Not published for 70 years

Discussion in 'General' started by robin bird, May 16, 2015.

  1. robin bird

    robin bird Well-Known Member

    Not published for 70 years, a Short Stirling V of 299 Squadron photographed at Santa Cruz in May 1945. This faded photograph just given to me by recently widowed Violet, wife of Fred Turner, of Wallasey, who served as WW11 bomber crew. This picture is posted as a tribute to Fred and his generation in the hope that it is of general interest. Robin Bird stirling001.jpg
     
    RAF Santa Cruz and brithm like this.
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Is that the Santa Cruz on Madiera ?
    What were they doing where ever they were?
     
  3. robin bird

    robin bird Well-Known Member

    All I know is the photograph of the Stirling was taken at RAF Santa Cruz, India, in May 1945, according to the caption on the back. It also states 229 Squadron (S.A.S.) then 1588 HFF, Bombay. If that means anything to anyone I will pass the information onto Fred's widow. Fred never spoke much about his war, other than being a navigator in bombers including Lancasters. We think the Stirling was being used by airborne forces. robin bird
     
  4. Charpoy Chindit

    Charpoy Chindit Junior Member

    1588 Heavy Freight Flight. Formed at Santa Cruz 10/10/45 and disbanded there 20/05/46.
    I was under the impression that this was the only Stirling unit that served in India/Far East.
     
  5. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    http://www.rafweb.org/Stations/Stations-S.htm#Santa%20Cruz
    RAF Santa Cruz
    No Badge authorised
    Main units: -
    Aircraft Erection Unit (India) (30 Jun - 9 Sep 1943)
    No 227 Group Communication Flt (Aug - 8 Oct 1943)
    No 304 Maintenance Unit (9 Sep - 28 Oct 1943)
    Reinforcement Staging Post (1 Mar - 1 Sep 1944)
    No 12 Civil Maintenance Unit (30 Mar 1944 - 15 Dec 1945)
    Ferry Flt, Santa Cruz (7 May 1944 - 18 Jun 1945)
    No 56 Reinforcement Staging Post (1 Sep 1944 - 20 Aug 1946)
    No 1588 Heavy Freight Flt (10 Oct 1945 - 20 May 1946)
    No 22 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit ( 18 Feb 1946 - 1 Apr 1947)
    159 Sqn (
    203 Sqn (
    217 Sqn (
    244 Sqn (
    Location
    Country: - India
    Lat/Long: 19:05:19N 72:52:05E
    Height Above Sea Level: 37 ft
    Operational Control: -

    Notes
    It is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
    Main Units: -
    Temporary Aircraft Assembly Unit (10 Nov 1942 - 30 Jun 1943)
    No 15 Care & Maintenance Party (7 May - xxx 1943)
    No 3205 Servicing Commando (20 Jun - 10 Sep 1945)
    Detachments**
    No 138 Repair & Salvage Unit (xxx 1944 - xxx 1945)
    No 10 Ferry Unit (Mar - Jun 1945)
    No 320 Maintenance Unit (xxx 1946 - Oct 1947)
    Links to related sites/pages
    Aerial photo on Google Maps,

    Notes
    It is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
     
  6. robin bird

    robin bird Well-Known Member

    thanks for the feed back
     
  7. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Geoff, can you add links to where to website you got that info from , please.
    RAF Santa Cruz
     
  8. Roly

    Roly New Member

    My grandad (Harry Coe) flew with 1588 hff it seems after serving with 692 squadron during the war, Fred and him may have crossed paths. I've attached a photo of his log book covering the start of his service with 1588 for general interest.
     

    Attached Files:

    RAF Santa Cruz and dbf like this.
  9. I'd love to see more photographs of RAF Santa Cruz, and as relates to it, if anyone has any to share.
     

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