Bennett's summary of his service (as written by him) states the raid occurred after he did his commando training while posted to 286 Squadron, in the period May-November 1943. During his time there he didn't participate in any operational flights according to his service record. His service record clarifies the dates with 286 Sqn as 18/5/43 to 22/11/43. He didn't arrive at 453 until August 44. I know they used destroyers at St Nazaire, and thought it was very odd for an air force pilot to be selected for a Commando operation when they had units of dedicated commandos. In almost 100 pilot record files in research for my book I don't recall ever seeing anything related to commando training, even though I know some did it. His personal skills form does not have any record of his Commando training either, and there's room for it to be mentioned in the "other" field. Thanks for everyone's efforts - I'll include what he claims, but as far as checking on it - it's just one of those things I guess..... Adam
Adam, I presume this is your man on the Australian War Memorial site? Do you have the memoir referenced therein? If not I will apply for a copy. Thanks, Pat
Pat, yes that is the fellow and I read through that particular file at the AWM last week, which prompted the question - the answers are not in the file so please don't spend any money on it. I have made some notes from the file for my book, but the answer to my question isn't in there. In this file he claims to have written a great number of books (apparently mainly novels based on real events) including one called "Mig Meat" (he served in Korea too), but I have not found any actual copies yet, but have discovered some online references. Many thanks for everyone's input on this - it's been good to be able to get a discussion going. If anything pops up in any other file that sheds light on this I'll be sure to post it. Adam
Hi Adam, FYI, there is one Combat Report pertaining to Flight Lieutenant Bennett digitised in the UK National Archives (AIR 50/156/3). The lead date is 27th September 1944, but sometimes these CRs hold information on more than one date. The link is here. Regards, Pat
Whilst with 125 Wing at B.70 Antwerp/Deurne, from "Defeat to Victory" by Squadron Leader John Bennett (!) about 27 September 1944 "Three hours later another patrol led by Flight Lieutenant Bennett was able to engage in what was to be 453's final dogfight of the War. Near Arnhem over fifty Me109s were attacked, with Bennett destroying one and damaging two ...." He was a former fitter and turner, born 11 June 1921 in Durban, South Africa, served on 286 and 234 RAF squadrons, and 453 in WW2, and 77 RAAF in Korea, commanded 77 in 1952. Cheers Allan
So....does the fact that I missed him as the author of DtV show that I am not using it as a source and am doing as much original research as possible? :angel: Let's all agree and say yes :blush: In other news I just started an email Q+A with another Australian Spitfire pilot who flew ops against V-1 and V-2 sites towards the end of the war. Adam
Hi Adam Is S/Ldr John Bennett, a navigator, any relation to him? What squadron did your new pilot serve on, was it 603 or 453, or neither ? Cheers Allan
Hi Allan, I have no idea if the two Bennetts are related sorry. In the 453 Bennett memoir he says he was married a few times, but I don't recall any names of children, just that he thought he could have done a better job of his marriages. The newly located pilot was with 451. Adam