RAF BURMA. A question of time.

[Johnsonsyard]

In May 1945 my Dad was with 273 Squadron in Mingaladon ( Rangoon ) until September of that year . Official records state that the Squadron moved very briefly to Don Muang ( Bangkok ) in September before moving to Tan Son Nhut  ( Saigon ) all in September. However , My fathers correspondance for October 1945 has the Squadron at RAF Tengah , Singapore .

This is a big ask , but what does anybody else make of this ? Does anybody have any insight into this  ?

Many Thanks.

[percy porter]

I would check his service file, just because he was with a squadron does not neccasarily mean he was with them all the time. With units moving rapidly it is more than likely than some men got left behind and then joined the rest of the squadron at a later time.

I am assuming that he was ground crew!

Alan NZ

[macintosh]

In September1945 Ho Chi Minh announced the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Truman, Churchill and Stalin had already agreed the future of Post War Indochina, The north would be occupied by China and the South would be occupied by the British, this I assume is why your man was in Vietnam, however the French tried to reclaim their former colony and the British left in October/November presumably for the nearest bases in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The French were finally kicked out in 1954 after the disastrous battle of Dien Bien Phu.

James

[DeeBoneham]

Sometimes aircraft were detached away from the rest of the sqn so it might be something to do with that. Another possibility is that they were transitting at Tengah or that they had R&R there...As one of the others has said its worth looking at his service records to find out more.
Dee

[Johnsonsyard]

Thanks everyone some food for thought.. I am going to check out the Squadron ORB for that time with the National archives . See what comes up.

[DeeBoneham]

Good luck. Let us know what you find out.

[kyt]

273 Squadron was part of the official escort for AVM Keith Park (SEACs Air Commander) when he visited Singapore in late 1945. He also visited Hong Kong late in '45. So that may correspond with your correspondance.

K

[Johnsonsyard]

273 Squadron was part of the official escort for AVM Keith Park (SEACs Air Commander) when he visited Singapore in late 1945. He also visited Hong Kong late in '45. So that may correspond with your correspondance.

K

Thanks Kyt , This all putting meat on the bones.
One source states also :-
"The British forces under General Gracey included a small air contingent. This was composed of squadrons transferred from Burma. On 11 September 1945, ten Spitfire Mk.VIIIs of 273 Squadron left Mingaladon, Burma for Tan Son Nhut, via Bangkok, arriving on 19 September."   I take this to mean the Squadron was split and some when on to Siingapore.
Any more information very appreciated.
 Thanks Nick