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Post by kesselrun on Apr 11, 2023 15:10:16 GMT 12
Can anyone help me with the full names of the following: - 'G. W. Todd', OC, Electrical and Wireless School, Wigram Station 1943
- 'Flight Sergeant Nelson', Wigram Station, 1943
An assistance greatly appreciated. Adam |
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Post by davidd on Apr 12, 2023 19:47:04 GMT 12
Pretty certain this is your man, although his initials rather startlingly different! There was a Flight Lieutenant John William TODD (date of seniority 1st October 1942), in the Equipment Branch (Section II, Technical Officers), Signals Duties. At this time he held the acting rank of Squadron Leader (Paid), this appointment dating as from 1st July 1943. Source, RNZAF List, April 1944.
Have located some mentions of this F/L Todd in the Wigram Station history. First is dated 31/1/43: F/L J W Todd temporarily attached from E&W School to Air Department (Wellington) from this date, authority Air Department Signal P.123 dated 28/1/43. F/L J W Todd returned to Wigram from temporary attachment to Air Department on 8/3/43. He departed Wigram again for Air Department on temporary attachment as from 13/4/43, returned to Wigram 15/4/43.
Under a re-organisation of the Electrical & Wireless School at Wigram on 20/4/43, "the E&W School now functions as Wing No. 4, with F/L J W Todd as OC No. 4 Wing, P/O H B Thompson as adjutant, and Sgt A J Beauchamp as Disciplinarian. The Wing comprised three squadrons (Nos. 1 to 3), etc., etc.
On 26/10/43, a scheme was discussed between E&W School and Flying Wing, Wigram, on use of the School's RDF (radar) equipment in the event of an aircraft being missing. Officers involved in these discussions were S/L J W Todd, and the RDF Technical Officer, P/O R S Danrell, as well as Wigram's Operations Officer.
There is probably more information on this man yet to be found (but NOT "F/Sgt Nelson" I fear, NCO's are rather harder to research, especially in wartime).
May also be an idea to check in Colin Hanson's "By Such Deeds" to see if he is mentioned in there.
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Post by kesselrun on Apr 12, 2023 20:28:00 GMT 12
Hi David, Thanks for that, the document I have here is from 29 Nov 1943 and I just had another look at it and see that he signs the report off as J. W. Todd, Squadron Leader, which would fit exactly with the info you've provided. I thought the first initial looked like a 'G' but seems more likely to be a 'J' based on all of this.
Shame about Nelson, but as you say not so easily run down.
Many thanks, Adam
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Post by McFly on Apr 12, 2023 21:06:30 GMT 12
 (From Colin Hansons's "By Such Deeds") |
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