W/Cdr John Edward Wymer Bowles DFC 16139 RAF

[Steve Smith]

Hi,

Looking for any details of W/Cdr John Edward Wymer Bowles DFC 16139 RAF.

I am aware he was operational with 115 and C/O of 38 Squadron, 1939/40. Its his pre-war career I am interested in and any ref to his DFC.

TIA

Chaz

[Don Clark]

John Edward Wymer Bowles

London Gazette online search at https://www.thegazette.co.uk/

London Gazette 26 Aug 1924
Air Ministry 26th August, 1924.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
The undermentioned Cadets having successfully passed through the R.A.F. (Cadet) College are granted permanent commissions
as Pilot Officers, with effect from, and with seniority of, 31st July 1924:—
[...]
John Edward Wymer BOWLES
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...2968/page/6424

London Gazette 2 Mar 1926
The undermentioned Pilot Officers are promoted to the rank of Flying Officer:—
31st Jan 1926.
[...]
John Edward Wymer BOWLES.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...3138/page/1570

London Gazette 13 May 1930
...promoted with effect from 14 May 1930:—
Flying Officers to be Flight Lieutenants. [...]
John Edward Wymer BOWLES.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...3605/page/2966

London Gazette 2 Apr 1937
...promotions are made with effect from 1st Apr. 1937:—
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH ...
Flight Lieutenants to be Squadron Leaders [...]
John Edward Wymer BOWLES.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...4385/page/2127

Air Force Lists postings

Air Force List Jan 1938 (earliest relevant issue AFL NLS db)
Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment Martlesham Heath
Sqdn Leaders [...]
JEW Bowles 24 Jun 36
[ie, posted in 1936, Sqn Ldr from 1937]
https://digital.nls.uk/british-milit...chive/95861690

Air Force List March 1939 (own collection)
115 (Bomber) Squadron Marham
Sqdn Leaders
JEW Bowles 9 Mar 38
BG Farrow 21 Feb 38


Supposedly 1931 AFL exists at
Forces War Records by Ancestry
if any member has access to see Bowles posting 1931...

[Don Clark]

Additional:

DFC awarded under general citation, London Gazette 13 Sep 1940

"Air Ministry,
September, 1940.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to
approve the undermentioned appointments and
awards: —
[...]
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Wing Commander John Edward Wymer BOWLES (16139)."
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...4945/page/5488

[malcolm_raf]

Hi

From AFL entries on my website: -

27 Jan 1927 - Under instruction at RAF Base Leuchars
22 Aug 1927 - No 449 Flight
27 Nov 1929 - Attached to RAF Depot whilst attending Torpedo Course
12 Dec 1930 - Armament & Gunnery School
5 May 1933 - No 822 Sqn
9 Mar 1938 - Flight Commander, 'B' Flight, No 115 Sqn (later 'A' Flight)
1 Dec 1939 - OC, No 38 Sqn
1 Aug 1940 - Air Ministry AT (D), Deputy Directorate of Air Tactics
1 Dec 1942 - SASO, No 225 Group

Malcolm