RAF Peterborough/Westwood History

[Resmoroh]

Hello All,
I’m re-visiting (Peterborough/Westwood Airfield Author: Resmoroh Time Stamp: 14:40:43 Monday, August 6, 2007) a thread which is archived on an earlier version of rafcommands.
I was born (and grew up during WW2) less than a mile from RAF Peterborough/Westwood – thus my interest.
Alexander Shekelton was born in 1891 in Pietermaritzburg (so that would make him a citizen of the British Empire (at that time)?).
He had had military experience (Army?) in WW1, but was appointed Gp Capt CO RAF Peterborough/Westwood on 16 Dec 1935. He died in Ottowa, Canada, on 1 Mar 1941
What was he doing in Canada?, and what was the cause of his death?
He is credited (CWGC) with a DSO and CBE. I cannot find these in the LG. Is it me, or “them”?
I presume somebody has written a more recent definitive history of the airfield. Does anybody know the author/title?
TIA
Peter Davies

[RecklessRat]

Hi Peter,

1241 G/C Alexander Shekleton (note spelling!)
Died 01 Mar 41 at 31 SFTS Kingston, Ontario (source: GRO War Death R.A.F. All Ranks (1939 to 1948))
Collapsed and died of heart failure

Link here gives a good summary

Hope this helps,

Jeff

ETA: London Gazette

The Royal Munster Fusiliers:
The undermentioned Lieutenants to be Captains: —
Dated 28th April, 1915.
Alexander Shekleton, and to remain seconded.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/5199


ESTABLISHMENTS.
ROYAL FLYING CORPS.
Military Wing
The undermentioned appointments are made: —
Squadron Commanders—
From Flight Commanders—
Dated 12th January, 1916.
And to be temporary Majors whilst so employed—
Captain Alexander Shekleton, The Royal Munster Fusiliers.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/1324

11th April, 1918
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order
Capt. (T./Lt.-Col.) Alexander Shekleton, R. Mun. Fus. & R.F.C
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/4410

The names of the undermentioned Officers, Warrant and Non-commissioned Officers, and Men are to ,be added to those brought to notice for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty by General Sir E. 'H. H. Allenby, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, in his despatch of the 3rd April, 1918.
Shekleton, Capt. (T./Lt.-Col.) A., R.A.F. (frmly. R. Mun. Fus.)
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...pplement/11816

R. Mun. Fus.—Capt. A. Shekleton, D.S.O., resigns his commn. on appt. to a permanent commn. in the R.A.F. 1st Aug. 1919
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...supplement/535

ROYAL AIR FORCE.
PROMOTIONS.
The undermentioned officers are promoted to the ranks stated, with effect from 30^th June, 1923… :—
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Squadron Leaders to be Wing Commanders.
Alexander SHEKLETON, D.S.O
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...2841/page/4621

4th June 1934.
To be Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:—
Wing Commander Alexander Shekleton, D.S.O., Royal Air Force.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/Edinbur...15076/page/487

4th Nov. 1935
Wing Commanders to be Group Captains.
Alexander SHEKLETON, D.S.O., O.B.E
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...4223/page/7513

11th July, 1940.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: —
To be Additional Commanders of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:
Group Captain Alexander Shekleton, D.S.O., O.B.E., Royal Air Force.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...upplement/4254

[bvs]

PM sent Peter :)

[Resmoroh]

Recklessrat,
VMT for all that. Clearly a name spelling mistake. Thanks a lot!
Peter Davies

[PNK]

I have a note from AIR 2/4526, that a planned bombing range for 7FTS at Peterborough was at the Air Ministry in April 1940 awaiting approval and I can only assume this was Whittlesey, which eventually had two ranges. Do the FTS (SFTS) records mention this?

All the FTS airfields were tasked with acquiring a bombing range in 1939 but at some point after 1940 bombing practice at FTS level was dropped and passed to the next stage in training.