NA ORB Exchange and Request Thread

[Steve Brew]

Dear all,

I have listed below all the scanned TNA and some other documents that I have on file.

In the spirit of the assistance we all provide each other, and particularly in the light of the current shutdowns of many resources during this COVID-19 crisis, I am happy to provide look-ups, screen-shots, individual pages, or bulk uploads (via Dropbox, etc.) to anyone on the board who is interested in copies.

Some pages are missing, though I have generally indicated where this is the case. In regard to the Army, Navy and Air Force lists, I realise that these are available online, but figure that an upload via Dropbox may be faster/easier than downloading directly from the internet.

I can be contacted via a reply to this post, via pm, or via e-mail, but if you opt for the first two please provide me an e-mail address or invite me to a Dropbox/WeTransfer folder so I can provide copies of any relevant files (Caveat: While I consider myself one of the fortunate ones who will remain employed throughout this crisis, it does mean that I may not be able to get to your requests immediately, so bear with me and I will get to them asap).

I have received significant assistance from many people on the forum over the years, so this is just my way of helping and looking out for fellow researchers unable to access the usual resources online or in person.

Kind regards
Steve

GROUPS


9 Grp ORB 14 Aug-31 Oct 42, 25 Feb-14 Apr 43, & 01-07 Jun 43
10 Grp ORB 24 Apr-21 Jun 44
10 Grp ORB Appendix Apr-Jun 44 (some pages only)
11 Grp ORB 20 May 26-28 Jan 36, 28 May-07 Jun 40, 25 Jul-15 Aug 40, 03 Sep 40-23 Feb 41, 27 Jul 41-04 Aug 42, 13 Apr 43-31 Mar 44, & 19 Jun-31 Dec 44
11 Grp ORB Appendix 26 Jul-08 Aug 40 (some pages only)
11 Grp ORB Appendix Sep-Dec 40, 01 Jan-23 Feb 41, 28 Jul 41-30 Jun 42, 13 Apr-31 Dec 43, Jan-Apr 44, & Aug-Nov 44 (all periods partially incomplete)
13 Grp ORB 15-17 Oct 39, 25 May 40, 20 Jun 40, 08 Jul 40, 12 Aug 40, 15 Aug 40, 21 Aug 40, & 28 Feb-28 Jul 41
83 Grp ORB Dec 44-May 45 (some pages only)
83 Grp ORB Appendix Dec 44-May 45 (incomplete)

STATIONS


Biggin Hill ORB 01-31 May 43
Bolt Head ORB 26 Apr-19 Jun 44 (missing 18-23 May 44)
Brussels-Evere ORB 01 Dec 44-09 Jan 45
Catterick ORB 05 Aug 36-31 May 40, 08 Jun-03 Sep 40 (missing 31 Jul-06 Aug 40), & 20 Feb-31 Jul 41
Debden ORB 16 Jun-04 Aug 42
Eglinton ORB 14-30 Sep 42
Fairwood Common ORB 15-27 May 42
Friston ORB 01 Apr-30 Apr 44, 25 May-22 Jun 44, & 01-31 Jul 44
Hawkinge ORB 30 Jun-31 Jul 42, & 13 Apr-22 May 43
High Ercall ORB 15 Feb-26 Apr 43
Hornchurch ORB 28 May-09 Jun 40, 26 Jul-09 Aug 40, & 03 Sep 40-28 Feb 41
Llanbedr ORB 01 Aug 42-28 Feb 43
Lympne ORB 11 Jul-31 Dec 44
Martlesham Heath ORB 01 Jun-31 Jul 42
Northolt ORB 10 Jun 24-23 May 36
Southend ORB 01-29 Feb 44
Tangmere ORB 01 Jul 41-30 Jun 42, 16-28 Aug 42, 01-14 Oct 42, 01 Jun 43-31 Mar 44, 25 Jun-03 Jul 44
Thornaby ORB 21 Feb-02 Mar 40
Valley ORB 01 Sep 43-31 Feb 43
West Malling ORB 18-29 Jun 44
Warmwell ORB 01-23 Mar 45, 20 Aug-20 Sep 45
Wick ORB 15-24 Oct 39

WINGS


122 Wing ORB 26 Jan-09 Mar 45
125 Wing ORB 25 Oct 44-13 Jul 45

SQUADRONS


32 Sqn ORB F540 15-20 Nov 44 & 30 Nov 44
33 Sqn ORB F540 24-26 Apr 1945
41 Sqn ORB F540 & F541 01 Apr 23-31 Mar 46
54 Sqn ORB F540 01-13 Aug 40
114 Sqn ORB F540 07-14 Jan 41
114 Sqn ORB F541 08-09 Jan 41
130 Sqn ORB F540 & F541 01 Jun 44-30 Nov 45
175 Sqn ORB F540 & F541 17-19 Aug 42
412 Sqn ORB F540 10-20 Aug 42
504 Sqn ORB F540 01-07 Oct 41
603 Sqn ORB F540 01-30 Sep 40
610 Sqn ORB F540 & F541 01 Oct 44-03 Mar 45

COMBAT REPORTS


41 Sqn AIR 50/18 1939-1945

MISCELLANEOUS


4 ITW ORB, Bexhill, 27 Sep-23 Dec 1939
6 MFPS (AIR 29/543), 24 Mar-14 Apr 1945
17 Armament Practice Camp ORB, Southend, Feb 1944
57 OTU ORB, Hawarden 01 Jul-31 Dec 41 (plus chronological list of all course nos & dates)
Report on Air Exercises 1932 held by ADGB Command 18-21 July 1932, AIR 10/1523
Air Ministry: Fighter Command: Registered Files. Home defence exercises, Sep 37-Aug 38, TNA AIR 16/68 (Some pages only)
Accidents, Aircraft (Code B, 1/2): Accidents involving friendly aircraft and balloon cables, 1939-1941, TNA AIR 2/3173 (some pages only)
Evacuation of B.E.F. France; plan “Dynamo”, 1 May 40-31 May 41, TNA WO 106/1618 (some pages only)
Summary of Sorties, Aug 40-Sep 42, TNA AIR 16/1037 (some pages only, mainly BoB)
Air protection for convoys to North Russia: plans, Jul-Aug 42, TNA AIR 8/933 (some pages only)
Murmansk: despatch of Fighter Squadrons, Jun-Jul 42, TNA AIR 8/938 (some pages only)
Ill-Treatment of Allied Nationals and Prisoners of War at Gestapo Headquarters, Avenue Foch, Paris, in 1943 and 1944, TNA WO 311/933 (some pages only)
Ministry of Defence Senior Posts, 2011 (but full list of historical postings)
RAF Senior Appointments, 2011 (but full list of historical postings)

AIR FORCE LISTS


Feb, Jul & Dec 1919,
Apr, Aug, Nov 1920
Jul & Dec 1921
Jun & Dec 1922
Jan, Apr, Jun & Aug 1938
Jan, Mar, Apr, Jul & Oct 1939
Jun 1940, Jul 1941, Jan & Mar 1942, Mar 1943, May 1944, Jul 1945

ARMY LISTS


Jan 1913, Jan 1914, Jul 1915, Dec 1916 & Jan 1918
Nov 1938, Mar 1939, Sep 1940 (Vols 1 & 2), Dec 1943 (Vols 1 & 2), Sep 1944 (Vols 1 & 2), & Dec 1945 (Vols 1 & 2)

NAVY LISTS


Jul 1917, Apr 1918, Jan 1921, & Oct 1943

[CZ_RAF]

Dear Steve, thank you for your valuable offer.

May I ask you if there is anything about landing of 312 Sq Spitfire in the Friston ORB on 7.7.44?

Thx

Pavel

[dennis_burke]

Hi Steve


I'll try list what I have below, could you see if Limavady ORB mentions the landing of Wellington R1021 of 7OTU in Ireland on September 26 1942? I do have the 7 OTU ORB kindly shared to me some time back.

AIR29-802-7 11 RSU

AIR29-1064 226 MU from 42

AIR-27-978-0-14 143 Sqn Dec 1941 thru to Aug 1942.

AIR-27-708-0-69 86 Sqn

AIR-27-560-0-2- 59 SQN

[Steve Brew]

Hi Pavel

Unfortunately, no. In fact, there is no entry at all for that date.

The (summarised) entries for the whole month of July 1944 are as follows:

01 Jul 44 - 2882 RAF Regt moved to Folkestone
02 Jul 44 - 350 & 501 Sqns moved to Westhampnett, 41 & 610 Sqns moved to Friston
10 Jul 44 - First show by the Station dramatic society
11 Jul 44 - 41 Sqn moved to Lympne, 316 Sqn moved to Friston
14 Jul 44 - 2768 RAF Regt moved to St Leonards
18 Jul 44 - Diver Defence Area formed
25 Jul 44 - 91 & 322 Sqns moved to Deanlands
28 Jul 44 - 2805 RAF Regt moved to Southend

However, there is a one-line entry after 28 Jul 44, which is undated and states, "A large number of emergency landings were carried out during the month at Friston." I appreciate that this is not overly helpful.

Regards
Steve

[Steve Brew]

Hi Dennis

Unfortunately, no. The entry for 26 Sep 42 is simply (verbatim): "W/Com Lang arrived in Dominie and left again later for York."

27 Sep 42 - "Uneventful"
28 Sep 42 - "Weather non-operational".

Sorry!

Does your copy of AIR 27/978 list the earlier OCs? I understand that Frederick Sowrey was OC, 143 Sqn from 14 Feb 18, but are you able to say when his tenure ended, please? The next posting I have for him is to RAF Depot, Uxbridge, on 01 Apr 20.

Separately, do you have any visibility/knowledge of the 11 (Irish) Wing ORB at Baldonnell in 1920?

Thanks
Steve

[dennis_burke]

Thanks very much Steve

I added the dates of that section of the 143 ORB above, so I fear I have nought to offer.

Nothing too offer on the pre WW2 side of things.

[Steve Brew]

Hi Dennis

No worries; many thanks.

Steve

[CZ_RAF]

Hi Steve, thank you a lot. Yes my case go down to the general note you have found:-)

Pavel

[jonny]

Like many on here I have a fairly good smattering of RAF Sqn ORBs (mainly WW2 Bomber Command), albeit rather patchy in terms of date coverage. In addition I have the full ORBs for the following:

17 OTU
18 OTU
105 OTU
108 OTU

216 MU (RAF Sutton Coldfield)

5132 Bomb Disposal Sqn
6225 Bomb Disposal Flt

5 Balloon Centre (RAF Sutton Coldfield)
911 Barrage Balloon Sqn
913 Barrage Balloon Sqn

24 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
26 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
27 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
28 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
29 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
30 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
31 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
32 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
33 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
36 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit
207 Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Unit

[PNK]

I have listed below the files I copied that have more than just a few pages copied. However I should point out that they are NOT complete and some will be missing many sheets in the sequence.

AIR 25/150 7 Group Appendices 1940-1942
AIR 25/149 & Group ORB 1940-1942
AIR 25/134 6 Group Appendices 1941-1942
AIR 25/133 6 Group Appendices 1940
AIR 28/845 Thorney Island 1942- 1943
AIR 29/443 23 MCU Wells 1943-1944
AIR 29/561 12 SFTS ORB & Appendices 1939-1945 (Mainly Spittlegate defences)
AIR 29/588 Air Armament Schools 1922-1940
AIR 29/696 131 & 132 OTU 1941-1945
AIR 29/702 1TTU

Please PM me with your request and I will reply with a link to the relevant Dropbox folder - assuming I don't run out of space!

All of Air 27 is now available on "The Genealogist" website without TNA logos but requires a subscription and a bit work to figure out how to get to the particular unit.

All the best

Peter Kirk - Bombing range researcher and lazy blighter

[paulmcmillan]

All Thanks for this

I need to get my list together

Steve

As part of my research into prewar RAF - Do you mind if I get a copy of


Catterick ORB 05 Aug 36-31 May 40,


Hawkinge ORB 30 Jun-31 Jul 42


Northolt ORB 10 Jun 24-23 May 36

Report on Air Exercises 1932 held by ADGB Command 18-21 July 1932, AIR 10/1523

Air Ministry: Fighter Command: Registered Files. Home defence exercises, Sep 37-Aug 38, TNA AIR 16/68 (Some pages only)

Many Thanks

Paul McMillan

[paulmcmillan]

First Cut of My List



ORBS

Sqn

AIR 27/731/1 90 Sqn ORB 1937 Mar 01 - 1941 July 31

AIR 27/541/0-2 Squadron Number 57 Appendices YDate 1939 Nov 01 - 1945 Feb 28

AIR 27/640 Squadron Number: 74 Summary of Events: 1935 Sept 01 - 1940 Dec 31

AIR 27/641 Squadron Number: 74 Summary of Events: 1941 Jan 01 - 1942 Dec 31

Groups

AIR 25/545 - ORB No 25 Armanent Group Eastchurch 1934 Feb.-1944 Dec.


Training

AIR/29/604 - Central Flying School. Formed at Upavon (UK) in May 1912. Disbanded in April 1942. Contains Defence Scheme of Vunerable Points, newspaper cuttings and a water colour of the School's armorial bearings.Includes 8 photographs depicting: Central Flying School, RAF Upavon: aerial views: visit by HM King George VI: rows of aircraft (unidentified). Dated 1938. With appendices


Various

AIR 14/1 - Analysis of Lying Accidents and Accidents Book 1936 June-1939 Mar



AIR 81 Casualty Files Part 1

Apologies if I got any of these from elsewhere on this forum -

Please Email me if not happy and I will remove

AIR 81/1 - Pilot Officer W J Murphy, Flight Lieutenant W F Barton, Flying Officer H L Emden, Flying Officer H B Lightoller, Flying Officer J F Ross, Aircraftman 1st Class R Evans, Sergeant L R Ward, Sergeant S G M Otty, Corporal J L Ricketts, Aircraftman 2nd Class E Pateman, Sergeant O L D Howells, Aircraftman 1st Class E W Lyon and Sergeant A S Prince: report of deaths. Sergeant G F Booth and Aircraftman 2nd Class L J Slattery: prisoners of war. Pilot Sergeant R C Grossey: missing presumed dead; raid by Blenheims N6199, N6184, N6186, N6189 and N6240 on Wilhelmshaven, 4 September 1939

AIR 81/2 - Sergeant D E Jarvis, Acting Sergeant B G Walton, Flight Sergeant A J Turner, Aircraftman 2nd Class G T Brocking and Aircraftman 2nd Class K G Day: report of deaths; raid by Wellington L5275 on Brunsbuttel, 4 September 1939

AIR 81/3 - Pilot Officer L H Edwards: prisoner of war. Leading Aircraftman J Quilter, Sergeant A O Heslop and Aircraftman 1st Class G Sheffield: missing presumed dead; Anson K6183 failed to return from patrol over the North Sea, 5 September 1939

AIR 81/10 - Acting Flight Lieutenant W C G Cogman, Pilot Officer A W Mack, Sergeant G T Henry, Aircraftman 1st Class A Steel and Corporal S R Wood: prisoners of war; Whitley L8985 forced to land in Belgium, 9 September 1939

***INCORRECT DO NOT HAVE**** AIR 81/11 - Pilot Officer D S M Burrell: report of death; Anson K6317 in an attack on an enemy flying boat, 19 September 1939

AIR 81/104 - Flying Officer E J Kain: injured; Hurricane P2543 hit by cannon shell; aircraft abandoned at Ritzing, France; 26 March 1940

AIR 81/206 - Pilot Officer H J R Dunn: injured; Hurricane P2362 force landed due to a shortage of petrol, 9 May 1940

AIR 81/299 - Temporary Warrant Officer B T P Carey, Temporary Warrant Officer T S Campion and Flight Lieutenant N M Thomas: prisoners of war; Battle P2332 crashed near Maastricht, The Netherlands, 12 May 1940

AIR 81/301 - Sergeant E G Roberts, Leading Aircraftman E W L Cooper and Pilot Officer C R Frankish: report of deaths; Blenheim P6912 failed to return from an operational flight; crashed near Diepenbeek, 12 May 1940

AIR 81/303 - Sergeant J B Horner, Sergeant L C Flisher and Leading Aircraftman L D Davies: report of deaths; Battle K9353 shot down near Bouillon, Belgium, 12 May 1940

AIR 81/304 - Sergeant H R Hall, Sergeant E R Perrin and Leading Aircraftman P J McDonnell: report of deaths; Blenheim P6914 crashed at Gellick, Belgium, 12 May 1940

AIR 81/307 - Sergeant G F Couzens: report of death. Aircraftman 1st Class R Shuttleworth and Pilot Officer G K R Drimmie: prisoners of war; Blenheim P6930 crashed at Vlijtingen, Belgium, 13 May 1940

AIR 81/313 - Sergeant A L F Webb, Leading Aircraftman A C B Burgess and Acting Flight Lieutenant A D Watson: missing presumed dead; Blenheim L8739 hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed near Meuse, The Netherlands, 12 May 1940

AIR 81/314 - Sergeant H D Welch, Leading Aircraftman K Parry and Pilot Officer C Bellis: report of deaths; Blenheim L8861 crashed at Kanne, near Maastricht, The Netherlands, 12 May 1940

AIR 81/561 - Sergeant P Bloomer, Pilot Officer D S R Harriman and Pilot Officer J H Gordon: report of deaths; Blenheim P6913 crashed at Hervelinghen, France, 25 May 1940

AIR 81/1536 - Flying Officer J H Warren: killed; Gladiator N2313 and Gladiator N230519, 65 Squadron; mid-air collision, September 1939

AIR 81/1551 - Pupil Pilot P B Trier: injured; Tiger Moth G-ADOA, 10 Elementary Flying Training School; aircraft accident, 26 September 1939

AIR 81/1762 - Leading Aircraftman E H Shayler: killed; Leading Aircraftman A Lawson: missing believed killed; aircraft collision, Swordfish L2774, 810 Squadron, HMS Ark Royal, 25 November 1939

AIR 81/1794 - Pilot Officer D J Bain: injured; Sergeant W S Herring, Aircraftman D J Drake, Flying Officer C S H Richardson: uninjured; aircraft accident, Castle Cary, Anson K8819, School of Navigation, 16 January 1940

AIR 81/1845 - Pilot Officer W B Hunter, Pilot Officer G W Winder: killed; mid-air collision between Demon K8196 and Demon K5736, 1 Air Armament School, Donna Nook Ranges, 24 February 1940

AIR 81/1970 - Leading Aircraftman A C Beech: missing; Pilot Officer W A Mostyn-Brown: injured; mid-air collision between Heyford K6893 and Heyford K6896, 4 Bombing and Gunnery School, 4 April 1940

AIR 81/1994 - Flying Officer A C Stewart: injured; Aircraftman G Lindsay: killed; aircraft accident, Foucaucourt, France, Blenheim L9181, 57 Squadron, 11 April 1940

AIR 81/2497 - Sergeant J B Thomson: killed; Aircraftman E J Toy, Mr D M Gordon, Sergeant E Waite, Leading Aircraftman T Ward, Sergeant C K Richardson: missing believed killed; aircraft accident, Swansea, possible mid-air collision between Blenheim L1408, 29 Squadron, and Blenheim L6722, 25 Squadron, 1 August 1940

AIR 81/2544 - Flying Officer J M Strickland: injured; 213 Squadron, shot down, enemy action during British Expeditionary Forces evacuation of France, 19 May 1940

Other

TNA_BT27_1563 Nominal Roll RAF Station Halifax NS Jul 1941


British Armed Forces Overseas Deaths

British Armed Forces Overseas Deaths 1916 to 1920

British Armed Forces Overseas Deaths 1921 to 1925

British Armed Forces Overseas Deaths 1926 to 1930

British Armed Forces Overseas Deaths 1931 to 1935

British Armed Forces Overseas Deaths 1936 to 1940

US Navy Casualty Reports Aviation Accidents 1932 To 1941.pdf

RAF Muster List 1919 - In Excel

[greg]

Does your copy of AIR 27/978 list the earlier OCs? I understand that Frederick Sowrey was OC, 143 Sqn from 14 Feb 18, but are you able to say when his tenure ended, please? The next posting I have for him is to RAF Depot, Uxbridge, on 01 Apr 20.

Separately, do you have any visibility/knowledge of the 11 (Irish) Wing ORB at Baldonnell in 1920?

Thanks
Steve

Steve,From "The Sowreys" by Air Commodore GRaham Pitchfork, I can advise that Freddie assumed command of 143 Squadron at Detling on, or shortly after, the 4th of February 1918, when he left 37 Squadron. In the same book there is a good account of his engagement with a German Gotha on the 19th/20th of May 1918, as well as a photo of the wreckage of the German aircraft after it had been shot down. Fred was certainly still commanding 143 Squadron on the 22nd of October that year, when he wrote to his wing commander, a transcript of which is also in the book. The book doesn't give a definite date when he surrendered command of 143, but does state that he was given command of other squadrons "for short periods throughout 1919".

I have copies of his long service papers from TNA in WO339/11454 and WO339/11424 which I'd be happy to consult for you if it was of help? Additionally, I have copies of various documents relating to 11 (Irish) Group that I have copied over the years as part of my research into 100 Squadron's time in Ireland. Drop me an email to gregATgreg-harrison.co.uk if you want me to dig around in them for you.

All the very best,

Greg

[Steve Brew]

Thanks for posting your list, Jonny.

Could you do a look-up for me on the 17 OTU ORB, please?

Wg Cdr Anthony Leach was OC 90 Sqn from 13 Feb 39 to 4 Apr 40. I understand the unit was then disbanded and was absorbed into 17 OTU, but I have no information on Leach's whereabouts between April and September 1940, when he was posted to RAF Binbrook at Station Commander. Can you tell me if Leach carried over as OC of 17 OTU, please?

Thanks
Steve

[Steve Brew]

Hi Peter

Thanks for posting. Could you do a look-up of the 12 SFTS ORB for me, please?

One of my inter-wars pilots, Flt Lt Hugh Patrick Wilson served out a SSC from April 1928-April 1933, and was then transferred to reserve but called up again for the duration of hostilities on 1 Sep 1939. I think he was then posted to 12 SFTS as a flying instructor and remained there until April 1941, when he was dismissed for scandalous conduct in a GCM.

Can you add anything to that, dates, details, a confirmation or otherwise?

Thanks
Steve

[Steve Brew]

Hey Paul

The requested files have been sent via Dropbox.

Regards
Steve

[jonny]

Steve,

Grp Capt J.K. Summers MC commanded 17 OTU from its formation in April 1040.

Wg Cdr A. Leach MC is mentioned on 22 Apr 40 as assuming command of the OTU in the absence of the Grp Capt (absent on leave), but relinquished this 2 days later.

On the 9 May 40 the ORB states "Wg Cdr A. Leach MC assumed command of that Section of 17 O.T.U. formerly known as 90 SQUADRON, vice S/Ldr C.C. House."

He temporarily assumed command of the OTU again 5 - 12 Aug 40.

At some point the OTU was reorganised. Leach is mentioned on 20 Aug 40 as departing on 7 days' leave and handing over command of "Training Wing, No. 17 OTU."

The next entry in the ORB dated 23 Sep 40, states Wg Cdr L.R. Stokes was posted in from 107 Sqn as OC Trg Wing, Vice Wg Cdr Leach (posted to RAF Binbrook).

Rgds

Jonny

[PNK]

Steve,

Sorry, no mention of Flt Lt Hugh Patrick Wilson in the sheets I copied, but there were a lot I didn't copy, due to limited sized memory card on my camera at the time.

[Steve Brew]

Hi Greg

Sorry about the radio silence.

Thanks for this info, which is most appreciated, though I must admit I am a little confused about the reference to him joining 143 Sqn "on, or shortly after, the 4th of February 1918, when he left 37 Squadron". My notes - though I am happy to be corrected - show:

39 Sqn, 17 Jun 16
37 Sqn, 3 Jan 17
HQ RFC & att 1 Cavalry Div, 21 Feb 17
19 Sqn, 14 Jun 17
143 Sqn, 14 Feb 18
RAF Depot, 1 Apr 20
11 (Irish) Wg (by 8 Oct 20)
OC, 100 Sqn, 19 Feb 21

So, ultimately, my question comes down to what Sowrey was doing in 1919, and when he was posted to 11 (Irish) Wing. Any assistance would be appreciated.

I have e-mailed you separately regarding Sowrey's long service papers.

Thanks again
Steve

[Steve Brew]

Thanks Jonny and Peter for your replies.

Jonny - a great help, thanks.

Steve

[ianh]

I've got photos of most of the pages of the ORB for RAF Woodbridge emergency airfield, for the period 1943-45.
Got a lot for Manston in 1945 too, but that's most disappointing in its detail by comparison.

[Jagan]

Has anyone got the ORBs for

12 EFTS (Oct 40- Feb 41)
9 SFTS (Dec 40- April 41)
56 OTU (April 41 - June 41)

Looking for any entries or data related to Indian pilots training in the Oct 40- June 41 time period - including any course photographs..

[Steve Brew]

Hi Jagan

Sorry, can't help you with those.

For what it's worth, there were no Indian pilots on 41 Sqn between 1916 and 1946 - my main concentration - but you can see some stats on 41 Sqn pilot demographics for WWII here: http://brew.clients.ch/stats.htm

Are there any of my files (first post in this thread) that you are interested in?

Regards
Steve

[Luc Vervoort]

Jagan,

If 9 SFTS and 12 EFTS were the Canadian units documents can be found at

http://heritage.canadiana.ca/search/?q0.0=c-12347

on the digital version of the microfilms C12347 , C12348 and C12338

Take care !

Luc

[Jagan]

Unfortunately those are only for Canada. UK had the same numbered units. I believe the Canadian ones are distinct from the UK ones and use (Canada) in the unit names..

[marioso98]

Hi Jagan,

check your @ - 56 OTU ORB is there

Mariusz

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Jagan

I have the F540 for 56 OTU covering this period but only casualties are listed, no course lists but there may be son in the Appendices, which I don't have.

Malcolm

[Jagan]

Maruisz - In the pages that have been shared - there was a page with mention of indian names in there - Pujji and Ullah - but that was just what i was looking for. Thank you Once again.

Malcolm - Appreciate the offer and advice on the appendices.

[AndyBaldEagle]

Evening to all

Is there something similar to the Air 27 spreadsheet as I have a number of Air documents copied that might be of use to others

Regards

Andy

[JohnE]

If you check the AIR 27 spreadsheet (link is in the other thread http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?25806-NA-(PRO)-Free-Downloads-(Now-ACTIVE)-Spread-Sheet-Tracker), you will see that I have the ORBs for nearly every Hurricane and Spitfire unit. And I am willing to exchange with something from this list of files:


AIR 26:

22 7 SAAF Wing 1942/08 1942/12

23 7 SAAF Wing 1943/01 1943/12

24 7 SAAF Wing 1944/01 1944/04

25 7 SAAF Wing 1944/04 1944/06

26 7 SAAF Wing 1944/07 1944/08

27 7 SAAF Wing 1944/09 1944/11

28 7 SAAF Wing 1944/12 1945/03

29 7 SAAF Wing 1945/04 1945/06

30 7 SAAF Wing app 1942/10 1942/12

31 7 SAAF Wing app 1943/01 1943/06

32 7 SAAF Wing app 1943/07 1943/12

48 34 Wing 1941/08 1945/09

49 34 Wing app 1941/08 1945/09

50 34 Wing app 1943/06 1945/05

87 67 Wing 1939/11 1940/07

430 324 Wing 1945/06 1945/12

431 324 Wing app 1942/11 1944/11

432 324 Wing app 1944/12 1945/05

474 337 Wing 1945/01 1946/06

477 338 Wing 1943/11 1945/09

478 338 Wing app 1944/05 1945/09

AIR 28:

2 RAF Amriyah 1941/02 1941/12

3 RAF Amriyah 1942/01 1943/02

9 RAF Aboukir 1942/05 1946/10

17 RAF Acklington 1939/08 1945/12

61 RAF Benson 1941/09 1945/12

64 RAF Biggin Hill 1932/10 1945/12

141 RAF Catterick 1936/08 1945/01

166 RAF Colerne 1940/09 1946/10

235 RAF Dyce 1939/10 1945/12

335 RAF Hal Far 1944/05 1946/04

345 RAF Hawkinge 1935/07 1945/11

409 RAF Kalafrana 1916/05 1943/10

502 RAF Luqa 1940/06 1941/12

503 RAF Luqa 1942/01 1942/12

506 RAF Luqa 1943/03 1943/06

636 RAF Petah Tiqva 1943/09 1946/02

677 RAF Safi 1943/02 1943/11

729 752 RAF St. Eval

802 RAF Takoradi 1944/01 1946/07

803 3 RAF Takoradi 1944/01 1946/07

808 RAF Takoradi 1940/07 1941/12

809 RAF Takoradi 1942/01 1943/12

810 RAF Takoradi 1940/06 1941/05

811 RAF Takoradi 1940/07 1941/09

812 RAF Takoradi 1941/06 1943/05

813 RAF Takoradi 1943/06 1948/07

838 RAF Thorney Island 1938/02 1940/12

839 RAF Thorney Island 1941/01 1942/12

840 RAF Thorney Island 1943/01 1943/12

841 RAF Thorney Island 1944/01 1945/05

842 RAF Thorney Island app 1939/09 1939/12

843 RAF Thorney Island app 1940/01 1940/05

844 RAF Thorney Island app 1940/06 1941/12

845 RAF Thorney Island app 1942/01 1943/12

846 RAF Thorney Island app 1944/01 1945/05

AIR 29:

28 FIU Appendices 1944/05 1944/12

49 5 1 TT Flight & 26 AACU 1942/12 1947/03

157 TFU 1941/10 1945/08

549 5 1 AFU Ambala 1943/12 1944/05

549 6 AFU Setif 1943/06 1944/03

557 5 FTS/5 SFTS/5 PAFU 1939/10 1944/09

560 11 FTS/11 SFTS/11 PAFU 1935/10 1945/06

567 2 8 FTS/8 SFTS 1936/01 1942/03

589 3 2 AGS 1941/06 1945/10

597 3 11 AGS 1943/05 1947/10

604 CFS 1912/05 1942/05

605 CGS 1939/11 1945/12

606 CGS 1940/12 1945/06

629 2 302 FTU 1942/12 1944/11

629 3 303 FTU/11 FU 1942/12 1946/04

629 4 304 FTU/12 FU 1943/02 1945/10

629 5 305 FTU 1943/01 1944/04

629 6 306 FTU 1943/01 1943/10

629 7 307 FTU 1942/12 1944/01

629 8 1 FU 1944 1947

637 8 OTU 1942/05 1947/07

650 13 OTU 1940/06 1945/05

680 51 OTU 1941/07 1945/06

687 82 OTU 1943/05 1944/12

702 10 5 METS 1942/04 1943/05

708 FLS 1944/02 1944/12

770 A AFDU 1941/01 1944/11

804 4 59 RSU 1941/12 1944/06

825 4 151 RU 1944/12 1947/11

859 Special Duty Flight 1940/01 1940/03

868 10 1423 Flight 1941/06 1941/12

868 9 1422 Flight 1941/06 1944/10

870 7 1480 Flight 1943/06 1943/11

870 9 1482 Flight 1941/09 1944/03

880 21 1623 Flight 1943/02 1943/11

1036 103 Maintenance Unit 1939/11 1943/10

1052 137 Maintenance Unit 1942/10 1945/12

1073 301 Maintenance Unit 1942/01 1947/07

John Engelsted

[malcolm_raf]

Hi John

Can't help with many but do have the following: -

13 OTU 1940-1945
CGS 1939-1945
RAF Acklington 1939-1940
RAF Biggin Hill 1932-1940
RAF Catterick 1936-1940
RAF Colerne 1940
RAF Dyce 1939-1940
RAF St. Eval 1939-1940
RAF Hawkinge 1935-1940

Malcolm

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all, I would like to ask if anybody has ORB of 1664 HCU stationed at Dishforth for period Jan-Feb 1944?

TIA

Pavel

[PeteT]

Would anyone happen to have the following TNA files relating to the Washington Conversion Unit that they would be willing to share:

AIR29/1980 Washington Conversion Unit
AIR29/2447 Washington Conversion Unit

Regards

PeteT

[gedburke3]

Dear all,
I have the ORB's for the following Squadrons based in Malta in 1941-42:-
185
249
Malta Night fighter unit

I have 617 Squadrons ORB covering the period of the Dams raid.

I also have several BoB Squadrons covering 1940.

regards
Gerry

[phasselgren]

The Operations record books for 159 and 160 Squadrons in the Mediterranean area during 1942 are not complete and for some operations involving air combats it is difficult to get a clear picture of what happened.

I found some complementing information in the 242 Wing ORB, AIR 26/326 but I hope that 205 Group ORB and Appendices can give more information.


AIR 25/816 ORB 1941 Nov.-1942 Dec.
AIR 25/823 Appendices 1942 July - Aug.
AIR 25/823 Appendices 1942 Sept.-Dec.

If anyone is willing to share information from these documents I am interested in the period July-October 1942.

Regards
Peter

[AndrewClark]

Does anyone have copies of the ORB for No.1660 Conversion Unit - particularly for postings in and out during April - July 1943 please?

In return, I have copies of several No.5 Group Squadron ORB downloaded. Thanks, Andrew

[AndrewClark]

Does anyone have copies of the ORB for No.1660 Conversion Unit - particularly for postings in and out during April - July 1943 please?

In return, I have copies of several No.5 Group Squadron ORB downloaded. Thanks, Andrew

Sorry - I don't know why the above came out in bold text!! A

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Andrew

I have the F540 for 1660 HCU for that period

Malcolm

[AndrewClark]

Malcolm - Please see my pm. Thanks, Andrew

[AndrewClark]

I don't suppose anyone has a copy of AIR 29/871/2 (5 Group Training Flight, Scampton, which later became 1485 Target Towing and Gunnery Flight) do they???? Thanks, Andrew

[malcolm_raf]

Andrew

Check the folder in Dropbox again

Malcolm

[Uppermid]

Has anyone got the these ORBS/Record Of Events for the following.
Im trying to find this Airman, with no success in any ORBS or National Archives.
I don’t know his service number however I have his flying logbooks.
E. R. Davis
Flying Instructor (Sgt 1942, F/LT 1944)
No 27 EFTS INDUNA 1942/44
Tiger Moth, Harvard, Cornell, Oxford

No11 PAFU Wrexham March - April 45
Harvard, Hurricane

No 61 OTU July - October 1945
Mustang

No 126 Squadron Nov - Dec 1945
Mustang

Much appreciated
Scott

[Resmoroh]

Scott, Hi,

Eric Richard Davis
Mid-Oct 1939 Enlisted 978013 in Block 965000-1149977 RAFVR Padgate Issued 01-Sep-39 to 31-Mar-41. AIR 78/43/6 I 47 R3C2
14 Oct 1943 978013 T/Sgt Eric Richard DAVIS Cmd Plt Off(p) RAFVR ( 158572).

HTH
Peter Davies

[Uppermid]

Hi Peter,
Exactly what I needed..Fantastic thank you!
He joined up very early then, between Dec 1940 and Aug 1941 he seams to have served with 149 Squdron (Mildenhall) ???

can you confirm this at all ?
scott

[Resmoroh]

Scott, Hi,
No - can't confirm. That should come out of his Service Record.
HTH
Peter Davies

[Mark Condron]

This is my first post in RAF Commands- I hope it's clear and appropriate.
I'm researching the service of my Great Uncle; John Condron and the rest of the crew of XV Squadron Short Stilring III, BK699, LS-E lost on 26/6/1943 over the Waddenzee.
I've downloaded the relevant AIR 27, XV Squadron ORB's and am aware that sometimes crews took part in operational missions whilst at OTU's and HCU's in early 1943. I've been unable to find them in searches online. Do they exist and how do I find them?
CREW OF BK699
Flying Officer Maurice Chapman (pilot, 24, from London)
Pilot Officer Robert Pavely (navigator, 22, from Richmond)
Flying Officer Arthur Woodward (air bomber, 22, from Kelso)
Sergeant John Condron (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, 23 from the Rhondda Valley)
Sergeant Terence Warbey (flight engineer, 22, from London)
Sergeant Allen Smith (air gunner, 23 from Grimsby)
Sergeant Donald Campbell (air gunner, 20, from Saskatchewan, Canada)
I have photos of five of the crew, but not the pilot Maurice Chapman and navigator Robert Pavely, - does anyone have any suggestions as to finding them? Pavely in particular was an experienced aircrew member.
Thanks in advance for help and suggestions
Mark Condron

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all,

I would like to ask if anybody can help me with the 54 OTU ORB for June 1943?

TIA

Pavel

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Pavel

I have the ORB for that period

Malcolm

[CZ_RAF]

Thank you Malcolm, please check your mailbox.

Pavel

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all, another long shot - anyone have photograhed following TNA reference pls?

AIR 29/629/3
303 Ferry Training Unit, formed at Stornoway, moved to Talbenny and renamed 11 Ferry Unit; later moved to Dunkeswell and joined 3 Aircraft Preparation Squadron to form 16 Ferry Unit. Part of Coastal Command then Transport Command (FTU FU UK). With appendices

I am interested in period of 11 FU approx. April 1945 - November 1945.

TIA

Pavel

[Beagletorque]

Hello, I'm new here too researching a Lancaster Pilot relative and his crew (see sig).

Is there a ORB for 1667 HCU (RAF Faldingworth) for late 1943 (August-November)? I know he was there until 19/11/1943. I know he trained in Canada. Any ideas how to fill in the gaps without his service record?

I have some 626, 103 and 12 Sqd ORB's.

Thanks,
Andrew

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Andrew

I have the 1667 HCU ORB (F540) but it is very sparse with simple comments such as 'Course No 17 Commenced' and 'Course No 17 Completed'. There are no names shown for the members of each course, although these may be containing in the Appendices, which I don't have at present.

Malcolm

[Beagletorque]

Malcolm,
Thanks for the reply. I know F/S S Jacques arrived at RAF Wickenby (in ORB) on 19th November 1943 from 1667 along with most of his crew. So if you can match a course number and date with that and let me know the start date and course number that may be clue to something!

Regards,
Andrew

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Andrew

All mention of courses are shown below: -

No 1 - 4 crews completed on 15 Jul 1943 to 12 Sqn
No 1 - 1 crew completed on 18 Jul 1943 to 100 Sqn
No 1 - 1 crew completed on 18 Jul 1943 to 103 Sqn
No 2 - commenced 1 Jul 1943
No 3 - commenced on 11 Jul 1943
No 4 - commenced on 21 Jul 1943
No 2 - completed on 5 Aug 1943, 2 crews to 103 Sqn, 4 crews to 100 Sqn
No 1 - 5 crews completed on 6 Aug 1943 to 103 Sqn
No 8 - commenced on 11 Aug 1943
No 11 - commenced on 23 Aug 1943
No 3 - 6 crews completed conversion training, posted to Lancaster Pool, Hemswell
No 5 - completed on 5 Sep 1943
No 8 - completed on 16 Sep 1945
No 14 - commenced on 5 Sep 1943*, completed on 8 Nov 1943
No 20 - Commenced on 3 Oct 1943*
No 23 - commenced 10 Oct 1943
No 26 - Commenced on 30 Oct 1943
No 32 - commenced on 15 Nov 1943, completed on 26 Jan 1944
No 35 - commenced on 23 Nov 1943*, completed on 26 Jan 1944
No 17 - completed on 22 Nov 1943
No 38 - commenced on 9 Dec 1943
No 44 - commenced on 21 Dec 1943
No 56 - commenced on 30 Jan 1944
No 59 - commenced on 9 Feb 1944
No 62 - commenced on 22 Feb 1944

It would seem that the course numbers were not set by 1667 HCU as they don't run in sequence and as some have completion dates but no commencement date and vice versa, its likely some crews began training with a different HCU within the Base, but 1656, 1662 and 11 Base ORBs are even less helpful. I have also checked the Faldingworth ORB and found a little more detail missing from the HCU ORBs

*Faldingwoth ORB

I have given more than you needed to give you an idea of the problems faced.

I suspect the most likely course for your crew would be No 14, followed by a spot of leave before reporting to Wickenby.

Malcolm

[Beagletorque]

Malcolm,
I see you have done a lot of work, thank-you. I agree with your analysis.

Jacques, Farran, Phillips, Morton and O'Donnell all arrived from 1667 at 626 on the same day 19/11/43.
Fletcher arrived from 1667 on 21/11/43 was replaced later by Holford who arrived on 3/1/44 from 138 Sqd.
New find * Morton arrived from 1667 on 19/12/43 - this may explain why the first raid was not until 29/12/43.

Is there any way of tracing where a pilot may have trained in Canada?
I have no LB or SR.

Thanks again for your valuable help.
Andrew

[Jagan]

I am looking at any ORB pages of the following two units - can anyone check if they have any references to indian pilots training in them.

7 (P) AFU - Sept 43-Feb 44
53 OTU - Feb 44 - May 44

Thanks in advance..

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Jagan

Neither F540s give details of students although the 53 OTU one does give course statistics.

Malcolm

[AndrewClark]

Hi Folks - Would anyone on here be able to provide me with an electronic copy of the ORB for the Air Fighting Development Unit (NA Ref. AIR29/770A/1) or any related documents please? I have quite a lot of NA documentation and I am always willing to exchange. Thanks. Andrew

[anglin.mj]

Hello,

I'm trying to locate ORBs for the following units as they are not digitized at National Archives:

24 OTU Feb and Mar 44
10 OTU Apr and May 44
1652 HCU Jul and Aug 44

Thank you.

[alieneyes]

Mike,

I have the No. 1652 HCU ORB (AIR29/612) but it stops at the end of February 1944.

I've been told that it continues in the Marston Moor Station ORB, which I don't have.

Regards,

Dave

[anglin.mj]

Thanks Dave,

I had noticed the Feb 44 end date...and was curious.

I have the Marston Moor ORB with limited information on 1652 HCU. Let me know if you’d like Jun/Jul/Aug 44.

Mike

Mike

[alieneyes]

Thanks, Mike.

The 1652 HCU ORB is rather a letdown with entries like "20 Nov 1942 - 2 Sgt Pilots, 2 Sgt AGs and 1 Sgt F/E posted to 51 Sqn"

Not exactly helpful unless you have the No. 51 Sqn ORB.

I'm using this as an example, so not looking for the No. 51 Sqn ORB.

Regards,

Dave

[gedburke3]

Hi all,
Does anyone have this casualty file that they would be willing to share?
AIR81/2969 pilot officer P C Weeks

Regards
Gerry

[Rafabarn56]

Unfortunately I am unable to get to TNA at the moment and wondered whether anyone could help further my search for information regarding my uncle. I am after a number of RAF station ORBs (currently only available as original documents under Air28) covering the period from March 1945 to May 1946, so I believe that I would only need to see parts of each station ORB. I have no idea as to how voluminous these records might be so I appreciate that this may simply be a non-starter request and I will have to wait until I can visit TNA at some later date.

The RAF Station ORBs and date ranges I am interested in are :

Saltby Mar to July 1945 inclusive
Matching July to Nov 1945 inclusive
Great Dunmow Nov-Dec 1945 and Jan 1946 inclusive
Shepherds Grove Feb to May 1946 inclusive

Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone can provide.

[Fred J Crawley]

Can anyone supply me with the Orb Number for 1680 (Western Communication) Flight 1942? I know the flight changed from WC to Transport Flight 1943 and the ORB for this is AIR29/881/5 but I cannot find the WC.
Many thanks

[AndrewClark]

Just 'bumping' this one up, in the hope that someone can help.... Cheers, Andrew

[AndyBaldEagle]

I have the Station ORBS for Great Dunmow and Shepherds Grove, if you let me know your email I will send them over by wetrans , regards, Andy

[AndyBaldEagle]

Would anyone please have a copy of Air 2/9105, I am looking for DFC citations for RAF officers who flew gliders on Operation Varsity. Thanks in anticipation, Andy

[PeteS]

I am struggling to find this on the National Archives website, my abilities on that site are sadly poor (although I could navigate reasonably until the update a couple of years back), please can anybody tell me if it is there and if its been digitised because I could really do with getting Nov 43 to Jul 45.

Thanks for any help
PeteS
https://630squadron.wordpress.com/

[Carsten]

I have them. Send me your email address and I will send them via Wetransfer
Carsten

[PeteS]

Thank you Carsten
I will send it by PM
cheers PeteS

[paulmcmillan]

Carten - Out out interest do you have the ORB from Formation in 1937 to Mid 1940 ? thanks Paul

[Rafabarn56]

Andy,
Thank you. I sent you a DM yesterday and hopefully it came through. If not let me know and I will try again. No hurry on my part for the info.
Richard

[Rafabarn56]

Still looking for a copy of the RAF Saltby station ORB which I believe is Air28/679. Have finally discovered my uncle by name in the Great Dunmow and Shepherds Grove station ORBs (gratefully supplied courtesy of AndyBaldEagle) so hoping he will appear in the Saltby one as well. I have searched through most of the 38 Group Squadron ORBs already without any luck!
Richard

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all,

any good soul here who may have Station ORB for Duxford July 1940-June 1941 and/or Dyce July 1941-September 1941?

TIA

Pavel

[andy wis]

Am I correct in saying that when browsing the TNA site, ORB’s for OTU’s are NOT on line?
Tia
Andy Wis

[jonny]

Unfortunately, yes. They are hard copy only at Kew (like the Station ORBs etc), but a number of members have various examples.

[78SqnHistory]

Does anyone have the 104 SQN ORB for May 1941 to May 1942 that they could share please.

Many thanks

Daz

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Daz

I have it, can you give me an e-mail address and send it via Dropbox or WeTransfer

Malcolm

[78SqnHistory]

Malcolm,

thanks Ive sent you a PM.

Daz

[dennis_burke]

Don't forget Daz, all Squadron ORB's (if present) can be downloaded for free at the moment from the TNA website.

[78SqnHistory]

Don't forget Daz, all Squadron ORB's (if present) can be downloaded for free at the moment from the TNA website.

Dennis,

Thanks, sadly I've used my quota so can't download any more at the moment.

Daz

[PNK]

You can still view the preview, which although lower quality, can still yield answers, assuming the logo doesn't obscure the bit you are interested in. I went through about 50 different squadron's wartime ORBs that way, only purchasing the bits I couldn't read. This was pre-covid and the quota of free downloads.

I bit expensive otherwise as my research requires viewing almost all the UK based Squadron ORBs. Just passed the 250 mark in 2 years! Still a way to go.

[Terry]

I have checked the National Archives and the ORBs for the abovementioned sqn appear to AWOL. If anyone has copies I am particularly interested in the period Dec 41 - Feb 42 and the postings in and out of NZ402998 Sgt Herbert Hadfield; a WOp/AG. Regards, Terry
PS. Apologies for lower case in title!

[Don Clark]

Some glitch?

Here they are under
Squadron Number: 35
AIR 27/379/20 to AIR 27/379/25 incl

Summary of events 1941 Dec 01 - 1941 Dec 31
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8411010
Record of events Dec 01 - 1941 Dec 31
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8411011
Summary of events 1942 Jan 01 - 1942 Jan 31
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8411012
Record of events 1942 Jan 01 - 1942 Jan 31
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8411013
Summary of events 1942 Feb 01 - 1942 Feb 28
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8411014
Record of events 1942 Feb 01 - 1942 Feb 28
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8411015

[andy wis]

Ok. Thanks for that, Jonny

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all, I would like to ask if anyone has available the ORB of No. 8 AGS at Evanton?

AIR 29/594

Armament Training Camp, Evanton; became 8 Air Observer School, then 8 Bombing and Gunnery School, then 8 Air Gunners School. Includes plans of the station and a photograph (AOS BGS AGS UK). With appendices

1937 Aug-1944 Aug

I am interested in August + September 1943

TIA

Pavel

[CZ_RAF]

I have omitted in my previous post that also ORB of the No. 4 SoTT at St. Athan maybe useful for my recent research:

AIR 29/737
Operational Training Unit: 4 School of Technical Training, Henlow and St Athan (UK). Includes photographs of equipment. With appendices
Date: 1941 Jan-1949 Dec

This time I am interested in period July - September 1943.

TIA

Pavel

[Andy Marden]

Does anyone have the 43 OTU ORB available please? (AIR 29/679/2)

[PeteT]

Does anyone happen to have a copy of the ORB for No 19 OTU for the period June 1940 to October 1942?

Regards

PeteT

[WATUWATU]

Hi New to this site and, obviously, this thread. Apologies as this request is half off topic. I am interested in various TNA Air & AVIA files which cannot be accessed from the TNA currently. Does anyone know of a file-sharing option for general files as opposed to the Orbat files please? Happy to share the files I do have. Thanks.

[Don Clark]

Orbat files: Perhaps a misunderstanding of TNA RAF Operations Record Books (ORBs) - not Order of Battle but the war diaries which, for Squadrons, are already digitised in TNA (AIR 27).
No sharing of them needed under COVID19 conditions, as all TNA-held digitised files are free to view and download until further notice.

The only exceptions are those previously farmed out to commercial agencies.
A complete list of all digitised records, incl those with fee-for-access external agencies:
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/?research-category=online

See also coronavirus update https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/coronavirus-update/

Members may be able to help from their own imaged collections, no general facility as far as I'm aware

Best wishes for your project.

[Steve Brew]

Hi 'Watuwatu'

Welcome to the Forum. Members of the forum are generally happy to share or do look-ups, but as AVIA files are not amongst those freely accessible on the NA website at the moment, it is best to identify what you're looking for. Can you list the files you're seeking, in case others have copies?

I would also be interested in the files you have, if you're happy to share. My list is the first post in this thread, which I started early in the closure/lockdown period.

Happy hunting
Steve

[WATUWATU]

Hi 'Watuwatu'

Welcome to the Forum. Members of the forum are generally happy to share or do look-ups, but as AVIA files are not amongst those freely accessible on the NA website at the moment, it is best to identify what you're looking for. Can you list the files you're seeking, in case others have copies?

I would also be interested in the files you have, if you're happy to share. My list is the first post in this thread, which I started early in the closure/lockdown period.

Happy hunting
Steve

Hi Steve Thanks. I will list below the files I have which are quite niche. They were all obtained during TNA visits. Generally I am rarely interested in ORBAT files so the online options are very limited for me. I have a much longer list of files I would like that you would have to visit TNA to obtain. I can put something together and add it as a second post later. With the ongoing closure of TNA I am exploring all options.

AIR files



2/12711

Sonobuoys and other kit - Sunderland installations (engineering detail of fitting)


2/8580

SHIPS AND SHIPPING: General (Code B, 73/1): Detection of U-boats: Magnetic Anomaly Detector


15/116

Magnetic Airborne Detector: Conference


15/278

Sonobuoy training (incl FIDO?)


15/294

Coastal Command Manual on the U-boat war 5/44 Art 1


15/295

CC Manual Anti-U-Bt Ops 5/44. Incl sonobuoy reports.


15/426

High Tea sonobuoy tests


15/427

High Tea Long life harbour defence sonobuoy 1-4/45


15/428

Sonobuoy c'tee mtgs 2/45-11/45


15/584

Use of sonobuoy CC training instruction 28 9/6/44


15/747

Battle of the Atlantic Direction-finding Sub-Committee. Refers to CB4002(N)(5) 7/1/42


15/855

Manual of anti U-Boat warfare Coastal Command 1944


15/1649

MAD for submarine detection in Catalina flying boats: Trials


20/1101

Mark 24 mine trials FIDO 42-43


20/1102

Mark 24 mine use FIDO 43


20/1276

M.A.D. (Magnetic Airborne Detection) equipment: operational use


20/1532

History of Post Design Services - draft. Helped RAF/CC adopt new tech. Part of TRE Malvern


20/3639

A/C anti-U-Boat c'tee minutes on sonobuoys


41/79

RAF in Maritime war - statistics


52/156

MAD NDRC part copied 15/2/20


65/115

Sonobuoy range tests


65/133

Dictaphone & electro-magnetic recorders for sonobuoys


65/154

Analysis of attacks with the Mark 24 mine on U-boats 1943 FIDO


65/175

Range tests fast sub 25/5/45. Sonobuoys. Type XXI


65/176

Performance of experimental homing device for sonobuoys


65/281

Sonobuoy defences of convoy report 101/47



AVIA files


6/12607

U.S. MAD Mk IVB2 for submarine detection 1943


6/12640

Magnetic airborne detector Mk X equipment: trials 1943


15/428

AI radar 40-42


15/1649

Magnetic anomaly equipment for sub detection in Catalina flying boats; trials 1941-46


19/1026

M.A.D. Mk X installation in Catalina flying boat 1943


22/901

Direction finding equipment army/mobile


22/907

Direction finding equipment mostly mobile


46/38

Admiralty Signal Establishment: reports and papers HF/DF mention?


54/1473

Magnetic airborne detector (AN/ASQ-1) for applied geophysical survey: policy

[WATUWATU]

Further to previous posts here is my list of TNA AIR & AVIA files I would like but which are not downloadable. They essentially relate to Coastal Command and ASW in WW2. I have previously posted the list of files I have. Happy to supply copies.

AIR


2/3010


Coastal Command plans, recce, asw, convoys



2/3101


CC plans for recce, convoy escort and A/S 19/12/38



2/3150


Convoy protection policy 39-42



2/5950


Protection (Code B, 73/2): Fighter defence of H.M. ships and convoys 46-49



8/1397


Anti U-Boat Warfare Committee: supply of very long range aircraft 11/42-3/43



10/3269


Focus of Leigh Light Projector-Wellington Modifications



10/5208


Joubert CC despatch 14/6/42



14/279


Anti-submarine tactics: information and data 1939-42



14/1328


Bomber Cmd, servicing HF/DF stations



14/3592


Radio Direction Finding Stations RAF



15


Coastal Command



15-Apr


Role of CC & Combined Ops 1937-1940



15/9


Trade protection - No. 16 Group convoy orders 5/39-7/41



15/13


Air aspect of visit and search: tactical instructions 5/39-7/41



15/14


Air aspect of visit and search: tactical instruction 7/41-5/43



15/16


Active operations. Reports on aircraft attacks on submarines. Includes 7 photos 1941



15/29


Anti-submarine bombing and air tactics. Report of the trials



15/30


Anti-submarine bombing and air tactics 1941



15/31


Anti-submarine tactics. Attacks on U/Boats. Includes 1 photograph depicting: Weapons 1942



15/32


Anti-submarine tactics. Attacks on U/Boats May-Aug 1943



15/34


Trade protection and Convoy organisation 2/39-4/40



15/35


Trade protection and Convoy organisation minutes of meetings 1-8 6/40-12/40



15/36


Trade protection and convoy organisation: minutes of the meetings 9-25 1/41-9/41



15/37


Trade protection and convoy organisation: minutes of the meetings 26-49 11/41-9/43



15/38


Air tactics and anti-submarine operations 8/37-9/41. U-boat visibility



15/39


Air tactics and anti-submarine operations 1/41-1/44



15/40


Tactical instructions 10/39-8/43



15/43


Operational strength of squadrons: policy 11/38-9/42



15/45


Naval War Plans: policy 1/39-6/43



15/46


Aircraft operational requirements: policy Jul 39-Jun 41



15/57


Coastal Command Naval Staff anti-U-boat file 9/39-12/44



15/58


Reports on U-boat sighting and attacks by aircraft. Incl schnorkel 39-45



15/60


Radio Direction Finding and Air to Surface Vessels equipment: requirements



15/63


Anti-submarine operations: policy 8-9 40



15/92


Measures against enemy detection of A.S.V. 10/42-7/43



15/93


Enemy interference with A.S.V. 2/42-1/43



15/94


U-Boat radar 7/43-12/44



15/96


Radar counter-measures: Balloon and buoy decoys Aphrodite 6/43-1/45



15/100


Radar counter-measures against the enemy: Policy 10/43-1/46



15/120


"Wire Basket": Trials



15/121


Radio marker buoys



15/126


Disappearing contacts with A.S.V. Mk II



15/127


Operational evidence suggesting use of R.D.F. equipment in U-Boats



15/128


Disappearing contacts in Bay of Biscay



15/129


Anti U-Boat operations mathematical calculations of effect of deviations from a planned frequency of flooding.



15/131


Operational Research against the U-Boat" by C.H. Waddington: galleys



15/132


Operational Research against the U-Boat" by C.H. Waddington



15/133


S-Band radar - review vs U-Bts 2/11/44



15/134


Adm assessment 439



15/135-138


U-Boat attack assessment forms



15/139-143


U-Sight reports



15/144


Aircraft Anti U-Boat Committee



15/146


Re-equipment of 500 and 608 Squadrons with Aircraft Rocket Weapons



15/154/206?


U-boat freqs Microfiche 154 is PFPM



15/155


Submarine and Anti-Submarine' General Guide to air aspect of ASW 10/42



15/158


Manual of Naval co-operation by shore-based aircraft 1942



15/162


Coastal Command's War Record 1939-1945



15/179


Convoy protection in Western Approaches 40-41



15/181


Visibility of merchant ships at sea



15/191-2


Royal Canadian Air Force Eastern Air Command Monthly anti-Submarine reports



15/193


Anti-Submarine tactics 4/42-5/42



15/194


Convoy Air cover: Reports on U-Boats



15/196-197


American anti-submarine warfare



15/198


U-Boats: Intelligence and interrogation reports 7/42-10/43



15/199


U-Boat Bases in Occupied France



15/201


Air cover for convoys on Southern route: Planning



15/210


Rocket Projectiles: Tactical use



15/213


Coastal Command expansion plans Jul 40-Jun 42



15/214


Re-equipment of squadrons 7/42-9/43



15/279


Analyses of reports on A/S Ops 10/42-8/43



15/281


Air escort for American convoy procedures 11/43-12/43



15/282


Conferences on A/C situation in CC 12/43-3/45



15/284


TBOTA white paper jun-Sept 1945



15/285


A/C camouflage 1/42-11/43



15/286


CC's A/S c'tee 5/42-3/43



15/287


No 18 Group Area A/S Ops



15/305


Coastal Command tactical instructions (1939?)



15/345


Letter Douglas - Johnson What about???



15/423


Radio Direction finding plots. Coastal Command



15/432


Radio Direction finding plots - most Air?



15/459


Leigh light searchlights



15/460


Leigh light searchlights



15/685


CC statistics



15/732


U-Bts transit. ORS/CC Report 245 15/11/43



15/733


CC ORS S-band radar



15/786

Type XXI

Sea/Air Warfare Committee, Tactical and Training Sub-Committee: 1st-13th meetings 46-48



15/853


Manual of Coastal Command operational control 1943



15/854


Manual of Coastal Command operational control: part 2; communications 1944



15/856


U-Boat recognition and reporting procedure 1945



16/933


Air Fighting Development Unit Reports



19/148


Appt Blackett Scientic Advisor to CC Jan-Feb 41



20/236


A/S work. 1938-43



20/657


Coastal Command synthetic training manual Feb 43



20/1077


Leigh lights on Coastal Command aircraft



20/1237


x/p 04895 Forecast of U-Bt campaign in 1945



20/1270


Leigh lights on aircraft



20/1504


Anti-Schnorkel measures 40-45



20/3095


Convoy air cover, Greenland base.



20/4069


Harris to Eaker 15/4/43



20/4569


Leigh Lights, searchlights: for aircraft



20/4638


Helicopter theory 1943-49



20/5305


Battle of the Atlantic: various minutes, signals and corresp. Draft memo Graf Zepp. 4/4/43



20/5455


Anti-U-boat Warfare Committee: papers 1942 Dec.-1944 Feb



20/6507


CC Synthetic training



20/6842

Type XXI

Joint sea/air warfare c'tee 2nd meeting 27/8/46 plus more



24/42


Orbat CC 6/12/44



26/580


Operations record book. With appendices. Erskine - to do with int jigsaw



27/1174


201 sqn 1/44-5/45



40/1120


Strategic bombing of Axis Europe 1/43-9/44



40/1821


Anti-convoy activity by Topp 1942



40/1822


Glossary of German torpedo and mining terms



41/48


AHB Narrative The RAF in Maritime War Vol4 The offensive phase Feb 43-May 44



41/74:1

Type XXI

Schnorkel smoke myth. App V RAF in the Maritime War vol V



51/154/206


U-boat disposition and frequencies Med?



52/29


depth of explosion of aerial depth bombs with some data



52/44

To 52/53

Bi-monthly summary report, 15 Nov 1942 - 15 Jan 1943



52/153


Search & screening OEG56



52/155


ASW Operations in WW2 V3 Summary Tech Rpt Div 6 NDRC OSRD



65/55


Green bottle installation in Liberator and Leigh Light Wellington aircraft Report No:.. 9/43



65/68


Use of Mark III Low Level Bombsight in conjunction with Leigh Light Report No: 44/1



65/84


7/3/44 Illumination U-boat attacks Launcher Mk V and 1.7 in flares



65/94


15/4/44 Illumination of low level night attacks on U-boats (first report)



65/109


2/7/44 Auto photography of low level night attacks with 1.5in photo-flash cartridges in Leigh Light Wellingtons



65/112


Night R.P. attacks on submarines by aircraft with the aid of a Leigh Light and Mk III ASV



75/52


Slessor bomber strategy




AVIA files


13/739


Proximity fuse for A/S bombs



13/794


Submarine detection: MAD towed bird, Pt I 1943



13/1104


HF/DF homing equipment for Coastal Command aircraft 1941-45



15/95


BOMBS AND BOMBING: Mines, torpedoes and depth charges (Code 12/4): Anti-submarine 1939-41



15/116


Magnetic Airborne Detector: Conference ?? 1939-40



15/774


RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION (Code 43): Anti-submarine searchlight Leigh Light for Wellington



15/775


RECONNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION (Code 43): Anti-submarine searchlight Leigh Light for Wellington



15/1728


Anti-submarine rocket armaments dev 1942-45



15/2235


Sono-buoy underwater listening 1945-50



26/580


Operations record book. With appendices. Erskine - to do with int jigsaw



26/789


Sea returns and detection of schnorkel 1945



26/907


Radar camouflage: research and development by the Germans. TRE Report T1905 1945



26/1008


Investigation of echo from schnorkel on centimetre wave-lengths. TRE Report T2006 J M Dickson



32/33

Type XXI

Homing torpedos (`Dealer', `Bidder', `Joker') - part I



32/34

Type XXI

Homing torpedos (`Dealer', `Bidder', `Joker') - part II



32/35

Type XXI

Homing torpedos (`Dealer', `Bidder', `Joker') - part III



32/36

Type XXI

Homing torpedos (`Dealer', `Bidder', `Joker') - part IV



32/37

Type XXI

Homing torpedos (`Dealer', `Bidder', `Joker') - part V



46/136


A/C design and production FAA 25/6/43

[anglin.mj]

Hello,

Does anyone have AIR 28/1 ORB for RAF Acaster Malbis for May to Jul 44?

Thanks

[jonny]

Dear all,

Can any kind person furnish me with a copy of the above ORB for Mar - Jun 1944, please? I'm researching a Flt Engr who sadly lost his life while serving at the unit.

Many thanks

Jonny

[Hans Nauta]

Dear all,

Does anyone perhaps have a copy of TNA AIR40/1675 Noball Targets? Usually I would have photographed this at my frequent visits to TNA, but well...we all know the situation right now!

I would be happy to offer any other document in exchange!

Thanks in advance,
Hans

(p.s. I do have AIR40/1674, another earlier volume regarding Noball Targets)

[jonny]

I am researching an officer who was an instructor at the above OTU in 1943 - 1944. Is anyone in a position to furnish me with a copy of the ORB, please?

I have a large number of Bomber Sqn ORBs that I can part-exchange.

Many thanks

Jonny

[jossleclercq]

Hello Hans,

I have copied AIR 40/1675. 273 pictures, 167 Mo.

I'm in the same situation as you are.

I only have 5 pictures from AIR40/1674, I probably only sampled that volume, so a copy would be nice.

E-mail me your adress and I'll send AIR 40/1675 via wetransfer. My e-mail adress is in my profile.

Joss

[Hans Nauta]

Dear Joss,

Thanks for your quick response, PM sent!

Cheers,
Hans

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Jonny

Sorry for not getting back sooner, we lost our dog last week.

I have the 12 OTU and 1660 HCU ORBs, I can put them in Dropbox for you if you send me an e-mail address

Malcolm

[jonny]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dog, Malcolm.

I have just sent you a PM.

Kind rgds

Jonny

[Pierre Renier]

Can anyone help me out with copies of the following ORBs;

3 Group - AIR 25/51 - 1926 Apr.- 1940 Dec.
3 Group - AIR 25/52 - 1941 Jan.- 1943 Dec.
3 Group - AIR 25/53 - 1944 Jan.- Dec.
4 Group - AIR 25/93 - 1937 Apr.- 1943 Dec.
4 Group - AIR 25/94 - 1944 Jan.- Dec.

Any assistance much appreciated.

Kind regards
Pierre

[Grexx]

Hi, I think I can be helpful with those documents.
I have just sent you a PM.

Regards,
Greg

[Pierre Renier]

Gregg

That would be fantastic, PM sent.

Cheers
Pierre

[Grexx]

I am looking for the complete ORB of 100 (Special Duties/Bomber) Group.
If there`s anyone willing to share it, I would appreciate it a lot.
I can also exchange it for other Bomber Groups and Bomber Squadrons that I have.

Best regards,
Greg

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all, I would like to ask if anyone by chance have RAF Station Northolt ORB (AIR 28/601) for period of July 1945?

TIA

Pavel

[Franek Grabowski]

Gents
Does anyone have by any chance ORB of RAF Hucknall or units based there: No. 25 Elementary Flying Training School and No. 12 Group Communications Flight, as well as ORB of RAF Newton or No. 16 (Polish) Service Flying Training School for 1944?
TIA
Franek

[Grexx]

Hi,
I think I can be of help.
I could provide you with some scans of ORBs for 25 EFTS and 16 SFTS.

Regards,
Greg

[Franek Grabowski]

Thanks, I shall contact you via email tomorrow or after tomorrow. I am trying to verify if any events took place there on some particular dates. Hopefully the info is there.
Best wishes
Franek

[Ian Brown]

Does anyone have the following ORBs that they are willing to share? Any help with these files would be greatly appreciated.

AIR 25/232 No 13 (Fighter) Group July 1939 - December 1940
AIR 25/233 No 13 (Fighter) Group January 1941 - December 1943
AIR 25/234 No 13 (Fighter) Group January 1944 - April 1946
AIR 25/250 No 14 (Fighter) Group January 1940 - July 1943

Appendices would also be great, but I don't want to push my luck!

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Ian

I have 13 Group, 1939 - 1940 and No 14 Group for 1940, let me have an e-mail address and I'll put them in Dropbox

Malcolm

[C Shackleton]

Does anyone have a copy of the 5 Group ORB for May and June 1940 that they would be willing to share?

Chris

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Chris

Let me have an e-mail address and I'll put them in Dropbox

Malcolm

[AndrewClark]

Hi folks. Just wondering if anyone on here might been able to provide me copies of the ORBs for any of the following airfields: RAF Wigsley, Dunholme Lodge, Bardney, Woodhall Spa, Spilsby, Strubby and Balderton. I have a reasonably large collection of ORBs and other archives and am always willing to swap and share. TIA, Andrew

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all, I woild like to ask if anyone have a copy of following RAF Station ORBs and will be willing to share?

AIR 28/464 - Leuchars - June 1945
AIR 28/558 - Milltown - June 1945

TIA

Pavel

[AndrewClark]

Hi all, I woild like to ask if anyone have a copy of following RAF Station ORBs and will be willing to share?

AIR 28/464 - Leuchars - June 1945
AIR 28/558 - Milltown - June 1945

TIA

Pavel


Hi Pavel. Sorry I can't help with either of those you're looking for.

Does anyone haveBreighton's (particularly 1943) please? Cheers, Andrew

[DavidIsby]

Downham Market ORB AIR28/213 AIR 28/217

If anyone is in the position to check, I am looking for any information about the arrival, one night between mid-September and mid-December 1944, of a US Douglas C-54 which was vectored there by the Darkee navigation system, coming in literally on the fumes. This airplane, "the Great Joy Queen", has its story told from the point of view of the navigator in THE SONG OF THE SKY but does not include details such as the date.

As it may be a while before I get to Kew, I would be most grateful if anyone who has access to a copy of these ORBs could check for The Great Joy Queen's arrival. It's a great story, by the way.

Thanks,
David Isby

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello,

This article quotes date as 15 November, 1944:

https://www.myjournalcourier.com/opinion/article/Commentary-A-wing-and-a-prayer-landing-12575423.php

Prefer this account - but no date:

https://508pir.org/odessey/belgium/belgium_news_02.htm

Col.

[Resmoroh]

Had a copy of "Song Of The Sky" from very early edition (1954?) for very many years. Brilliant book. Said so. Colleague was impressed. Loaned it to him. We both got posted to different places. It never came back! Pity! I could - for relaxation - read it again now!!
Peter Davies

[C Shackleton]

Hello

Does anyone have the 3 Group ORB for 1942 that they would be willing to share?

Trying to place the Gardening sorties but the squadron ORBs are often vague on where they gardened

Chris

[Grexx]

Chris, I think I can be of help.
Just write me a PM.
Regards, Greg

[andy wis]

Does anybody have the ORB for the Aircraft Delivery Unit based out in Cairo/Heliopolis in February 1942, and is willing to share info
Tia
Andy W

[anglin.mj]

No 2 (Observer) Advanced Flying Unit ORB

Hello,

I’m looking for the ORB for the unit from Nov 43 to Feb 44.

It is part of AIR 29/544/2 7 Armament Training Station, Acklington, later became 2 Air Observer School; followed by 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, 2 AOS and 2 (Observer) Advanced Flying Unit at Millom (AFU UK).

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[BruceMk1]

After 609 Sqn ORB (540/541) for months of June-August 1944. I would use UK Archives but have reached my quota!

PM if can help.

[Luc Vervoort]

PM has been mailed !

Best regards

Luc

[BruceMk1]

Thanks again Luc!

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all, I would like to try my luck if anyone has

AIR 29/611/2
1331 Conversion Unit. Formed at Risalpur (India) in September 1944 (Formerly Check and Conversion Flight Based at Mauripur (India) from May 1944 to September 1944 ). Unit disbanded at Risalpur (India) in January 1946. With appendices

I am interested in period November-December 1945

TIA

Pavel

[Gildas]

Hi to all,
I did download 263Sqn Air-27-1548-50 but this one must be a very old scan in very low resolution. I'm not sure being able to read it correctly.
Would any member hold a good copy of last page for April 1944 ?

TIA Gildas

[cozzy711]

Gildas

I have a access to a clearer copy however your email address is not active. If you email me or PM me a new email address I will send you a copy

Chris

[Gildas]

Many thanks Chris, my address is gildassaouAThotmail.com
If you would have any interest in a crew or plane lost in north west Finistère, Brittany, France, feel free to ask
Have a nice day
Gildas

[cozzy711]

Greg,
I've sent you an email

Chris

[dennis_burke]

Ancestry.com have also now added the ORBs to their subscription service and are in process of transcribing them. thegenealogist.co.uk website also has them transcribed but to a better degree at present.

[Grexx]

I am looking for complete ORB of No. 1 (Special Duties) Group) - AIR 25/777.
I wonder if there`s anyone who is in possesion this ORB and is willing to share it or exchange for other RAF Bomber Groups.
Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
Greg

[Richard.K]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone may have a copy of this file. I am looking for Appends for February 1943.
Regards, Richard

[JDCAVE]

Further to Richard's request, I would be interested if anyone has a copy of the ORB for the same Station (Topcliffe) for 1944: AIR 28/852.

Jim

[78SqnHistory]

Does anyone have the ORB for No. 1658 Conversion Unit, I don't believe it has been digitised, but wonder if anyone have photographed it?

thanks in advance

Daz

[phasselgren]

Does anyone have the ORB for No. 1658 Conversion Unit, I don't believe it has been digitised, but wonder if anyone have photographed it?

thanks in advance

Daz

Daz,

Try the lancasterbombers.net
http://lancasterbombersinfo.ipage.com/Data/ORBs/1658_CU/1.html

Cheers,
Peter

[78SqnHistory]

Daz,

Try the lancasterbombers.net
http://lancasterbombersinfo.ipage.com/Data/ORBs/1658_CU/1.html

Cheers,
Peter

Peter

Many thanks much appreciated

Daz

[Andy Mitchell]

Good Evening,

Would anyone have a copy of Air29/40 (specifically 2 AACU's ORB for 1940) they they would be willing to share. This has not been digitised so it's a bit of a long shot.

Many thanks

[jives11]

Greetings, I wonder if anyone has 570 squadron ORBS from 43 to end of war ? These would be AIR 27/2041 and AIR 27/2042

I'm trying to help a friend whose father was F/O T.W. CASS 135921 (Navigator) and flew on both Operation MARKET and VARSITY glider drops.

for MARKET (Sept 44) his was part of this crew:

Aircraft Type & Number: Stirling IV V8D LJ.616. Crew: F/O J.A.C. RODGERS A.425056 R.A.A.F. (Pilot), F/O T.W. CASS 135921 (Navigator), P/O R. MAREHALL J.86628 R.C.A.F. (Air Bomber), F/S WRIGHT E. 1128834 (WOP/AIR), F/S LEON A.H. 1892611 (Air Gunner), SGT HYMAS T.R. 1623089 (Flight Engineer), S/L R.W.F. CLEAVER 124411 R.A.F. Time Up: 11.13. Time Down: 15.43. Detail: Uneventful.

for VARSITY (March 45) pretty much the same crew

Aircraft Type & Number: LJ.616 V8D. Crew: F/O J.A.G. RODGERS A.425056 R.A.A.F. (PILOT), F/L T.W. CASS 135921 R.A.F (Navigator), F/O R. MARSHALL J.86628 R.C.A.F. (AIR BOMBER), W/O WRIGHT E. 1128834 R.A.F. (W/OPERATOR), F/S LEON A.H. 1892611 R.A.F (AIR GUNNER), SGT HYMAS T.B. 1623089 R.A.F (F/ENGINEER). Time Up: 07.45. Time Down: 12.45.





Family legend has that he was shot down, yet made it home to Deptford in 2 days. This seems improbable, but it would be interesting if he was shot down at any point. My friend is ordering his service records, it's possible that this occurred with another squadron.

many thanks

[PeteT]

[QUOTE=jives11;173405]Greetings, I wonder if anyone has 570 squadron ORBS from 43 to end of war ? These would be AIR 27/2041 and AIR 27/2042

He was still operational with 570 Squadron in October 1945 (05/10/1945 Operation), but I can't find anything regarding ops or postings after this date

Regards

PeteT

[jives11]

[QUOTE=jives11;173405]Greetings, I wonder if anyone has 570 squadron ORBS from 43 to end of war ? These would be AIR 27/2041 and AIR 27/2042

He was still operational with 570 Squadron in October 1945 (05/10/1945 Operation), but I can't find anything regarding ops or postings after this date

Regards

PeteT

Many thanks Pete, that's useful to know. My friend inherited silk escape maps from his father, but interestingly they were all of Asia ? Perhaps they were preparing to be deployed to Asia but the war ended before it happened

[phasselgren]

Hi,

There is very little information in the 210 Squadron ORB about the combat on the 29th January 1941 when Sunderland L2163 was damaged by fire from a FW200 and Sergeant R C Williamson (RG): injured. I would greatly appreciate if I could receive a copy of the information in AIR81/4950 (C16689048).

Thanks in advance
Peter

[4n6Steve]

Does anyone happen to have any of the following ORBs on hand?

14 Sqn May 1943
21 Sqn July 1943
23 Sqn April 1943
23 Sqn June 1943
39 Sqn April 1943
46 Sqn November 1942
55 Sqn July 1943
69 Sqn January 1943
142 Sqn May 1943
150 Sqn May 1943
221 Sqn January 1943
272 Sqn May 1943
458 Sqn June 1943
608 Sqn September 1943
828 Sqn January 1943
1575 Flight September 1943

Thanks in advance. I am trying to track down information on a few missions.

[cozzy711]

Hi,

There is very little information in the 210 Squadron ORB about the combat on the 29th January 1941 when Sunderland L2163 was damaged by fire from a FW200 and Sergeant R C Williamson (RG): injured. I would greatly appreciate if I could receive a copy of the information in AIR81/4950 (C16689048).

Thanks in advance
Peter

Peter, I don't have a copy of AIR81/4950 but I have seen it. I have the following details:

Crew
F/Lt Barry Thomson AIKMAN DFC 70002 RAFO
PM/Pilot Raymond Paul André BETTE 30562 FNFL
P/O William Patterson BOYD AFC 44310 RAF
P/O Basil Douglas LARBALESTIER 84706 RAF(VR)
Sgt Reginald Claude WILLAMSON DFM 646510 RAF
Sgt Kenneth Laurence Harold ALLINGTON 751398 RAF(VR)
Sgt Leslie SODEN 620009 RAF
LAC Ronald JONES 523946 RAF
AC Raymond Vincent JONES 611397 RAF
AC Roy LEESE 935090 RAF(VR)
Sgt David Casswell THOMPSON 647372 RAF
Sgt Ronald Victor Neal MCKAY NZ40922 RNZAF

DA-G was airborne from RAF Oban at 0900 hours on a convoy escort patrol. At 1127 hours a Fw200 Condor was sighted at a distance of six miles. The Condor attacked with a shallow dive from the port quarter, opening fire at a range of about 500 yards. The Sunderland gunners waited until the enemy was within range before returning fire. Bullets were seen to enter the cockpit and an engine. The Condor broke off the attack and retreated with the port inner propeller ‘wind milling’. The rear gunner, Sgt Williamson suffered wounds to his legs. Though damaged, the Sunderland returned safely to Oban at 1425 hours.

Chris

[phasselgren]

Peter, I don't have a copy of AIR81/4950 but I have seen it. I have the following details:

Crew
F/Lt Barry Thomson AIKMAN DFC 70002 RAFO
PM/Pilot Raymond Paul André BETTE 30562 FNFL
P/O William Patterson BOYD AFC 44310 RAF
P/O Basil Douglas LARBALESTIER 84706 RAF(VR)
Sgt Reginald Claude WILLAMSON DFM 646510 RAF
Sgt Kenneth Laurence Harold ALLINGTON 751398 RAF(VR)
Sgt Leslie SODEN 620009 RAF
LAC Ronald JONES 523946 RAF
AC Raymond Vincent JONES 611397 RAF
AC Roy LEESE 935090 RAF(VR)
Sgt David Casswell THOMPSON 647372 RAF
Sgt Ronald Victor Neal MCKAY NZ40922 RNZAF

DA-G was airborne from RAF Oban at 0900 hours on a convoy escort patrol. At 1127 hours a Fw200 Condor was sighted at a distance of six miles. The Condor attacked with a shallow dive from the port quarter, opening fire at a range of about 500 yards. The Sunderland gunners waited until the enemy was within range before returning fire. Bullets were seen to enter the cockpit and an engine. The Condor broke off the attack and retreated with the port inner propeller ‘wind milling’. The rear gunner, Sgt Williamson suffered wounds to his legs. Though damaged, the Sunderland returned safely to Oban at 1425 hours.

Chris

Thank you Chris, much appreciated.

Peter

[Jabo]

Hi, together
I´m not sure if my post is placed correctly here. I´m looking for for the following files:

Reference: AIR 81/1
Description:
Pilot Officer W J Murphy, Flight Lieutenant W F Barton, Flying Officer H L Emden, Flying Officer H B Lightoller, Flying Officer J F Ross, Aircraftman 1st Class R Evans, Sergeant L R Ward, Sergeant S G M Otty, Corporal J L Ricketts, Aircraftman 2nd Class E Pateman, Sergeant O L D Howells, Aircraftman 1st Class E W Lyon and Sergeant A S Prince: report of deaths. Sergeant G F Booth and Aircraftman 2nd Class L J Slattery: prisoners of war. Pilot Sergeant R C Grossey: missing presumed dead; raid by Blenheims N6199, N6184, N6186, N6189 and N6240 on Wilhelmshaven, 4 September 1939

Anyone can help?

Kind regards
Jens-Michael

[Jagan]

I am trying to see if the ORB for 12 EFTS at Prestwick exists.. Could not locate it in NA. The EFTS was disbanded in April 41 and is there a chance they never filed a Form 540?

[MagicNeilJ]

I've got photos of most of the pages of the ORB for RAF Woodbridge emergency airfield, for the period 1943-45.
Got a lot for Manston in 1945 too, but that's most disappointing in its detail by comparison.

Would you be open to sharing the Manston ORB please @ianh ?

[Steve Brew]

Does anyone have any of the following Wing ORBs, who would be prepared to do a look-up for me, please?

AIR 26/111 – 74 (Sigs) Wing, Calibration Flt, 1941
AIR 26/325 – 241 (F) Wing, Egypt, 1942-43
AIR 26/347 – 251 (F) Wing, 1943
AIR 26/353 – 254 (B) Wing, Khartoum, prior to May 40
AIR 26/358 – 256 (Sigs) Wing, Alexandria, 1939-40
AIR 26/362 – 258 Wing, 1941
AIR 26/426 – 323 Wing, North Africa, 1943-44
AIR 26/594 – 324 Wing, Sep 1950-Feb 1951
AIR 26/441 – 334 (Special Duties) Wing, Brindisi, 1944

Thanks
Steve

[Steve Brew]

Does anyone have the CFS and ECFS ORBs for the following dates, please?

AIR 29/604 - CFS Upavon
- 1928
- Apr 1940
- 1941-1945
- Apr-Dec 46
- Jan 48-Jan 50

AIR 29/630 - 2 CFS
- Nov-Dec 40

AIR 29/628 - ECFS Hullavington
- 1942
- Sep 43-Jan 44
- 1944-1945
- Dec 46-Oct 48
- Nov 47-Jan 48
- 1948

Thanks
Steve

[Steve Brew]

Does anyone have any of the following EFTS ORBs, please, who would be happy to do some look-ups for me?

AIR 29/617 – 6 EFTS, Brooklands Avtn, Sywell, Jan 36-May 41
AIR 29/618/3 – 10 EFTS, Yatesbury, 1937-1940
AIR 29/619/3 – 17 EFTS, North Luffenham, Feb 41-May 42
AIR 29/620 – 21 EFTS, Booker (Marlow), Jun-Jul 40

Thanks
Steve

[Steve Brew]

Does anyone have the following RAFSC and/or RAFFC ORBs, who would be happy to do a few look-ups for me, please?

Staff College
AIR 29/527 – 1919-49
AIR 29/528 – 1919-49
AIR 29/1880 – 1945-47

Flying College, Manby
AIR 29/1905 – 1948
AIR 29/2138 – Jan 1950-Dec 54

Many thanks
Steve

[Bob]

Would anyone visiting TNA be kind enough to look up this file for me https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/browse/r/h/C17926861

TIA
Bob

[Ian Brown]

Does anyone have copies of the Operations Record Books from The National Archives for RAF Turnhouse, and would be willing to share with me? The files I'm interested in are as follows:

AIR 28/861 ORB 1 August 1936 - 31 December 1942
AIR 28/862 ORB 1943 - 1945
AIR 28/863 Appendices 1 October 1939 - 31 December 1940
AIR 28/864 Appendices 1 January 1941 - 30 November 1941
AIR 28/865 Appendices 1 January 1942 - 28 February 1944
AIR 28/1138 ORB with Appendices January 1946 - August 1953

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[CZ_RAF]

Hi all, I would like to ask if anyone has availale 10 OTU ORB for period June-August 1943 please?

TIA

Pavel