ID of Sgt. Cole in 74 Sqn. mid-1941

**Tom Semenza** · 24th June 2022, 00:47

I have identified all the pilots of 74 Sqn. who made claims during WW2 with the exception of Sgt. Cole. I have the following on him:

24 Apr 41 - posted in to 266 Sqn. from 57 OTU
04 May 41 - posted to 145 Sqn.
12 May 41 - posted to 74 Sqn.

21 Jun 41 - claimed a Bf 109 destroyed at 13:00 flying Spitfire Vb (W3177)

Foreman in RAF Fighter Command Victory Claims, Part 2 gives his name as 'Sgt. J.E. Cole." Where this comes from is unclear to me as all the ORBs from 266, 145 and 74 Sqns. refer to him only as "Sgt. Cole" although his signature on his Combat Report (AIR 50/32/15) does look like his first initial is "J." The last mention I find for him in the 74 Sqn. ORB is in the Form 541 on 23 June 1941, but it is quite possible I missed something regarding his out posting.

If his initials are in fact "J.E." one possible candidate is 912209 James Edward Cole (143905) commissioned from Warrant Officer on 10 Feb 1943.

I would appreciate any insights.

Thanks.
Tom