Help researching 501 Squadron 1939-40

Hi all,
Below you will find a list I have compliled of 501 pilots in service before and during the battle of britain. I am currently building a roll of honour for our squadron museum and would appreciate any help you could give in providing service histories / details for the airman listed below.

In addition any other photos or articles that you feel would be of interest would be warmly accepted.

Smokin
501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron RAuxAF
RAF Brize Norton

PS Sorry for posting in wrong Forum earlier.

85645 Pilot Officer H C Adams British KIA* 06/09/1940
91039 Pilot Officer K R Aldridge British
72514 Flying Officer N J M Barry South African KIA* 07/10/1940
90895 Pilot Officer J W Bland British KIA* 18/08/1940
72984 Pilot Officer Anthony J. Claydon KIA 05/06/1940
33184 Flying Officer P A N Cox British KIA* 27/07/1940
125730 Sergeant D B Crabtree British KIA
81674 Flying Officer R C Dafforn British KIA 09/09/1943
742124 Sergeant F J P Dixon British KIA* 11/07/1940
81348 Pilot Officer R S Don British KIA 22/01/1945
43368 Pilot Officer Byron L Duckenfield British
742787 Sergeant E J Egan British KIA* 17/09/1940
63073 Sergeant V H Ekins British
88437 Sergeant Paul Caswell Powe Farnes DFM British
745110 Sergeant S A Fenemore British KIA* 15/10/1940
754361 Sergeant R J M Gent British KIA 02/01/1941
40969 Flt Lieutenant J A A Gibson DFC,DSO New Zealander 01/07/2000
P1527 Sergeant Antoni Glowacki Polish
81945 Pilot Officer Vilem Goth Czechoslovakian KIA* 25/10/1940
135002 Sergeant William J Green British
580202 Sergeant H C Grove British KIA* 08/11/1940
83988 Pilot Officer E M Gunter British KIA* 27/09/1940
76316 Pilot Officer Peter R Hairs MBE British
42707 Pilot Officer F C Harrold British KIA* 28/09/1940
137301 Sergeant W B Henn British
76579 Pilot Officer Duncan Alexander Hewitt Canadian MIA* 12/07/1940
26181 Squadron Leader Henry Algernon Vickers "Harry" Hogan DFC British
37970 Flight Lieutenant Eustace J "Gus" Holden DFC 7 British
05204 Squadron Leader A L Holland British
101040 Sergeant W B Holroyd British
745437 Sergeant O V Houghton British KIA* 06/09/1940
741519 Sergeant E F Howarth British KIA 05/09/1941
176565 Sergeant D J Hulbert British
40539 Pilot Officer Richard G. Hulse KIA 08/06/1940
56779 Sergeant G W J Jarrett (R W E?) British KIA
40119 Flying Officer D A E Jones British
?????? Sergeant ???? Konrad Polish
76729 Pilot Officer Franciszek Kozlowski Polish KIA 13/03/1943
60321 Sergeant James H "Ginger" Lacey DFM(Bar), Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 28 British 30/05/1989
745649 Sergeant G G S Laws British KIA 28/03/1941
72998 Pilot Officer Kenneth N T "Hawkeye" Lee DFC 7 British 15/01/2008
Midshipman (Fleet Air Arm) P L Lennard British KIA 26/03/1942
919410 Sergeant R V H Lonsdale British
907964 Sergeant J E Loverseed British
76761 Flying Officer Kazimierz Lukaszewicz Polish MIA* 12/08/1940
84017 Pilot Officer K W Mackenzie DFC, AFC 8 British
780491 Sergeant Mieczyslaw S Marcwkowski Polish MIA* 01/11/1940
Sergeant Michail British
47655 Flight Sergeant P F Morfill DFM 6.16 British
P2208 Sergeant Konrad A Muchowski Polish ?/?/1988
34168 Squadron Leader A D Murray DFC British
740334 Sergeant P O'Bryne British
Sergeant Parkes ??? British
79734 Pilot Officer E G Parkin British 23/07/2008
741219 Sergeant L J Patterson British KIA* 28/11/1940
742740 Sergeant G W Pearson British KIA* 06/09/1940
114471 Sergeant T G Pickering British
37519 Flight Lieutenant A R Putt British
90022 Pilot Officer Peter H. Rayner KIA 12/05/1940
81373 Pilot Officer E B Rogers British
39762 Pilot Officer A T Rose-Price British MIA* 02/09/1940
740971 Sergeant J E Saville British KIA
76710 Pilot Officer Stanislaw "Stanley" Skalski DSO, DFC(2 Bars), DFC(American), Croix de Guerre 1939-1945(Palm), Virtuti Militari twice(Golden and Silver Cross), Order of Polonia Restituta Knight's Cross(5th Class), Krzyż Walecznych(3 Bars), Air Medal(3 Bars), Armed Forces in Service to the Nation (Gold), Warsaw Medal, Victory & Freedom Medal, 1939-1945 Star (Battle of Britain Bar), Air Crew Europe Star (Atlantic Bar), Africa Star, France & Germany Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, British War Medal 1939 – 1945, Croix de Combattant Volontaire 1939 – 1945, Médialle Commermorative de la Guerre 1939 – 1945, Wound Badge (w. Star), Order of the Grunwald Cross 3rd Class, September Campaign Cross, War Medal 1939, Armed Forces in the West Coast, Warsaw Uprising Cross, Home Army Cross, Gold Medal for Merit to National Defence, Commander of the Order of Polonia Restituta Polish 12/11/2004
90026 Pilot Officer Michael F C Smith KIA 12/05/1940
41485 Pilot Officer Vivian Robert Snell British
28119 Flight Lieutenant George E B Stoney Canadian KIA* 18/08/1940
Squadron Leader Storray British
90556 Pilot Officer E J H Sylvester British MIA* 20/07/1940
83699 Pilot Officer A E A Van-Den Hove d'Ertsenrijck Belgian KIA* 11/09/1940
Pilot Officer ????? Vlad Czechoslovakian
88438 Sergeant S A H Whitehouse British
49914 Sergeant W A Wilkinson British
76730 Flying Officer Stefan Witorzenc Polish 31/12/1994
76714 Pilot Officer Pawel Zenker Polish MIA* 24/08/1940

 

Hi,

Do you have the details from 'Men of the Battle of Britain' - Kenneth G. Wynn?

 

Hi,

Do you have the details from 'Men of the Battle of Britain' - Kenneth G. Wynn?

Not yet - pulled this lot of the web. Problem being theres loads of stuff on the famous guys, Ginger Lacey, Skalski, Hawkeye Lee and Mad Mac, but little on the less well known heroes.

If you have any stuff online I'd appreciate it. Thanks for response I'll check out the book.

Regards
smokin'

 

Hi Smokin. Do you know for this book

RAF-IN-COMBAT - No.501 (CofG) Sqn

 

I do now. Thanks bro.

 

Hi junior Member I was looking for info on A A Payne aka Jammy in 501 Squadron

Smokin amongst your research did you come across A A Payne - also known as Jammy. I am trying to research and would like some guidance.

 

Hi all,
Below you will find a list I have compliled of 501 pilots in service before and during the battle of britain. I am currently building a roll of honour for our squadron museum and would appreciate any help you could give in providing service histories / details for the airman listed below.

In addition any other photos or articles that you feel would be of interest would be warmly accepted.

Smokin
501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron RAuxAF
RAF Brize Norton

PS Sorry for posting in wrong Forum earlier.

85645 Pilot Officer H C Adams British KIA* 06/09/1940
91039 Pilot Officer K R Aldridge British
72514 Flying Officer N J M Barry South African KIA* 07/10/1940
90895 Pilot Officer J W Bland British KIA* 18/08/1940
72984 Pilot Officer Anthony J. Claydon KIA 05/06/1940
33184 Flying Officer P A N Cox British KIA* 27/07/1940
125730 Sergeant D B Crabtree British KIA
81674 Flying Officer R C Dafforn British KIA 09/09/1943
742124 Sergeant F J P Dixon British KIA* 11/07/1940
81348 Pilot Officer R S Don British KIA 22/01/1945
43368 Pilot Officer Byron L Duckenfield British
742787 Sergeant E J Egan British KIA* 17/09/1940
63073 Sergeant V H Ekins British
88437 Sergeant Paul Caswell Powe Farnes DFM British
745110 Sergeant S A Fenemore British KIA* 15/10/1940
754361 Sergeant R J M Gent British KIA 02/01/1941
40969 Flt Lieutenant J A A Gibson DFC,DSO New Zealander 01/07/2000
P1527 Sergeant Antoni Glowacki Polish
81945 Pilot Officer Vilem Goth Czechoslovakian KIA* 25/10/1940
135002 Sergeant William J Green British
580202 Sergeant H C Grove British KIA* 08/11/1940
83988 Pilot Officer E M Gunter British KIA* 27/09/1940
76316 Pilot Officer Peter R Hairs MBE British
42707 Pilot Officer F C Harrold British KIA* 28/09/1940
137301 Sergeant W B Henn British
76579 Pilot Officer Duncan Alexander Hewitt Canadian MIA* 12/07/1940
26181 Squadron Leader Henry Algernon Vickers "Harry" Hogan DFC British
37970 Flight Lieutenant Eustace J "Gus" Holden DFC 7 British
05204 Squadron Leader A L Holland British
101040 Sergeant W B Holroyd British
745437 Sergeant O V Houghton British KIA* 06/09/1940
741519 Sergeant E F Howarth British KIA 05/09/1941
176565 Sergeant D J Hulbert British
40539 Pilot Officer Richard G. Hulse KIA 08/06/1940
56779 Sergeant G W J Jarrett (R W E?) British KIA
40119 Flying Officer D A E Jones British
?????? Sergeant ???? Konrad Polish
76729 Pilot Officer Franciszek Kozlowski Polish KIA 13/03/1943
60321 Sergeant James H "Ginger" Lacey DFM(Bar), Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 28 British 30/05/1989
745649 Sergeant G G S Laws British KIA 28/03/1941
72998 Pilot Officer Kenneth N T "Hawkeye" Lee DFC 7 British 15/01/2008
Midshipman (Fleet Air Arm) P L Lennard British KIA 26/03/1942
919410 Sergeant R V H Lonsdale British
907964 Sergeant J E Loverseed British
76761 Flying Officer Kazimierz Lukaszewicz Polish MIA* 12/08/1940
84017 Pilot Officer K W Mackenzie DFC, AFC 8 British
780491 Sergeant Mieczyslaw S Marcwkowski Polish MIA* 01/11/1940
Sergeant Michail British
47655 Flight Sergeant P F Morfill DFM 6.16 British
P2208 Sergeant Konrad A Muchowski Polish ?/?/1988
34168 Squadron Leader A D Murray DFC British
740334 Sergeant P O'Bryne British
Sergeant Parkes ??? British
79734 Pilot Officer E G Parkin British 23/07/2008
741219 Sergeant L J Patterson British KIA* 28/11/1940
742740 Sergeant G W Pearson British KIA* 06/09/1940
114471 Sergeant T G Pickering British
37519 Flight Lieutenant A R Putt British
90022 Pilot Officer Peter H. Rayner KIA 12/05/1940
81373 Pilot Officer E B Rogers British
39762 Pilot Officer A T Rose-Price British MIA* 02/09/1940
740971 Sergeant J E Saville British KIA
76710 Pilot Officer Stanislaw "Stanley" Skalski DSO, DFC(2 Bars), DFC(American), Croix de Guerre 1939-1945(Palm), Virtuti Militari twice(Golden and Silver Cross), Order of Polonia Restituta Knight's Cross(5th Class), Krzyż Walecznych(3 Bars), Air Medal(3 Bars), Armed Forces in Service to the Nation (Gold), Warsaw Medal, Victory & Freedom Medal, 1939-1945 Star (Battle of Britain Bar), Air Crew Europe Star (Atlantic Bar), Africa Star, France & Germany Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, British War Medal 1939 – 1945, Croix de Combattant Volontaire 1939 – 1945, Médialle Commermorative de la Guerre 1939 – 1945, Wound Badge (w. Star), Order of the Grunwald Cross 3rd Class, September Campaign Cross, War Medal 1939, Armed Forces in the West Coast, Warsaw Uprising Cross, Home Army Cross, Gold Medal for Merit to National Defence, Commander of the Order of Polonia Restituta Polish 12/11/2004
90026 Pilot Officer Michael F C Smith KIA 12/05/1940
41485 Pilot Officer Vivian Robert Snell British
28119 Flight Lieutenant George E B Stoney Canadian KIA* 18/08/1940
Squadron Leader Storray British
90556 Pilot Officer E J H Sylvester British MIA* 20/07/1940
83699 Pilot Officer A E A Van-Den Hove d'Ertsenrijck Belgian KIA* 11/09/1940
Pilot Officer ????? Vlad Czechoslovakian
88438 Sergeant S A H Whitehouse British
49914 Sergeant W A Wilkinson British
76730 Flying Officer Stefan Witorzenc Polish 31/12/1994
76714 Pilot Officer Pawel Zenker Polish MIA* 24/08/1940
125730 Sgt D B Crabtree was my Uncle and he was not Killed in Action. Do you know how to correct this misinformation?

 

Beryl - Hopefully Smokin will be able to do so when he puts out a definitive history of the Sqn. In the meantime if you have information why dont you pm him and perhaps he can tell you more about what hes doing..
Smokin-are you oggie or FTRS?
Dee

 

Hi all (new member today)
My Mother and Farther have recently both died which prompted me to search my family history.
There was a family "rumour" that my grandad was shot dead by the british as he was actually German born but fled Germany and changed his name from Willhelm Schmidt to William Smith he joined up to fight for us.
This now seems to be more true than i thought.
He was reportedly "accidently" killed whilst servicing Spitfires in the 501 squadron after standing in front of the guns when they went off Mmmmm.
Anyway my question is does anyone know of any newspaper cuttings of the time any reports or any more info i could get on this matter.
What papers where out at the time where were 501 actually based at the time etc etc
Thanks

 

Battle of Britain history of No. 501 Squadron.

Aircraft: Hurricane Mk.1
Motto: Nil time
Badge: A boar's head couped. The boar's head is taken from the Arms of Gloucester; the animal is also noted for its courage.


No 501 Squadron was formed at Filton on 14 June 1929 as a Special Reserve unit and began to receive DH9As for day bomber duties in March 1930. These were replaced by Wapitis in 1930 and, early in 1933, Wallaces came into service. Re-equipped with Harts in July 1936, the squadron had been transferred to the Auxiliary Air Force in May 1936, changing its name to embrace a larger area of recruitment. Hinds were received in March 1938 and at the end of the year No 501 was redesignated a fighter squadron, receiving Hurricanes in March 1939. On the outbreak of World War Two, the squadron flew defensive patrols until the German attack on France in May 1940, when it moved across the Channel to provide fighter cover for the AASF, retiring to Brittany and returning to the UK when France surrendered. No 501 was based in southern England throughout the Battle of Britain.The Battle of Britain - Home Page

 

Hi I am Tashaman and have just joined today.
Have been doing photo's for the The War Graves Photgraphic Project and have got a photo of the burial monument for 90556 Pilot Officer E J H Sylvester British MIA* 20/07/1940
Which may help Smokin in his 501 Squadron research.
Let me know.
Ian

 

welcome to the forum Tashaman

 

Hello Tashaman,

Welcome to the forum

Regards
Peter

 

Another book on 501 Sqd.
Fear Nothing: History of No.501 County of Gloucester Fighter Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force: Amazon.co.uk: David Watkins: Books

 

I have information on Anthony John Claydon RAF 72984 of 501 Squadron.
He was born 16th May 1913 in Rugby, Warwickshire.
His pre-service profession was as a machinist.
He obtained his Royal Aero Club Aviators certificate on 8 July 1936, certificate taken on a D.H 60 Gypsy 1 (Moth) at Northamptonshire Aero Club. The index card reference or Certificate number is 14342.
His registered address at that that time was 3 Bilton Hill, Rugby which is no longer a valid address.
He was the son of John and Ellen Claydon of Rugby and husband to Marjorie Elizabeth Claydon (maiden name Palmer), also of Rugby. Married in the district of Daventry, Northamptonshire in the period October-December 1939.
He was shot down and KIA near Le Mans, France in a Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 on the 5th June 1940, flying as part of 'F' Patrol.
Anthony's Hurricane Mk.1 would have been wearing the 501 squadron code 'SD' on the fuselage (possibly followed by an N?), and the unique serial of the airframe of his Hurricane which was P3450.
His death was during an enemy action in which 501 were trying to provide cover to the Advanced Air Strike Force (AASF) after the Nazi invasion of France and before the French surrender to the Nazi's.
At the time of his death 501 Squadron was based at an airfield at Le Mans.
The 5th June 1940 was the first day of the new German offensive and the AASF was struggling to protect the allied troops on the ground. The 51st division were requesting greater protection from enemy bombers but on this day the entire AASF which was comprised of 3 squadrons, including 501, were reduced to only 18 serviceable fighters between them.

During June 1940 the Squadron leader of 501 changed -

S/Ldr M.V.M. Clube July 1937 - June 1940
S/Ldr H.A.V. Hogan June 1940 - November 1940.

P3450 is the only airframe I can find associated with Tony during his 501 career. (there is a record of another pilot flying it for 30 minutes but I have unfortunately misplaced that at the moment but I believe it might have occurred on the day of its delivery to the squadron and the log records it taking off at 10.10 and landing at 10.40).
P3450 was delivered to 501 Squadron on 28 May 1940.

Anthony Claydon is recorded as being buried the day after his death being buried on 6 June 1940 at the St Sever Cemetery extension, Rouen, France.
His grave is located at Block S, Plot 4, Row S, Grave 1.
A photograph of the headstone is scheduled to be published online on a military records site before 2017.

My grandfather Percy James "Jim" Timson, who ended up in the Army Air Corps and flew DC-3 Dakota's was best friends with a Tony Claydon who I know definitely flew Hurricanes and apparently was KIA in the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940.
My uncle tells me that Tony lodged with my grandparents for a while in Rugby and I think this must have been before the outbreak of the war.
My grandfather was reportedly very upset at the loss of his dear friend Tony for a very long time.
I have yet to verify if this Anthony Claydon is one and the same with the Claydon in the records above. I have not found another Tony Claydon pilot record for the BoB, the connection with Rugby, the name, Hurricanes and the period in which he died, although just shortly before The Battle of Britain proper, leads me to believe with almost certainty that this is my grandfathers best mate. Everything seems to fit.
Certainly, in any case, the information I provide above is the Anthony J Claydon of 501 Sqdr.

After the death of my grandparents I inherited a leather aviators cap and goggles complete with boxed replacement lenses, I assume they belonged to my grandfather but nobody is sure, could they have once belonged to Tony or somebody else? I would like to find a historian who may be able to shed some light on their issue.
My Grandfather was a co-pilot on DC-3 Dakota's into Arnhem at Operation Market Garden.
I have been told he (Percy) flew with an American pilot on those drops, that due to mistakes resulting in no fighter cover over the Netherlands Luftwaffe F.W's 190's were given an open invitation and easy pickings. He believed their aircraft had been hit as the US pilot put the DC-3 into a dive but the pilot was in fact trying to shake off a F.W. 190 which had been engaging them.
He was one of the lucky few air crew that made it back.
Apparently it affected him greatly afterwards, and like so many others rarely spoke of it. My mother remembers him commenting on seeing all the empty beds of his lost friends back at the dorms after the operation was over. What I know of my grandfathers war service and his connection to a Tony Claydon comes mainly via my uncle. My grandfather survived the war and remained somewhat of an enthusiast for aviation and especially from that era until his death in 1985, aged 75. I have very many fond memories of growing up with him and spending time with him as a child and into my teens.

 

Sorry, addition to the above.

Anthony J Claydon RAF 72984 of 501 Squadron was 28 years old when he was shot down.
P3450 was delivered to the squadron on 28th May and lost 8 days later on 5th June with Tony's death.
There is no record of him bailing and being killed subsequently so assume he sadly lost his life in the aircraft.
Can find no information if he was shot down by enemy aircraft or by anti aircraft fire.

On the day he (Claydon) was shot down 5 June 1940 the serviceable number of fighters in the AASF of which 501 was a member was only 18 fighters though they were due for reinforcement.
AASF lost 4 aircraft that morning in air to air engagements, can not find if any of those were from 501 or indeed Claydon.
501 were certainly involved later that evening in a huge air to air engagement with enemy bombers and fighters but can find no reports of losses from that. Tony is the only recorded loss for 501 on the day of the 5th June that I can find so far, so it may be he was one of the 4 downed aircraft of AASF reported from the morning sorties.
501 squadron had an exceptionally formidable reputation during the final defense of France just before the French surrender and the squads withdrawal back to the South of England.

 

I have discovered all this information today when I began searching for records for my Grandfathers best mate Tony Claydon after being unsuccessful in finding any information on my Grandfather online relating to WW2.
I have forwarded the information to my uncle to see if he can verify if he thinks it is the same Tony Claydon as he actually remembers him from that time.
I will post any update once I know.
I find it absolutely fascinating and would be grateful if anybody can expand on his story.
I can not help wonder if somebody somewhere has photo's in a dusty cardboard box of either Tony or P3450, or maybe both!
I have no idea if he had any siblings or offspring. If it is the same person then due to the family connection I would be interested in making contact with any surviving relatives.
Likewise if anybody can point me in a direction for any information on Percy "Jim" James Timson on who I will be applying for his service record I would appreciate that but realise its way off the topic for this thread.
It is my hope the original poster Smokin revisits this now old thread for an update, likewise I hope the information above assists other enthusiasts or perhaps family members searching for information.

 

My Uncle Glyn Roberts, I was told was a member of 501 squadron, however his name doesnt appear on this list. I would dearly like to find out if the family legend is true. That is, he was pow in Chiangi or that he was a pow in italy. I would be very grateful for any help, as his now 85 yr old sister would like to know the truth. Regards Trish

 

Hi Gareth
I am the granddaughter of Marjorie Elizabeth Claydon (nee Palmer), Anthony John Claydon's wife. I don't know much about Anthony's war career, but can fill in some gaps. My nan often spoke of Anthony, although they were married for a very short time, she had known him for a lot longer.They married on the 25th November 1939 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Woodford Halse, Daventry. I have a photocopy of their wedding photograph - bride, groom and bridesmaids. Witnesses were family rather than friends. They didn't have children. Nan spoke of flying with Ginger Lacey and passing out whilst doing airbourne rolls. There was a book which spoke of 501, but I do not know what happened to it. Anthony had two sisters Elsie and May. Nan said that Anthony had proposed many times and she refused as she there would be plenty of time to marry in the future, but she accepted his proposal once war broke out.

His flight certificate was taken in a DH60 Gipsy 1.

On the 9th May 1940 he and my nan spent the night at the Dolphin Hotel in Chichester. He flew to France at 2pm the next afternoon. Nan went to the Drome to see him go. He was stationed at B'Ville. On the 12th May he was given a vaccine which rendered him useless for 3 days.

I have tried to upload photo, but technology is not one of my strong points.

I know it is not much information to go on, it was very difficult for Nan after Anthony's death, she married again and had to become a different person, it also brought back the horrors of WW1 which completely destroyed her family.

Best wishes
Selly

 

Hello Selly and Gareth ,

As I'm also interested in P/O Anthony Claydon , lost in my area on 5 June 1940 , I've sent you both a private message .

Regards ,

Laurent