This is an archived page from the older DCBoard Forum of RAF Commands. This page is read-only. If you wish to post a query about this page, then please go to the newer RAF Commands Forum and register as a member.
T.E. Dodwell - 1404 or 1409 Flight
T.E. Dodwell - 1404 or 1409 FlightAuthor: HughAHalliday
Time Stamp:
15:52:00 Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Post:
The London Gazette of 19 January 1943 reported the commissioning of Terence Edgar Dodwell with service number 115307.
The London Gazette of 22 October 1943 reported a DFC to 115307 F/O Terence Edward Dodwell with published citation but unit not identified - Carter books record unit as No.1409 Flight.
The London Gazette of 11 February 1944 reported Bar to DFC 115307 F/O Terence Edgar Dodwell with no citation and no identification of units - Carter books record unit as No.1404 Flight and citation appears in Air Ministry Bulletin 12472.
Two entries out of three make it most likely that his name is Terence Edgar rather than Terence Edward. But was there a 1404 Flight ? Citations to both awards are vague as to exact duties but speak of deep penetrations of enemy territory suggesting recce, post-raid analysis or meteorological duties.
Is there a Dodwell expert (or a 1404/1409 Flight expert) lurking out there ?
RE: T.E. Dodwell - 1404 or 1409 Flight
Author: Alan Smith (Guest)
Time Stamp:
16:26:55 Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Post:
Hugh,
1404 Flight was a Meterological Flight at St Eval renumbered from No 404 Flight 1/3/42 with Blenheims. From No 15 Group to No 19 Group 1/42; 6/42 the Blenheims gave way to Hudsons and a few Albemarles later arived. 11.42 establishment 4+2 Hudson III, 4+2 Hampden and a Ventura was also flown. Redesignated No 517 Sqdn 11/8/43.
1409 F;light was formed 1/4/43 from the Mosquito flight of No 521 Sqdn as 1409 Met Flight at Oakington.in 8 Group. Operational flights being made over Europe, including Pampa flights for both Bomber Command and the USAAF. 11/43 to Bourn; 8/1/44 to Wyton and re-equipped with Mk XVIs,a Mk XV being also tried for high level flights, but proved very unsuccessful. 5/7/45 to Upwood; 10/10/45 to Lyneham in 47(Transport) Group, partially re-equipping with Liberators to become 1409(Long Range Met Recconaissance) Flight. Disbanded 13/5/46
From RAF Support Units Air Britain.
Regards,
Alan
RE: T.E. Dodwell - 1404 or 1409 Flight
Author: Chris Charland (Guest)
Time Stamp:
16:49:27 Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Post:
Hi Hugh
No. 1404 (Met) Flight was a meteorological flight within No. 19 Group, R. A. F. Coastal Command. It was based at R. A. F. Station St. Eval, Wadebridge, Cornwall. The unit started out flying the Bristol Blenheim. It was superceded by the Lockheed Hudson. The Hudsons were joined for a brief period of time by a handful of Armstrong Whitworth Albenmarles. By the closing months of 1941, No. 1404 (met) Flight was equipped with a small number of Lockheed Hudsons, Handley Page Hampdens and a sole Lockheed-Vega Ventrua. The unit was redesignated No. 517 (Met) Squadron on the 11th of August 1943.
No. 1409 (Met) Flight was a meteorological flight within No. 8 (P.F.F.) Group, R. A. F. Bomber Command. The unit operated various marks of the de Havilland Mosquito throughout its wartime operation from the following locations:
R. A. F. Station Oakington, Cambridge - 1st of April 1943 to circa November 1943
R. A. F. Station Bourn, Cambridge - circa November 1943 to 8th of January 1944
R. A. F. Station Wyton, Huntingdonshire - 8th of January 1944 until after the end of the war in Europe
Cheers...Chris