L.A.I.S and Robert Witherington Easton

[HughAHalliday]

Robert Witherinton Easton, a member of the RCAF was killed in action with No.11 Squadron in Burma, 18 August 1944. His postings include a course at the L.A.I.S. in Ranchi, 1 May to 28 June 1944 before assignment to the squadron. The general content of the course indicate that it is a sort of Operational Training Unit for that area, but the exact meaning of "L.A.I.S." eludes me. Can someone enlighten me ?

May I also ask who was the CO of No.11 Squadron as of August 1944 ? His letter of condolence to Easton's family was intercepted by higher authority, described as insensitive, and sent back to the CO for revision. His signature on both the first and second drafts is illegible.

Finally, would Easton have been killed on Hurricane LE691 or LV691 ?

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

In November 1943 the Specialised Low Attack Instructors School (India) (SLAIS) formed at Ranchi to train units and their commanders in fighter-bombing techniques.

The OC No.11 Sqn at the time of Easton's death, was - NZ2145 S/L Denis John Thomas Sharp DFC RNZAF ((March 1944 - December 1944).

Col.

[JohnE]

He was in LE691 (no Hurricane with the serial LV691).

John Engelsted

[Jagan]

http://www.rafcommands.com/database/serials/details.php?uniq=LE691

Hugh, do you have copies of the letter? Does it add details of the loss?

[Hemsworth]

Hello,

In November 1943 the Specialised Low Attack Instructors School (India) (SLAIS) formed at Ranchi to train units and their commanders in fighter-bombing techniques.

The OC No.11 Sqn at the time of Easton's death, was - NZ2145 S/L Denis John Thomas Sharp DFC RNZAF ((March 1944 - December 1944).

Col.
My father was an NCO ground crew at SLAIS, Ranchi during this period, what would have been his role, would he too have been in training or would he have worked as ground crew?