I am trying to find out about the Torpedo Training Flight at RAF Gosport. I think Thomas M Buchanan 33159 who was a Flight Lieutenant at the time (promoted to that rank 27 Jan 1939) was an instructor. He had completed the advanced armament training course and had flown with a few Carrier based squadrons the last one I know of was 824 equipped with Swordfish, which he was transferred to on 1 April 1937, after he left 822 Squadron on HMS Furious. I know he was at RAF Gosport in May 1939. Is there a list of instructors or personnel for the torpedo training flight in 1939 available anywhere? So I could confirm if that was what he was doing?
May Confidential Air Force List has him at RAF Gosport as Supny. Posted in 15 March 1938 As to what he was doing - kicking his heels before moving on! Officers are posted to a formation to fill a role in the establishment - the unit is limited to these posts. However after his alloted tour in an establishment position is finished he is either posted out or remains at the unit on HQ/Command strength as Supny until a new posting is arranged. Suggest his posting was for 1 year from March 1938 - day activities were whatever the OC unit fancied within reason of rank and branch. Ross
