaniya to command |
Plt Off | R K Beale | 6 Jun 1939 | Relinquished duties of Adjutant |
Plt Off | James M N Pike | 6 Jun 1939 | Assumed duties of Adjutant |
Plt Off | Hunter | 8 Jun 1939 | Attached to Communications Flight, RAF Habbaniya |
Plt Off | J R Grice | 16 Jun 1939 | Proceeded to Summer Training Camp, Ser Amadia |
Plt Off | James M N Pike | 3 Jul 1939 | Attached to Communications Flight, RAF Habbaniya |
Fg Off | S C Pendred | 13 Jul 1939 | Posted to Communications Flight, RAF Habbaniya to command |
Plt Off | J C Whittall | 14 Jul 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off, wef 12 May 1939 |
Plt Off | R L C Branson | 14 Jul 1939 | Promoted to Fg Off, wef 16 May 1939 |
Sgt | L C Steed | 8 Aug 1939 | Killed in a flying accident |
AC1 | W H Scott | 8 Aug 1939 | Killed in a flying accident |
AC1 | A A Shaw | 8 Aug 1939 | Killed in a flying accident |
Sqn Ldr | 8 Aug 1939 | Admitted to Ras-al-Tin Hospital, Alexandria following a flying accident | |
Plt Off | P R M Williams | 8 Aug 1939 | Admitted to Ras-al-Tin Hospital, Alexandria following a flying accident |
Cpl | P A Ingrey | 8 Aug 1939 | Admitted to Ras-al-Tin Hospital, Alexandria following a flying accident |
Cpl | J R Smith | 8 Aug 1939 | Admitted to Ras-al-Tin Hospital, Alexandria following a flying accident |
AC1 | W H Ard | 8 Aug 1939 | Admitted to Ras-al-Tin Hospital, Alexandria following a flying accident |
AC1 | W N Arrowsmith | 8 Aug 1939 | Admitted to Ras-al-Tin Hospital, Alexandria following a flying accident |
Plt Off | F M Hunter | 21 Aug 1939 | Attached from Communications Flight, RAF Habbaniya |
Fg Off | S C Pendred | 26 Aug 1939 | Attached from Communications Flight, RAF Habbaniya |
Sqn Ldr | M Q Candler | 25 Aug 1939 | Attached from RAF Basrah |
Flt Lt | H Crowther | 25 Aug 1939 | Attached from RAF Basrah |
Flt Lt | J H Lewis | 25 Aug 1939 | Medical Officer, attached from RAF Basrah |
Fg Off | K H Gooding | 25 Aug 1939 | Attached from No 55 Sqn, RAF Habbaniya for Equipment duties |
Sqn Ldr | M Q Candler | 26 Aug 1939 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn |
Flt Lt | H Crowther | 4 Sep 1939 | Attached to AHQ Aden |
Plt Off | R K Beale | 9 Sep 1939 | Admitted to Hospital |
Fg Off | S C Pendred | 25 Sep 1939 | Admitted to Hospital |
Fg Off | S C Pendred | 28 Sep 1939 | Discharged from Hospital |
Flt Lt | J H Lewis | 30 Sep 1939 | Medical Officer, rejoined the unit |
Sqn Ldr | 26 Oct 1939 | Arrived from Egypt on discharge from Ras-al-Tin Hospital | |
Sqn Ldr | M Q Candler | 31 Oct 1939 | Relinquished command of No 203 Sqn |
Sqn Ldr | 31 Oct 1939 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn | |
Act Flt Lt | P W Dawson | 4 Dec 1939 | Rejoined the unit |
Fg Off | P R M Williams | 4 Dec 1939 | Rejoined the unit on discharge from Ras-al-Tin Hospital, Alexandria |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Organisational Movements: May - Dec 1939
Date | Notes |
25 Aug 1939 | 3 x Singapores departed Basrah for Aden, one returned with engine problems |
26 Aug 1939 | 2 x Singapores departed Basrah for Aden |
26 Aug 1939 | Sea Echelon departed Basrah for Aden on SS Varsova |
28 Aug 1939 | 1 x Singapore wrecked whilst taxying at Hurghada |
30 Aug 1939 | 1 x Singapore departed arrived at Aden |
31 Aug 1939 | 2 x Singapores departed arrived at Aden |
2 Sep 1939 | Sea Echelon arrived in Aden and proceeded to Isthmus Camp |
12 Dec 1939 | Squadron commenced conversion training on Bristol Blenheims |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1197)
Personnel Movements: Jan - Dec 1940
Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
Fg Off | B T Scott | 24 Jan 1940 | Arrived on posting from the UK |
Plt Off | A R Holmes | 24 Jan 1940 | Arrived on posting from the UK |
Plt Off | H M F Barnitt | 24 Jan 1940 | Arrived on posting from the UK |
Plt Off | A W Nelson | 24 Jan 1940 | Arrived on posting from the UK |
APO | A Watson | 24 Jan 1940 | Arrived on posting from the UK and admitted to hospital |
Flt Lt | J H Lewis | 31 Jan 1939 | Medical Officer, admitted to hospital |
Sqn Ldr | 1 Jun 1940 | Promoted to Temp Wg Cdr | |
Cpl | J D Waters | 18 Jun 1940 | Armourer, promoted to Temp Sgt, wef 1 May 1940 |
LAC | W P Haley | 18 Jun 1940 | Instrument Maker, promoted to Temp Cpl, wef 1 Apr 1940 |
LAC | S G Dunmall | 18 Jun 1940 | Mate, promoted to Temp Cpl and remustered as ACH, wef 1 Apr 1940 |
LAC | R Holmes | 18 Jun 1940 | Mate, promoted to Temp Cpl and remustered as ACH, wef 1 Apr 1940 |
Act Cpl | M B Davies | 25 Jun 1940 | ACH/PTI, promoted to Temp Cpl, wef 19 Jan 1940 |
LAC | R Dillon | 25 Jun 1940 | Clerk/GD, promoted to Temp Cpl, wef 1 May 1940 |
Fg Off | C S Thomas | 29 Jul 1940 | Departed on posting to HQ Middle East |
Cpl | H G Gauntleet | 10 Aug 1940 | Fitter I, promoted to Temp Sgt, wef 8 Aug 1940 and posted to SHQ Khormaksar |
LAC | F J Lockyer | 10 Aug 1940 | Photographer promoted to Temp Cpl, wef 8 Aug 1940 and posted to No 8 Sqn |
Sgt | H G Gauntleet | 10 Aug 1940 | Fitter I, attached from SHQ Khormaksar |
Fg Off | K B Corbould | 12 Aug 1940 | Admitted to hospital |
Act Sqn Ldr | Solano | 18 Aug 1940 | Arrived on posting |
Wg Cdr | 21 Aug 1940 | Relinquished command of No 203 Sqn | |
Act Sqn Ldr | A L H Solano | 21 Aug 1940 | Assumed command of No 203 Sqn |
WO | W E Parrish | 18 Oct 1940 | Discharged from the RAF on appointment to a Commission |
WO | W E Parrish | 19 Oct 1940 | Appointed to a Commission on the rank of Plt Off on Probation |
Fg Off | H M F Barnitt | 20 Oct 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Sgt | A J Finch | 21 Oct 1940 | Died from injuries sustained in a flying accident |
Flt Sgt | A J Brooks | 26 Oct 1940 | Promoted to Temp WO, wef 1 Jun 1940 |
Plt Off | R O S Givan | 28 Oct 1940 | Arrived on posting from the Middle East |
Plt Off | Hon O T Farrer | 12 Nov 1940 | Arrived on posting from the UK for duty as Adjutant |
Plt Off | R O S Givan | 19 Nov 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Sgt | F H Banfield | 19 Nov 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
LAC | W R Blackburn | 19 Nov 1940 | Killed in a flying accident |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1198)
Organisational Movements: Jan - Dec 1940
Date | Notes |
15 Feb 1940 | Squadron moved from Isthmus Camp to RAF Sheikh Othman |
25 Mar 1940 | Delivery Flight, W13 (3 x Blenheim Is) arrived from Egypt |
26 Mar 1940 | Delivery Flight, W14 (3 x Blenheim Is) arrived from Egypt |
5 May 1940 | 5 x Bristol Blenheim IVs arrived |
6 May 1940 | 5 x Blenheim Is handed over to No 113 Sqn |
18 May 1940 | Squadron moved from RAF Sheikh Othman to RAF Khormaksar |
20 May 1940 | Last Blenheim I and Dual Control Blenheim handed over to No 8 Sqn |
20 May 1940 | 2 x Bristol Blenheim IVs arrived |
27 May 1940 | 1 x Bristol Blenheim IV, L9558, arrived |
17 Aug 1940 | 2 x Blenheim IVs arrived from Egypt |
29 Aug 1940 | 3 x Blenheim IVs arrived from Egypt |
9 Dec 1940 | 2 x Blenheim IVFs and 1 x Blenheim IV (bomber) arrived from Port Sudan |
Source - No 203 Sqn ORB (AIR 27/1198)
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