Hurricane photo

[fwx]

Possibly has no connection with NZ or the the RNZAF, but this photo was hiding in the middle of my copy of "Return At Dawn", the official history of the early war years of 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF, purchased online from a Dunedin second-hand bookshop.

It is printed on card, rather than an original photo, and has a few drawing pin holes and marks, suggesting that it spent some time on someone's wall or noticeboard.

The squadron code appears to be GZ (32 Sqdn RAF?). Does anyone recognise the photo, or have any ideas on the likely time and place?

I thought that with the current BoB commemorations that I should post it just in case it meant something to somebody.

Cheers, Chris

[baronbeeza]

I think this pic of B Flt, 32 Sqdn may have some of the same faces.

Pilots of 'B' Flight, No.32 Squadron. L-R F/O R. Smythe (WIA 24.08.1940), P/O K. Gillman (KIA 25.08.1940), P/O J. Proctor, F/O P. Brothers, P/O D. Grice (WIA 15.08.1940), F/O P. Gardner (POW 11.07.1941) and F/O A. Eckford. Hawkinge, UK. 29 July 1940.

www.flickr.com/photos/spzabt/5628772678/in/photostream/

*** EDIT ***
And this..


Hawkinge 31st July 1940.
32 Squadron.
Left to right: R Smythe, J Proctor, K Gillman, P Gardener, P Brothers, D Grice, A Eckford. All but Gillman survived the war. Gillman was killed in action on 25th August 1940. Three and a half weeks after this photo was taken.

www.kenthistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=5921.90

And the chap with the DFC so early in the battle..

www.bbm.org.uk/Gricedh.htm

[fwx]

Wow, pretty good effort there, I would say both photos were taken at the same time, but whether actually 29th or 31st July 1940, I don't mind! Really good to have names and a place. I will have a read about the individuals, and see if I can make any NZ connection.
Cheers, Chris

[Dave Homewood]

Peter Brothers was very well known.

[baronbeeza]

www.vintagebentleys.org/newsletter/2009/feb/index.php