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