Thomas James Gordon R.A.F. WW2

[Brian1]

HI mack,
They must have been very unlucky!
Have sent an email to the son of sgt Robert with all the details I have given you.
Thanks agian
Brian

[manmack]

good luck mate,hope you get a good result,mack

[Brian1]

Mack,
Thanks for your help and support, it is much appreciated.
I think Rootchat is the best genealogy site on the net. It has helped get some of my lines back as far as 1665! Long may it reign
Brian

[annsa]

Hi,

You may be able to get help and additional info if you post a request for information on the general queries message baord at:

www.rafcommands.com

Regards,

Ann

[chicaneuk]

Brian1.. I was just linked to this thread by someone on WW2Talk.com..

I've been doing some research into my great uncle Jack (F W Selfe) who was on the same plane as your uncle.. Sunderland W3982.

I have a handful of pictures of my uncle with various other folks - it's quite possible one might be your uncle. If we could share email addresses at some point and chat about this, it'd be wonderful. Would love to know if you have any more information that I don't!

I have a letter from the Air Historical Branch from 1989 which details what happened when they were shot down - sounds very similar to the information you have.

Thanks!

[Marathonman]

Brian1

Hope this info helps to bring light about the formation of the squadron and the planes they flew in particular relevance to you the dates during WWII.

201 SQUADRON

Originally formed 17th October 1914 at Fort Grange, Gosport, as 1 (Naval) Squadron, RNAS becoming 1 Wing, RNAS from June 1915. On 1st March 1916 'A' Squadron of 1 Wing, RNAS was detached and from 3rd July 1916 was known as the 'Detached Squadron'. The unit reverted to 1 (Naval) Squadron, RNAS from 3rd December 1916. Became 201 Squadron, RAF from 1st April 1918 whilst at Fienvillers, France.

Camel E5227 F; Snipe E8102.

Disbanded 31st December 1919 at Eastleigh.

Reformed 1st January 1929 at Calshot by redesignating 480 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight.

Nil  (1.29-4.39)           Southampton I S1125, II S1058; London I K5262 Z, II K5911 G.
VQ  (4.49-9.39)          London II L7042 VQ-W.
ZM (9.39-8.43)           London II K5257 ZM-Y; Sunderland I P9606 ZM-R, II T9087 ZM-O, III ML743 ZM-A.
Nil  (8.43-7.44)           Sunderland II T9087, III EJ137 T.
NS (7.44-4.51)           Sunderland III ML759, V RN304 NS-L; Sea Otter I JM815; Bv 222C-012 VP501 .
A   (4.51-2.57)           Sunderland VB889 A-D.

Disbanded 28th February 1957 at Pembroke Dock.

Reformed 1st October 1958 at St Mawgan by renumbering 220 Squadron.

201 (10.58- .66)        Shackleton MR.3 WR977 201-L.
Nil   (.66- )               Shackleton MR.3 WR977 O; Nimrod MR.1 XV240, MR.2P XV241.

Currently as @ 1st April 1998 at Kinloss.

[IMBER]

How sad that as a result of the recent defence review 201 squadron now has no aircraft and its base, RAF Kinloss, will close. It appears that suddenly there is no longer a need for this island nation to have any maritime reconnaissance capability.  Makes you wonder what the Nimrods have been doing up to now.