Hawker Typhoons 56 Squadron

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

Ist Formation Detail.

Image from 2nd Formation Detail. Can anyone identify the Camera Aeroplane? Not much to go on I know!

56 Squadron Matlaske 1943. F.O. B Hawkins 4th from left. Sqn Ldr Thomas Phelougn 5th from left. Remainder not yet identified. Photo credit The Hawker Tempest Page.

56 Squadron Matlaske. Credit Imperial War Museum.

Further my post number 15 I've since had a look at 56 Squadron ORB for their Press Day on April 21st 1943.

Two 'Formation Practice' details were flown that day. Detail One 1540-1630 hrs when EK183 US-A led the formation. Detail Two 1715-1745 hrs when R8824 US-H led the formation whilst Gunnar Piltinsgrud in US-A performed a beat up over the aerodrome for the assembled photographers.
In the hope that perhaps some descendants of the pilots involved will stumble over this post I've listed their names. It is now apparent that the C.0. Sqn Ldr Pheloung did not fly on this day. He was away attending a Fighter Leaders' Course and didn't return to the Squadron until April 23rd.

Sgt A.P. McNicol R8825 US-Y. Flt Lt G.Piltunsgrud EK183 US-A. (Ist detail only).
Sgt E.A. Magee DN317 US-C. Sgt D. Driscoll R8721 US-X.
Flying Officer C.T. Stimpson R8824 US-H. Flt Sgt R.G. Gravett R8220 US-D (Ist detail only).
Sgt F. Cuteo DN339 US-L (2nd detail only). Flt Lt B.L.G. Hawkins EJ978 US-U (2nd detail only).