31 Res Sqn and 32 Sqn RFC

[stevenbecker]

Mates,

What can you tell me about these RFC Sqn's?

I have a AIF soldier (WELLS George Alfred) commisioned into 31 Res Sqn at Wyton Huntington in March 1917 and posted to 32 Sqn RFC in the BEF.

I take it that the Training Sqn is 31 Res Sqn and the operational Sqn is 32 Sqn.

What types did 32 Sqn fly and was it a fighter or other Sqn.

IS George Wells mentioned?

Was he a pilot or observer?

Any ideas would be great.

Cheers

S.B

[Dolphin]

Steve

The RFC's Reserve Squadrons were re-designated as Training Squadrons in May 1917.

No 32 Sqn was formed at Netheravon on 12 January 1916 around a nucleus from No 21 Sqn. It was a fighter unit that went to France in May 1916 equipped with the DH 2. The unit re-equipped with the DH 5 in May 1917 and with the SE 5a in December of the same year.

Capt G A Wells was a pilot. He was wounded by ground fire when flying a DH 5 from No 32 Sqn on 11 August 1917. After recovery, he must have been posted to No 92 Sqn, as he was posted Missing in Action on 5 September 1918 while flying SE 5a D8428 from No 92 Sqn. He was last seen diving onto a formation of enemy aircraft over Cambrai at 1100, and was taken Prisoner of War.

No 92 Sqn lost four SE 5as in the action in which led to Capt Wells' capture. There are two German claims which may be D8428: Oberleutnant Bruno Loerzer of Jagdgeschwader III claimed an SE over Inchy at 1110; and Leutnant George Meyer of Jasta 37 claimed an SE east of Havrincourst at 1100.

I hope that this helps you.

Gareth

[stevenbecker]

Mate,

Thanks so much.

His file makes no mention of his being PoW so that detail is great and possibly brought down by Oberleutnant Bruno Loerzer of Jagdgeschwader III is a bonus.

Thanks again for the details.

S.B

[mickdavis]

31 RESERVE/TRAINING SQUADRON RFC/RAF

Bases

Formed in 7th Wing at Wyton 1.10.1916. Designated as an Elementary Reserve Squadron and establishment at 23.12.1916 set at 18 MF or GW XV. To 24th Wing 24.2.1917. To 26th Wing 1.5.1917. Disbanded into 23 TDS at Baldonnel 2.9.1918.

Commanding Officer

Representative Aeroplanes

Airco DH6 A9639, A9723, A9744, B2663.

Airco DH9 C2166, C2228, C6111, C6117, C6206, D2780, D2809, D5562.

Avro 504A/J A426, C4436.

Bristol F2B A7199.

GW XV A1685, A1707.

MF Se.11 A7051, B4698.

Nieuport 12 A5196.

RAF BE2c 2577.

RAF BE2e B4492, C7133.

RAF BE12 A4029.

RAF RE8 A3570, A3726, A3727, A4537, B737.

Siddeley RT1 B6625.

SPAD S.VII A8797.