Sqn Ldr Roy Emile LeLong / Le Long

[smithy]

Hi all,

I am trying to find out more about this Aucklander's service whilst on exchange (from the RAF) to the USAF flying F-86 Sabres in the Korean War. I have his brief bio from Errol and there are bits and bobs about his WWII service out there but extremely little about his time with the USAF - I'm not even 100% certain which FIS he was serving on.

If anybody can help I'd be hugely grateful.

Thanks,

Tim

[Dave Homewood]

There are five Le Long/LeLongs in the phone directory. Maybe one will be a descendant and have his logbooks and other paperwork?

[smithy]

Good thinking Dave.

It's a shame that there is so little out there about him. As far as I can ascertain he had 5 confirmed air to air victories (plus 3 V-1 kills) and 8 aircraft destroyed on the ground during WWII so he was no slouch. And he was awarded the AM(US) for his service in Korea on Sabres. He commanded 43 Sqn after returning to the RAF and eventually retired from the service in December 1957. Unfortunately I have no idea what he did after this, whether he stayed in the UK or returned to NZ.

Cheers,

Tim

[errolmartyn]

According to Ancestry.com his death was registered in South East Hampshire during the third quarter of 1977.

Errol

[smithy]

Many thanks Errol. So that means he settled in the UK after retirement from the service. He's certainly one of NZ's largely "forgotten" aces.

[anson]

Sqn Ldr Roy Emile Le Long was involved in a crash while on a training mission with Number 8 Service Flying school in Moncton N.B. Canada. Any information on Roy would be much appreciated as I am researching the crash for our local historical society and am hoping to find the actual crash site. R Brown

[errolmartyn]

Oct 29, 2019 7:28:24 GMT 12 anson said:

Sqn Ldr Roy Emile Le Long was involved in a crash while on a training mission with Number 8 Service Flying school in Moncton N.B. Canada. Any information on Roy would be much appreciated as I am researching the crash for our local historical society and am hoping to find the actual crash site. R Brown

From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999:


Le LONG, Flight Lieutenant Roy Emile, DFC*.
NZ42419; Born Auckland, 12 Dec 1917; RNZAF 11 Jan 1942 to 15 Jun 1947; Pilot.
Later Wg Cdr R E Le Long DFC*, AFC, Air Medal (US), RAF 1947 to 13 Oct 1957, 59129. AFC NY1956. Air Medal (US) 30 Oct 1953 In recognition of valuable services rendered during operations in Korea.
Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (Imm) (14 Nov 1944): [605 Sqn RAF (Mosquito)]
also - Plt Off J A McLaren, RAFVR.
These officers are pilot and navigator of aircraft respectively. They have completed very many sorties during which they have effectively attacked numerous locomotives, sundry barges, and much mechanical transport. In October, 1944, they saw 13 Dornier 24s at their moorings at a Baltic base. Flying Officer Le Long immediately dived to the attack. His first burst of fire struck one of the flying boats which burst into flames. For ten minutes he pressed home a series of attacks frequently flying through the thick smoke and debris hurled into the air by exploding aircraft 5 of which were left in burning, broken and sinking condition; 2 more were emitting dense smoke. A little later when they were out to sea a BV 138 was encountered. A sharp engagement ensued. Following a burst of machine gun fire from Flying Officer Le Long’s guns the enemy aircraft broke away with smoke pouring from it. Some time afterwards when over enemy territory the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. One engine was put out of action but Flying officer Le Long went on to reach base. Throughout this spirited sortie this gallant and dauntless pilot was splendidly supported by his navigator Pilot Officer McLaren whose undoubted ability, great coolness and resolution contributed materially to the success achieved.
Citation Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross [(11 May 1945): [Fighter Experimental Flight, RAF (Mosquito)] This officer has completed a large number of sorties, many of them involving attacks on airfields far into enemy territory. By the skilful execution of his most careful plans, Flying Officer Le Long has inflicted much loss on the enemy. Included in his successes is the destruction of 5 enemy aircraft in the air; he has also most effectively attacked several more on the ground. Fearless, cool and determined, this officer has set an example of a high order.
WWII Fighter Ace. Credited with the destruction of seven enemy aircraft in the air with one probable and one damaged. Also seven destroyed on the ground or water, four shared destroyed, one probable, 14 damaged and 19 shared damaged. All with 605 Sqn/Experimental Fighter Flight RAF (Mosquito). On the eve of D-Day Fg Off Le Long shot down an Me 410 over the German airfield of Évreux - the last German aircraft destroyed before D-Day. Another New Zealander, J A Houlton (qv), shot down the first German aircraft destroyed on D-Day - a Ju 88. On 2 Apr 1943, as an instructor with 8 SFTS in New Brunswick, Canada, F/S Le Long’s Anson crashed into trees due to bad weather - the aircraft immediately catching fire. Although suffering from serious head and leg injuries he walked for eight miles to the nearest road eventually reaching a hospital 13 hours after the crash. During post-war service with the RAF he flew F-86 Sabre jets in Korea on exchange with the 5th USAF, being awarded the American Air Medal. His AFC was awarded following his tour as CO 43 Sqn RAF (Meteor/Hunter) Jan 1953-Aug 1955. Also CO 257 Sqn RAF (Hunter), 1955-1957.

Errol

[jaimz]

Aug 8, 2013 12:15:10 GMT 12 smithy said:

Hi all,

I am trying to find out more about this Aucklander's service whilst on exchange (from the RAF) to the USAF flying F-86 Sabres in the Korean War. I have his brief bio from Errol and there are bits and bobs about his WWII service out there but extremely little about his time with the USAF - I'm not even 100% certain which FIS he was serving on.

If anybody can help I'd be hugely grateful.

Thanks,

Tim

[jaimz]

I am new to this site and saw your request for info on Sqn/Ldr Roy Lelong. In the current "Airmail" there is an article on the RAF in Korea. It mentions Roy who was with the 4th FIG at Kimpo, west of Seoul, and who flew 27 missions over Korea. I hope this helps you. I was flying Meteors at Leuchars when he joined 43 Squadron, but that was a long time ago. Good luck with your research.

[Dave Homewood]

Welcome Jaimz!

[davidd]

I believe Roy LeLong was appointed as CO of the very first RAF Hunter Squadron in the UK in about 1954/55, latter year I think; was this 43 Squadron?

[Dave Homewood]

Good question David, I am not sure which squadron was first to operate the Hunter. Someone here must know?

[Antonio]

According to Wiki, 43 Sqn was the first unit to receive Hunter F.1 in 1954