UNDER CONSTRUCTION – thanks to Malcolm Barrass for assistance
.
(photo thanks to AirHistory.net)
The squadron reformed under Air Ministry Establishment No. HD/23 No.140344/31 at RAF Netheravon on Salisbury Plain on 20 October 1931 under the command of Squadron Leader HG Bowen MBE, receiving Hawker Harts the following month.
(thanks to Imperial War Museum)
The squadron came under Inland Area for Station Administration and Wessex Bombing Area for Operations and Training. The establishment order provided for “a Single Engine Bomber Squadron, equipped Hart, Rolls Royce Kestrel I.b. engines of 480 h.p. ” It’s personnel would be 11 officers and 87 airmen including 6 Airmen Pilots. The squadron was to have 12 Initial Equipment Aircraft with 6 Immediate Reserve.
Squadron Leader Horace George Bowen MBE was appointed to command and arrived at Netheravon several days prior to the formation date to inspect buildings and make preliminary arrangements for the reception of personnel.
Bowen had flown as a pilot with with No’s 7 and 19 Squadrons RFC in 1916 before transferring back to No. 7 Squadron where he was appointed a Flight Commander in April 1917. He was a flight commander in No. 100 Squadron from October 1917 and later served in Ireland. Bowen was awarded the MBE in the London Gazette 1 Jan 1923 as a Flight Lieut. and had been promoted Squadron Leader on 1 Jan 1928, later attaining Acting Air Commodore 1 Dec 1940.
Flying Officer SL Blunt who was appointed Adjutant arrived on 20th with 5 Airmen but after only a week with the squadron he was posted away. (Samuel Leslie Blunt (26026), later Group Capt.).
On 30 Oct 1931 Flight Lieut. Frank M Denny (recently returned to England after a tour as ADC to the Governor of Victoria) arrived on appointment as a flight commander and the following day the unit consisted of 2 officers and 27 airmen.
(Frank Maynard Denny (16130), (1904-1984 Huddersfield) Group Capt).
On 4 November 1931 the squadron received 4 Harts (K-type) including one dual from No. 12 Squadron, Andover and flying commenced the following morning when the CO accompanied by Corporal Charles Goffe MM (a distinguished former No. 57 Squadron air gunner in the Great War, wounded in aerial combat in April and August 1917) who happened to be serving at Netheravon with No. 13 Squadron, carried out the first flight.
(Charles Reginald Goffe MM – (1895-1950) later a civilian Link Trainer Instructor, RAF Retd)
(British Official photo)
Through November and December the squadron’s Form 540 recorded the arrival of its remaining pilots, initially Flying Officers – Eric C Bates (later AVM) as Adjutant on 12 November, RA Byrne (on 28th), Francis AJ Pollock-Gore (on 29th) and Herbert L Smith (on 30th) followed by Flying Officers – William B Thomson (1st Dec) and Pilot Officer Francis C Seavill (on 29th).
At the end of 1931 the squadron consisted of Headquarters and “A” Flight and had 8 officers and 44 airmen but lacked a number of aircraft.
One of the pilots posted to No. 57 Squadron in late December 1931 was Thomas Parselle (later AVM), who actually arrived at Netheravon from RAF Cranwell on 18 Jan 1932 with Pilot Officers Eric A Collyns and Rupert HA Leigh (later Air Commodore).
(photo courtesy British Official)
On 11 February 1932 brother Pilot Officers the Hon. George R Ward and the Hon Edward F Ward reported for duty, followed on 19th by Pilot Officer John G Glen and two days later on 21st by Flight Lieut Eric RC Hobson DFC appointed as a Flight Commander.
Eric Hobson had served with the Trinidad Local Levies and then the 8th British West India Regiment prior to transferring to the RFC in October 1917. He served in the field from June 1917 and served with 47 Squadron. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross [London Gazette 12 July 1920] for service in Somaliland. Aircraft Depot Iraq in 1924. He served with No. 216 Squadron, Egypt in 1926. Promoted Flight Lieut. 1 Jan 1927. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order (posthumously) for gallantry in action against armed bands at Umm El Fahm/Palestine on 31 Jan 1938 [London Gazette 6 May 1938]. Died of wounds 9 April 1938.
New Flight Commander Flight Lieut Frank Beaumont reported on 4th March, Pilot Officer Cedric H Mallinson (on 8th) and Pilot Officer Arthur WH Finny arrived from No. 3 Flying Training School (on 26th).
Frank Beaumont had been an RFC Observer and later a 56 (Fighter) Squadron pilot in the Great War. He was shot down and taken prisoner in April 1918 but returned to regular service. He had been a Flight Commander with 12 Squadron before his appointment with No. 57 Squadron and would rise to Air Commodore during WW2. He retired to Bavaria in Southern Germany.
(photo thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
Between 18 – 24 April 1932 No. 57 Squadron participated in the WBA Camera Obscura Exercises carrying out simulated raids on targets at Polegate, Waddington and Avonmouth.
The entire month of May was spend working with No. 18 Squadron rehearsing for the RAF Display Wing Drill. On 3 May Pilot Officer RH Maw joined the squadron as a specialist navigator for Pilotage Duties.
On 30 May and 12 June the squadron flew fighter affiliation exercises with Bulldog fighters of No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron, before participating in the Wing Drill at Andover Display. On 22 June ten aircraft of the squadron flew to Hendon where they remained until 25th for final rehearsals for the RAF Display.
From 4 – 17 July 1932 the squadron flew affiliation exercises and practices with No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron (Fury’s) at varying heights between 4,000 to 13,000 feet and in the latter stages also practised fighter evasion tactics.
No. 57 Squadron flew to North Coates on 18 July to commence a 6 weeks programme of Bombing and Air Firing with 12 Regular crews. Every exercise was completed with the exception of 2 squadron raids which were abandoned in bad weather. Reserve crews carried out some bombing and a good deal of air firing. The squadron returned to Netheravon on 27 August.
From the Air Force List – July 1932
(thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Hawker Hart | RAF Netheravon (Inland Area) | ADGB/Wessex Bombing Area |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | Horace George Bowen MBE | 20 Oct 1931 | Officer Commanding, later A/Cdre (see note above) |
| Flt Lt | Frank Beaumont | 15 Feb 1932 | (see note above). later A/Cdre, CB. (03135) |
| Flt Lt | Eric Ralph Carrington Hobson DFC | 21 Feb 1932 | (note above) DFC [LG 12 Jul 1920] Somaliliand. DSO [LG 6 May 1938]. Died of Wounds 9 April 1938. |
| Flt Lt | Frank Maynard Denny | 20 Oct 1931 | later G/Capt (16130) |
| Fg Off | Herbert Legh Smith | 30 Nov 1931 | (27237) S/Ldr in 1949 |
| Fg Off | Francis Andrew Joseph Pollock-Gore | 30 Nov 1931 | Retd 1955; S/Ldr |
| Fg Off | William Barrett Thompson | 1 Dec 1931 | (28239) RAFO awarded AFC [LG 31 Aug 1943] as S/Ldr. Retd 1954 S/Ldr |
| Fg Off | Eric Cecil Bates | 12 Nov 1931 | later AVM; CB CBE DFC. |
| Fg Off | John Graeme Glen | 20 Feb 1932 | Retd 1955; G/Capt OBE. (32140) |
| Plt Off | Francis Cecil Seavill | 29 Dec 1931 | (29216) KIA 6 Dec 1942 as W/Cdr, 487 Sqdn. (New Zealander) |
| Plt Off | Cedric Howard Mallinson | 8 Mar 1932 | (29246) Retd Mar 1947 S/Ldr |
| Plt Off | Arthur William Magee Finny | 27 Mar 1932 | (32007) KIFA 21 Jan 1943 as W/Cdr. |
| Plt Off | Roger Hargreaves Maw | 3 May 1932 | Pilotage (Nav) duties; later W/Cdr DFC |
| Plt Off | Thomas Alfred Boyd Parselle | 19 Dec 1931 | later AVM, CBE |
| Plt Off | Eric Arthur Collyns | 19 Dec 1931 | KiFA 25 Jul 33 at Aden |
| Plt Off | Rupert Henry Archibald Leigh | 19 Dec 1931 | later A/Cdre. MiD 4 times |
| Plt Off | The Hon George Reginald Ward | 11 Feb 1932 | (32145) Promoted W/Cdr on 1 Jan 1943 |
| Plt Off | The Hon Edward Frederick Ward | 11 Feb 1932 | (32144) Retd 1 Jun 1948 as G/Capt. |
| – | |||
| 1 Airman Pilot |
Source – July 1932 Air Force List
On 5 September 1932 the entire squadron moved to Upper Heyford, pilots and air gunners flew in their aircraft and remaining personnel moved by road, the entire move was completed by 14:00 hours.
(thanks to Mike Barratt)
| Movement Date | Location |
| 5 Sep 1932 | Upper Heyford |
Pilot Officer Rupert HA Leigh was posted to Gosport for Fleet Air Arm training on 4 September, Pilot Officer Philip Arthur deGleichen Tettenborn (died 19 Aug 1990) joined No. 57 Squadron from 43 Squadron on 12th, Pilot Officers Hubert F Boss-Walker (of Hobart, Tasmania) and JWB Judge both arrived on 19th and on 4 Oct Pilot Officer Eric A Collyns was posted to Aden followed by Pilot Officer Roger H Maw to 39 Squadron, Risalpur/India on 14th.
Between 17 – 19 October the squadron participated in a second series of Camera Obscura Exercises. Every single one of the 21 allotted raids were carried out in only 3 days, practice targets at Northampton, Portishead and Cardington. Practice bombs were dropped at Bicester by each flight leader on 19 October.
On 15 November AVM Sir Tom Webb-Bowen carried out the Annual Inspection and on 19 December Sir Philip Sassoon (Under-Secretary of State for Air) visited the squadron.
1933
On 1 Jan 1933 Pilot Officers the Hon. George R and Edward F Ward were posted to Gosport for Fleet Air Arm training and on 16th Pilot Officer JFH de Boulay arrived from Cranwell. (note – Joscelyne Forgan Houssemayne Du BOULAY (33025) later Group CaptCBE, DFC ). On the following day two more pilots were posted Pilot Officer Arthur WM Finny to 47 Bomber Squadron Khartoum and Sergeant Hall to 45 Bomber Squadron, Egypt.
On 19 January 1933 the CO, Squadron Leader HG Bowen MBE (posted to Air Staff (Intelligence), Middle East effective 28 Feb 1933) handed over command to Squadron Leader FW Trott OBE MC.
Francis William Trott – commissioned to 8th Devonshire Regt; served in France from 25 July 1915; awarded Military Cross [London Gazette 17 Jan 1916] as 2/Lt, Devonshire Regt; attached Royal Flying Corps as Captain, Feb 1917; awarded OBE [London Gazette 6 Jan 1919]; promoted Squadron Leader 1 Jan 1926; promoted Wing Commander 1 Jan 1934; promoted Group Captain 1 Jan 1938; awarded Legion of Merit (USA) [London Gazette 15 March 1946]
(photo thanks to National Archives)
Flight Lieut Herbert N Hampton DFC was posted to No. 57 Squadron on 23 February 1933. A distinguished RFC pilot of the Great War he had flown with 58 Squadron being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in August 1918 for completing 41 long range bombing sorties and then a very long range night Recce carried out at 500 feet altitude under intense machinegun fire. Promoted Wing Commander on 1 April 1938. Retired June 1946 as Group Capt. (born 31 Aug 1898 Hoddesdon – died 29 Jan 1978)
Squadron formation practices were flown during April.
On 19 April the squadron participated in the Wessex Bombing Area tactical exercise, 12 crews taking part in Individual Air Pilotage and 14 flight raids were planned under Camera Obscura Exercises (4 abandoned due to bad weather). The targets were Cardington (on 19th), Andover (on 20th) and Portishead (21st).
From 23 – 26 May No. 57 Squadron took part in the “War Office Air Exercises 1933”. Concentration took place at Northolt on 23rd, operations were carried out on 24th and 25th and dispersal after a conference on 26th. The squadron was used for photo-recce work.
During late May and June 1933 the squadron carried out a number of practices with No. 18 and No. 35 (Bomber) Squadrons in preparation for the Wing Drill in the RAF Display at Hendon 24 June 1933. This proved successful at the Andover Display on 16 June but was abandoned at Hendon after the Wing Fly Past due to very low cloud and poor visability.
Co-operation exercises with the Observer Corps, No. 1 (Kent), No. 2 (Sussex), No. 3 (Hants) and No. 18 (Essex), were carried out in July- as follows. On 4 – 6 July – Communication Exercises and on 7 and 14 July – Calibration Exercises.
July 1933
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Hawker Hart | RAF Upper Heyford | ADGB/Central Area |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | Francis William Trott OBE MC | 5 Jan 1933 | Officer Commanding (see note above) |
| Flt Lt | Frank Beaumont | 15 Feb 1932 | later A/Cdre, CB. (03135) |
| Flt Lt | Herbert Nind Hampton DFC | 23 Feb 1933 | later G/Capt. Retd 1946. (07126) DFC [LG Aug 1918] |
| Flt Lt | Frank Maynard Denny | 20 Oct 1931 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
| Fg Off | Herbert Legh Smith | 30 Nov 1931 | (27237) Retd S/Ldr 1949 |
| Fg Off | Francis Andrew Joseph Pollock-Gore | 30 Nov 1931 | Retd S/Ldr 1955 |
| Fg Off | William Barrett Thompson | 1 Dec 1931 | (28239) RAFO awarded AFC [LG 31 Aug 1943] as S/Ldr. Retd 1954 S/Ldr |
| Fg Off | Eric Cecil Bates | 12 Nov 1931 | later AVM CB CBE DFC |
| Fg Off | John Graeme Glen | 20 Feb 1932 | Retd 1955, G/Capt, OBE (32140) |
| Fg Off | Hubert Fowler Boss-Walker | 17 Sep 1932 | Transf to RAAF 16 Aug 1936. KiFA June 1944 |
| Plt Off | Ernest Charles Kidd AFM | 10 Apr 1933 | Retd 1954 G/Capt, CBE AFC AFM. (05237) |
| Warrant Officers – 2nd Class | |||
| WO II | Charles Littleproud BEM | 26 Feb 1932 | See below. (1014) |
| – | |||
| 8 Airmen Pilots |
Source – July 1933 Air Force List
(British Official photo)
The list above includes Hubert F Boss-Walker of Hobart, Tasmania who transferred to the RAAF on 16 Aug 1936 after his initial service. At the time of his death in June 1944 (aged 33) he was Chief Test Pilot and Flight Superintendent of De Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sudney, Australia. He was flying an aircraft over Sydney when it broke up, literally falling apart.
Also listed is Ernest C Kidd AFM a distinguished pilot born in 1906 in Portsmouth, he was awarded the Air Force Medal, commissioned, promoted Flying Officer 10 Oct 1934, Sqdn Leader 1 April 1939, awarded the AFC [London Gazette 11 Oct 1940] and later the OBE before the CBE. Kidd died at Virginia Water on 28 June 1955.
Squadron Warrant Officer 2nd Class Charles Henry Littleproud BEM was born in 1897 and joined the RFC on 1 January 1914 training to become a Fitter (General). He served in the Great War and was promoted Sergeant on 1 May 1917. Remaining in the RAF he was issued service number 1014 and in the 1920’s was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal for gallantry but did not actually receive it. Littleproud received the RAF Long Service & Good Conduct Medal on 1 Jan 1932 and the 1935 Jubilee and 1937 Coronation Medals. He was later awarded the British Empire Medal [London Gazette 31 July 1931] for services between 23 April – 19 September 1930 in India. He served at RAF Leconfield from 1 March 1937 and by Oct 1944 was the 59th most senior Warrant Officer in the RAF. Died 4 Dec 1952, buried at Kingston Cemetery, Surrey.
From 16 – 20 July 1933 the squadron participated in the Air Defence Great Britain Command air exercises forming a Bomber Wing at Martlesham Heath with No’s 12 and 18 Squadrons. On each of five raids the squadron provided 12 aircraft, these were Henley-on-Thames (on 17th), Cardington (on 18th), Bicester (on 19th), Halton (on 19th) and Wittering (on 20th). Dispersal and return to Upper Heyford was on the afternoon of 20 July.
In accordance with the late 1932 plan to incorporate No’s 18 and 57 Squadrons into the Royal Air Force Component of Contingent “A” of the Expeditionary Force, both squadrons took part in a mobilization exercise at North Coates Fitties from 4 September 1933 to 8 October 1933. No. 57 Squadron carried out full mobilization procedures beginning 29 August 1933 and proceeded to North Coates Fitties by its allocated transport by road on 2 September 1933. The journey took three days with nights spoent in bivouacs. In order to determine the maximum ranges of a mobile squadron the return journey of 150 miles was done in a single day on 8 October 1933. The annual bombing and gunnery training at No. 2 Armament Training Camp (North Coates Fitties) was considerably interrupted by bad weather.
January 1934
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Hawker Hart | RAF Upper Heyford | ADGB/Central Area |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | Francis William Trott OBE MC | 5 Jan 1933 | Officer Commanding |
| Flt Lt | Frank Beaumont | 15 Feb 1932 | later A/Cdre |
| Flt Lt | Herbert Nind Hampton DFC | 23 Feb 1933 | later G/Capt. Retd 1946. (07126) DFC [LG Aug 1918] |
| Flt Lt | Frank Maynard Denny | 20 Oct 1931 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties (16130) |
| Fg Off | Herbert Legh Smith | 30 Nov 1931 | (27237) Retd S/Ldr 1949 |
| Fg Off | Francis Andrew Joseph Pollock-Gore | 30 Nov 1931 | Retd S/Ldr 1955 |
| Fg Off | Leslie Edward Dalrymple | 24 Aug 1933 | (RAFO) prom F/Lt. 3 Sep 1939. AFC [LG 1 Sep 42] Retd S/Ldr 1954. |
| Fg Off | William Barrett Thompson | 1 Dec 1931 | (28239) RAFO awarded AFC [LG 31 Aug 1943] as S/Ldr. Retd 1954 S/Ldr |
| Fg Off | John Graeme Glen | 20 Feb 1932 | Retd 1955, G/Capt OBE (32140) |
| Fg Off | Hubert Fowler Boss-Walker | 17 Sep 1932 | transf to RAAF 16 Aug 1936. KiFA June 1944 Sydney, NSW |
| Fg Off | Norman David Crockart | 21Aug 1933 | KIA 27 Jun 1940 as W/Cdr, 50 Sqdn. (32155) (S African) |
| Plt Off | Augustine Stuart Quallett Robins | 21 Aug 1933 | KIA 18 Apr 1941 as S/Ldr, 114 Sqdn. (32179) |
| Plt Off | Phillip Cutliffe Lawrence | 28Aug 1933 | KIA 8 Feb 1941 as S/Ldr, 12 Sqdn. (RAFO) (32228) |
| Plt Off | George Archibald Marshall Pryde | 28 Aug 1933 | KIA 19 Jun 1940 as S/Ldr. (32232) |
| Warrant Officers – 2nd Class | |||
| WO II | Charles Littleproud BEM | 26 Feb 1932 | see earlier note |
| – | |||
| 8 Airmen Pilots |
Source – January 1934 Air Force List
On 1 January 1934 the CO, Squadron Leader FW Trott OBE MC, was promoted Wing Commander and posted to command No. 2 Armament Training Camp (North Coates Fitties) effective 26 February 1934. He handed command of the squadron over to Squadron Leader Frederick William Walker DSC AFC on 11 February 1934 (effective 26 Feb 1934).
(photo thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
Frederick William Walker had joined the Royal Navy as a rating in 1913 becoming a Signaller and serving ashore with the Royal Naval Brigade. He trained as a pilot becoming a Flight Sub-Lieut. in June 1915. He was awarded a DSC – Distinguished Service Cross [London Gazette 1 October 1917] and later the AFC – Air Force Cross [London Gazette 2 November 1918] and promoted Flight Lieut, RAF on 1 August 1919. Postwar Walker flew with No. 210 and later No. 205 Squadrons before serving with Fleet Spotter Flight, Fleet Air Arm. After several years in Air Intelligence HQ RAF Middle East and later on Staff at HQ Transjordan and Palestine he attended a course at RN Staff College Greenwich and joined No. 57 Squadron. He would attain the rank of Acting Air Commodore on 26 November 1940.
(photo thanks to Mike Barratt)
On 26 March 1934 the squadron carried out dive bombing practice to familiarise crews with low altitude bombing in preparation for the “Centurion” trials in the autumn.
From 23 April No. 57 Squadron participated in Central Area Tactical Area Exercise No.1.1934 during the week 23 – 27 April consisiting of Part 1. Air Pilotage Exercises (Navigation) and Part 2. Bombing Exercises. 12 crews were entered for Part 1 and the squadron was placed FIRST on completion. During the bombing part there were 12 targets of which 11 were completed, one being abandoned due to bad weather, the targets were Portishead, North Coates Fitties and Peterborough. Eleven pilots were exercised as flight leaders.
31 May 1934 the squadron sent ten aircraft to Hendon to co-ordinate with the inaugurations of the Amsterdam-Hull Route by the Royal Dutch Air Line. The crews were entertained to lunch in the club house at Hull Municipal Aerodrome and then carried out an Air Display over the aerodrome.
During May and June the squadron practiced with No’s 19, 600 and 610 Squadrons in preparation for the Wing Drill at the RAF Display Hendon on 30 June 1934. For the first time this consisted of changing formations over the aerodrome, this was carried out successfully in perfect weather over Hendon on Display day.
July 1934
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Hawker Hart | RAF Upper Heyford | ADGB/Central Area |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | Frederick William Walker DSC AFC | 11 Feb 1934 | Officer Commanding, later A/Cdre (see above) |
| Flt Lt | Frank Beaumont | 15 Feb 1932 | later A/Cdre CB |
| Flt Lt | Herbert Nind Hampton DFC | 23 Feb 1933 | later G/Capt. Retd 1946. (07126) DFC [LG Aug 1918] |
| Flt Lt | Frank Maynard Denny | 20 Oct 1931 | Pilotage (Navigation) duties |
| Fg Off | Francis Andrew Joseph Pollock-Gore | 30 Nov 1931 | Retd S/Ldr 1955 |
| Fg Off | Leslie Edward Dalrymple | 24 Aug 1933 | (RAFO) prom F/Lt. 3 Sep 1939. AFC [LG 1 Sep 42] Retd S/Ldr 1954. (28218) |
| Fg Off | William Barrett Thompson | 1 Dec 1931 | (28239) RAFO awarded AFC [LG 31 Aug 1943] as S/Ldr. Retd 1954 S/Ldr |
| Fg Off | Hubert Fowler Boss-Walker | 17 Sep 1932 | transf to RAAF 16 Aug 1936. KiFA June 1944 Sydney, NSW |
| Fg Off | Norman David Crockart | 21Aug 1933 | KIA 27 Jun 1940, W/Cdr, 50 Sqdn. (South African) (32155) |
| Plt Off | Augustine Stuart Quallett Robins | 21 Aug 1933 | KIA 18 Apr 1941 as S/Ldr, 114 Sqdn. (32179) |
| Plt Off | Philip Cutliffe Lawrence | 28Aug 1933 | KIA 8 Feb 1941 as S/Ldr, 12 Sqdn. (RAFO) (32228) |
| Plt Off | George Archibald Marshall Pryde | 28 Aug 1933 | KIA 19 June 1940, S/Ldr (32232) DFC |
| Plt Off | Arthur Thomas Drake Sanders | 12 Feb 1934 | KIA 31 Oct 1941, W/Cdr, 85 Sqdn. DFC (33095) |
| Warrant Officer | |||
| WO | Horace Barnes | 12 Jan 1934 | (774) see below |
| – | |||
| 8 Airmen Pilots |
The Squadron Warrant Officer Horace Barnes was an early member of the RFC having enlisted 4 July 1913. He was a Rigger (Aero) by trade and was promoted Sergeant on 1 August 1917, on formation of the RAF he was allocated service number 774 and was a Flight Sergeant when his RAF Long Service & Good Conduct Medal was awarded effective 24 June 1931. Mr Barnes was commissioned directly to Flying Officer (Engineer Officer) on 30 August 1937, promoted Flight Lieut on 30 Aug 1940 (number 35131), he retired as Wing Commander on 1 June 1949.
On the day after the Hendon Display the squadron moved by air and road transport to No. 2 Armament Training Camp for its period of 7 weeks annual training, 2 – 21 July and 30 July to 26 August. The period was interrupted for one week by the Air Defence Great Britain Air Exercises which necessitated the squadron’s temporary return to Upper Heyford.
Only 2 flights were available for most of the 7 week period due to contractors fitting the new Electro Magnetic Bomb Release Gear.
Trials were carried out to investigate the possibility of high level bombing (20,000 feet). The weather during the first three weeks was very good but the latter period was continually interferred with by cloud.
23 – 28 July 1934 Air Defence Great Britain Air Exercises – six exercise raids were carried out., the first three attacks in company with No. 18 Squadron, targets were a Wing raid on Imperial Chemicals, Millbank (23rd), dive bombing North Weald (24th), Level bombing at Coventry (24th), squadron raid on West India Docks (25th), Wing raid on Coventry (25th) and a second squadron raid on West India Docks (26th).
(thanks to Carolyn Pryde)
27 August to 15 September 1934. The squadron moved from North Coates Fitties direct to Ford on 24 August where it was accommodated under canvas with No. 18 Squadron on the civilian aerodrome for three weeks. Week One consisted of dive bombing practices on an Armoured Motor Boat in “Area K”. Weeks two and three were non-tactical and tactical dive bombing attacks on HMS “Centurion”. During the latter the squadron co-operated with No’s 18 and 33 Squadrons attacking in quick succession. The weather was mostly good but sea haze could make shooting difficult.
On 15 September the squadron moved by air and road transport to Upper Heyford from where it worked during Army Co-Operation Exercises as a part of Army Manoeuvres 1934 – Southern Command. Orders were issued by Westland Bomber Group HQ at Brookworth following which long range and mediuym range reconnaissance was carried out and bombing raids under taken on ammunition dumps and simulated enemy aerodromes on Salisbury Plain.
Between April and August all aircraft were modified by contractors with Kidde Lux Flotation gear and Electro Magnetic Bomb Release gear.
During January 1935 No. 57 Squadron lost its complete complement of 24 rigger and fitter maintenance personnel when every man was posted away and replaced by 12 Fitter II’s and 12 mates as per Air Ministry W.O. A364/32.
A number of vacancies for Air Gunners resulted (many of the riggers and fitters were part-time aircrew gunners) and between March and June 12 of the new Air Observers were posted to the squadron.
29 June 1935, the squadron again participated in the Air Drill Event wiht No’s 18 and 15 Squadrons at Hendon.
(thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
6 July 1935, No. 57 Squadron took part in the Royal Review at Mildenhall and led No. 2 Flight Bomber Wing in the Fly Past at Duxford.
July 1935
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Hawker Hind (from May 1936) | RAF Upper Heyford | ADGB/No 1 (Bomber) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | Frederick William Walker DSC AFC | 11 Feb 1934 | Officer Commanding, later A/Cdre |
| Flt Lt | John Gerald Franks | 24 May 1935 | 1954 later AVM, CB CBE LoM (USA). (16152) |
| Flt Lt | John Dawson Greaves | 1 Oct 1934 | Temp G/Capt to Wing Cdr Tech Branch 1948 (19238) |
| Flt Lt | Basil Malins Carey | 8 Dec 1934 | Actg Wing Cdr 1940 (16239) |
| Fg Off | Hubert Fowler Boss-Walker | 17 Sep 1932 | transf to RAAF 16 Aug 1936. KiFA June 1944 Sydney, NSW |
| Fg Off | Norman David Crockart | 21Aug 1933 | KIA 27 Jun 1940, W/Cdr, 50 Sqdn. (South African) (32155) |
| Fg Off | James Galt Macintyre | 2 Mar 1935 | KIA 29 Jul 1940 as S/Ldr, 44 Sqdn (36015) |
| Plt Off | Arthur Thomas Drake Sanders | 12 Feb 1934 | KIA 31 Oct 1941, W/Cdr, 85 Sqdn. DFC (33095) |
| Plt Off | Robert Gordon Yaxley | 28 Jul 1934 | KIA 3 Jun 1943, G/Capt. DSO MC DFC (33130) |
| Plt Off | Ronald Ernest Curry | 24 May 1935 | Retd S/Ldr 27 Feb 1945 (33111) |
| Plt Off | Hugh Lowther Dawson | 4 Mar 1935 | W/Cdr, DFC, 1946 (RAFO) (34148) |
| Warrant Officers – 2nd Class | |||
| WO II | James John Burton | 29 Mar 1935 | (35052) Awarded RAF LS&GC 12 Apr 1933. Commissioned F/O wef 22 May 1936 – Armament Officer. Retd as W/Cdr 1947 |
| – | |||
| 8 Airmen Pilots |
Source – July 1935 Air Force List.
(thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
On 1 July 1935 Squadron Leader FW Walker DSC AFC was promoted to Wing Commander and posted to Air Ministry. He was succeeded as commanding officer on 15 July 1935 by Squadron Leader FHE Reeve (15060)
Commissioned in August 1915, Francis Henry Ernest Reeve had served with the Northumberland Fusiliers before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in November 1916 initially with 9 Squadron but then for most of 1917 with No. 15 Squadron, wounded in combat in March 1917 Reeve became a Flight Commander in December and continued with the squadron into 1918. He had served with 216 Sqdn in 1922 and 4 Sqdn in 1929. Promoted Squadron Leader on 1 Feb 1932 and Wing Commander on 1 April 1937, Reeve attained the rank of Acting Air Commodore on 3 Sep 1943 and was awarded the CBE [London Gazette 24 Sep 1941].
On 7 July 1935 No. 57 Squadron proceeded by air and road to No. 2 Armament Training Camp at North Coates Fitties for annual training until 18 August 1935. The weather remained very good and there was no serious interruption. 2,014 practice bombs were dropped and 33,871 rounds of ammunition fired. The squadron obtained third place in the Armament Officers Trophy competition and returned to Upper Heyford on 18 August.
War Office Exercise 16 – 20 September 1935. Twelve aircraft with crews and maintenance personnel moved to Boscombe Down on 16 September and during the following 4 days participated in exercises. The squadron formed part of Westland Forces and was employed on medium reconnaissance and bombing raids. Returned to Upper Heyford on 20 September.
20 September 1935 the squadron was detailed as one of the units in the Field Force Contingent in Phase IV of the “1935 Emergency” exercise.
During October and November the Rolls Royce Kestrel I B engines in the squadrons aircraft were replaced by Rolls Royce Kestrel X engines.
16 March 1936 – “C” Flight of No. 57 Squadron under Flight Lieut. Basil Malins Cary was broken off to form the nucleus of the new No. 218 Squadron. Pending the formation of an HQ for the new squadron it remainder under the command of Squadron Leader Reeve. As a consequence of this the establishment of No. 57 Squadron became two flights each of six aircraft.
Between 27 March and 25 April 1936 the squadron attended No. 2 Armament Training Camp, North Coates Fitties for annual armament training, personnel were accommodated under canvas under quite advarse conditions. No. 218 Squadron were in attendance acting as the third flight of No. 57 Squadron. 724 practice bombs were dropped and 29, 777 rounds of ammunition fired. The squadron performance on the long distance bombing test won for them the Armament Officers Bombing Trophy for 1936.
Throughout the Spring the squadron practiced low flying bombing raids, flying cross country, bombing from 200 feet. On 21 May the squadron carried out a demonstration of this form of bombing before members of the Imperial Defence College on Porton Bombing Range. Three flights, each of three aircraft, dropped 72 bombs in salvoes, all bombs hitting the 50 feet square target.
On 1 May 1936 at Upper Heyford the squadron was re-equipped with Hawker Hind aircraft with Rolls Royce Kestrel V engines.
On 23 May Upper Heyford Station was open to the public for Empire Air Day and the squadron provided formation flying and bombing displays.
Between 28 May and 1 July 1936 the squadron was affiliated to the Air Fighting Development Establishment, Northolt. The object of this affiliation was to ascertain in view of the rapidly changing characteristics of bombers and speed of aircraft, attacks on bomber formations were visualized as being carried out from the rear only. After a series of experimental formations and exercises in conjunction with No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron a formation was recommended.
July 1936
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Hawker Hind | RAF Upper Heyford | Bomber Command/No 1 (Bomber) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | Francis Henry Ernest Reeve | 1 Jul 1935 | Officer Commanding, later A/Cdre CBE (15060) see biog note above. |
| Flt Lt | Kenneth Lea-Cox | 15 Apr 1936 | (29188). AFC [LG 1 Jan 1946] as G/Capt. |
| Flt Lt | Hubert Fowler Boss-Walker | 30 Aug 1933 | transf to RAAF 16 Aug 1936. KiFA June 1944 Sydney, NSW |
| Fg Off | Norman David Crockart | 21Aug 1933 | KIA 27 Jun 1940, W/Cdr, 50 Sqdn. (South African) (32155) |
| Plt Off | Peter Stevens | 14 Oct 1935 | (37054) DFC [LG 7 Mar 1941] S/Ldr. Greek DFC [LG 29 Dec 1942] Wing Cdr. |
| Plt Off | Lawrence Alfred George Stopham Lewer | 4 Mar 1936 | (37192) W/Cdr in 1947 |
| Plt Off | Robin Baillie Nuthall | 12 Jun 1936 | KIA 9 May 1940 Norway, Lieut (A) RN. Transf to RN – Fleet Air Arm 26 May 1938. |
| APO | Michael Warnford Hamlyn | 23 Apr 1936 | (37228) KIFA 4 Aug 1942, Flight Lieut. |
| Warrant Officers – 2nd Class | |||
| WO II | James John Burton | 29 Mar 1935 | (35052) Awarded RAF LS&GC 12 Apr 1933. Commissioned F/O wef 22 May 1936 – Armament Officer. Retd as W/Cdr 1947. |
| – | |||
| 7 Airmen Pilots |
Source – July 1936 Air Force List
From 27 – 30 July the squadron participated in the Observer Corps Exercises. On 27th, 29th and 30th carrying out raids at high altitude on targets around London. Oxygen was used on all raids which were carried out from near 25,000 feet. On 28th ten pilots visited Observers Posts in Norfolk and Suffolk and reported back on their work to Corps HQ.
On 31 July 1936 Hind serial K5477 flown by 364949 Flight Sergt JR Moir was involved in a mid-air collision while circling over Halton preparing to land. An Avro Tutor serial K3452 flown by a University of London student JR Quertier struck the Hind which was able to land under control. The other aircraft crash landed.
(Warrant Officer John Russell Moir (43296) commissioned 10 April 1940; Wing Commander 1951).
On Wednesday 12 August 1936 Hind serial K5482 flown by Sergt Robert Simpson Horn (Killed) and Corpl Oscar Wren (Killed) took off from Upper Heyford in the company of 2 other Hinds led by Flying Officer WN Nash, they set course for Biggin Hill. Over the Chiltern Hills in deteriorating weather Horn lost contact with the formation and as he let down through dense cloud crashed into Hampden Woods near Princes Risborough. Horn was a 28 year old pilot who had trained at No. 4 FTS in Egypt and had 272 flying hours at the time of the crash, Wren was aged 27.
From 15 August to 13 September No. 57 Squadron were attacked to Old Sarum for special training in the role of reconnaissance squadron for the Field Force, taking part in Westland versus Eastland exercises operating from FGord and Tangmere between 17 – 19 August. The remainder of time was spent at Old Sarum working on Army Co-Operation Training
On 25 August 1936 Hind serial K5489 flown by Pilot Officer John A Roncoroni was registered as having a landing accident and on 28 August Hind serial K5481 flown by Acting Pilot Officer Howard M Hammond and Hind serial K5492 flown by Sergt C Podevin were also registered as having landing accidents.
On 31 August 1936 James “Freddie” Foulsham was posted to No. 57 Squadron.
(photo thanks to the Foulsham family)
On 22 September Air Commodore AT Boyd OBE MC AFC, AOC No. 1 (Bomber) Group visited Upper Heyford and in a special parade presented the Armament Officers Bombing Trophy.
On 29 September 1936 Squadron Leader Reeve was posted on attachment to the Air Ministry, Flight Lieut Kenneth Lea-Cox (29188) appointed to “hold the fort”.
(photo thanks to Elizabeth Browne)
(Kenneth Lea-Cox later Group Capt. born 14 January 1904, awarded AFC [London Gazette 1 Jan 1946], retired 14 Jan 1954, died 15 June 1988 Poole/Dorset).
Between 5 – 10 October a composite flight of the squadron proceeded to North Coates Fitties armament camp to carry out bombing and gunnery. The flight comprised pilots who had been attended the training earlier in the year (10 pilots and 8 observers). 370 practice bombs were dropped and 24,337 rounds of ammunition fired. For the same period five crews of “B” Flight were detatched to Northolt for formation flying with Air Fighting Development Establishment.
A forced landing was recorded happening to Hind serial K5480 flown by Acting Pilot Officer AV Rogers on 12 October 1936.
On 12 November 1936 Squadron Leader Reeve was posted to RAF Depot Uxbridge, attached to the Air Ministry and on 26th Pilot Officer WD Horford proceeded on attachment to No. 1 Flying Training School for training on FSR aircraft.
On 14 December 1936 Squadron leader WL Payne succeeded Squadron leader FHE Reeve in command of No. 57 Squadron.
Squadron Leader William Labat Payne (05093) had been an HMS Conway Cadet training for a life at sea from the age of 13, he graduated from Dartmouth Naval College and served as a Naval officer from May 1912 and board HMS Iron Duke in the Battle of Jutland in 1916 he saw very significant action. Payne transferred to the RAF on a 3 year attachment in September 1920 and on 29 January 1923 accepted a Permanent Commission in the Royal Air Force. (born 9 Aug 1897 Holywood/Co.Down – died 9 January 1952 Oxford)
On 19 December Pilot Officer CD Milne was posted to the squadron from Cadet College, Cranwell. On the following day Pilot Officers PD Holder and RH Spencer were posted to the squadron from No. 3 Flying Training School (University Entrants).
On 4 January 1937 No. 108 (Bomber) Squadron formed at Upper Heyford with a cadre of personnel from No. 57 Squadron and Pilot Officers MW Hamlyn, J Culliford, PD Holder and FW Williams. Full separation took place on 20 February 1937 when the new squadron moved to South Farnborough as a componenet of No. 2 (Bomber) Group.
15 January 1937 Air Commodore SW Smith OBE visited the squadron.
On 19 January 1937 a Hind serial K5455 flown by Pilot Officer J Foulsham force landed, circumstance currently unknown.
On 23 February 1937 the squadron crest, as designed by the Chester Herald and approved by HM King George VI was presented to the squadron by Air Commodore SW Smith OBE.
28 February 1937 Flying Officer CHD Wardrop was posted to the squadron from No. 603 (Bomber) Squadron, Turnhouse and assumed command of “B” Flight.
9 March 1937 commenced night flying, six pilots going solo.
On 15 March 1937 No. 226 (Bomber) Squadron formed with personnel largely from No. 57 Squadron. Flight Lieut Ken Lea-Cox and Pilot Officers RG Hurst, TM Hunt, AL Pitfield and NM Thomas were posted to the new squadron. On 15 April the new squadron separated from 57 Squadron and moved from Upper Hetford to Harwell aerodrome.
Pilot Officer Clive Norman joined No. 57 Squadron on 23 April 1937.
(photo thanks to James Norman)
29 May 1937 the squadron participated in Empire Air Day which was successful. No. 57 Squadron performed Squadron Drill with 9 aircraft, low level bombing with 3 aircraft of “B” Flight and dive bombing with 3 aircraft of “A” Flight.
On 6 June 1937 the Observer Corps visited the Station and 13 of their members were flown by the squadron. Two days later five reservists joined the squadron for a 10 day period of training.
During May and June several rehearsals were carried out for the MASS FLIGHT event at Hendon Display. No. 57 Squadron, with four other squadrons of No. 1 (Bomber) Group formed line “D” with No. 57 leading all five squadrons.
On 26 June 1937 the squadron participated in the MASS FLIGHT event at Hendon Display and in eliminating heats for the Dive Bombing event. Sergeant HI Wood of the squadron was first in No. 1 (Bomber) Group, then first in Bomber Command and finally against other Commands to win the entire event. He was presented to HM King George VI.
Harry Irving Wood, born 1909, commissioned May 1940 (79769) attained Wing Commander, OBE. Retired 14/6/1946). 365803 Henry Irving Wood a former LAC, Observer had been slightly injured in the crash of a Wapiti on 5 January 1931 (pilot Squadron leader Harry Stewart was killed) while serving in the Middle East. Baghdad Times (quoted in Aeroplane) wrote in part on 6 January 1931, “Squadron Leader Stewart’s death draws further attention to the ill-luck which has recently befallen the squadron [No.84] at Shaibah. On the desert side there is not a single landmark by which an incoming pilot can gauge his progress. Squadron Leader Stewart was a skilled night-flier, and last night the moon was full.”
(thanks to Malcolm Barrass)
July 1937
| Aircraft operated | Location | Command/Group |
| Hawker Hind | RAF Upper Heyford | Bomber Command/No 1 (Bomber) Group |
| Rank | Name | Date | Notes |
| Sqn Ldr | William Labat Payne | 14 Dec 1936 | Officer Commanding, see biog note above (05093) |
| Fg Off | Charles Herbert Dalrymple Wardrop | 28 Feb 1937 | (34011) Transf to SAAF 15 Dec 1939. KIFA 7 Jan 1941, Capt SAAF in Kenya. |
| Fg Off | Roderick Harvey Spencer | 20 Dec 1936 | (36058) KIA 31 Aug 1941, W/Cdr, 113 Sqdn. DFC |
| Plt Off | Robin Baillie Nuthall | 12 Jun 1936 | KIA 9 May 1940 Norway, Lieut (A) RN. Transf to RN – Fleet Air Arm 26 May 1938. |
| Plt Off | James Nigel Watts Farmer | 28 Jun 1936 | (37316) later A/Cdre DFC [LG 7 Mar 1941] |
| Plt Off | Geoffrey Middleton Wyatt | 28 Jun 1936 | (37337) DFC [LG 8 Mar 1940] 57 Sqdn; W/Cdr 1945. |
| Plt Off | Ralph George Hurst | 5 Aug 1936 | (37288) KIA 4 Jul 1941, W/Cdr, 226 Sqdn. |
| Plt Off | Howard Moule Hammond | 13 Jul 1936 | (37471) KIA 3 Sep 1941, F/Lt, 235 Sqdn. |
| Plt Off | James Foulsham | 31 Aug 1936 | (37347) KIA 20 Jul 1944, S/Ldr, 109 Sqn attached 582 Sqdn. DFC AFC |
| Plt Off | Cecil Dunn Milne | 19 Dec 1936 | (33273) W/Cdr 1945; DFC [LG 22 Nov 1940] |
| Plt Off | John Alan Roncoroni | 10 Aug 1936 | (37546) DFC [LG 22 Aug 1944] W/Cdr 77 Sqdn. RAFO |
| Plt Off | Malcolm Patrick Alexander Craig-Mooney | 8 Apr 1937 | KIFA 23 Sep 1937 |
| APO | Clive Theodore Norman | 23 Apr 1937 | (37980) resigned commission 13 Feb 1942, F/Lt. |
| APO | Michael James Casey | 23 Apr 1937 | (39024) PoW – 16 Oct 1939; Murdered 31 Mar 1944 Great Escaper |
| – | |||
| 7 Airmen Pilots |
Source – July 1937 Air Force List
On 31 March 1944 Flight Lieut Mike Casey (listed above) was murdered at Goerlitz following the Stalag Luft III breakout popularised as “The Great Escape”.
(thanks to Pegasus Archive)
During August 1937 the squadron received instruction and then practical experience of Army Co-Operation exercises before proceeding on 23 August by air to Odiham for further Co-Op training and onwards to Old Sarum on 27 August for lectures and a demonstration of Army Co-Operation returning on 30th.
31 August – 3 September the squadron was detached to Sawbridgeworth Camp under canvas to co-operate with 1st Division, four Reconnaissance flights were successfully carried out as were eight bombing raids. In the week to follow the squadron was detached to Henlow under canvas to carry out Recce and Bombing flights.
(photo thanks to Mike Barratt)
On Thursday 23 September 1937 Hind serial K5494 flown by Pilot Officer MPA Craig-Mooney (Killed) took off from Upper Heyford for a NAVEX but after running out of fuel attempted a forced-landing. It appears that he picked a field near Evenley just south of Brackley/Northants but mis-judged his approach and crashed into woods. He was aged 20. His crewman AC2 Peter McGeehan, was uninjured. His funeral took place on 27 September at Hethe Churchyard with members of squadron and Station personnel attending. Note – Malcolm Patrick Alexander Craig-Mooney.
6 October 1937 Flying Officer CHD Wardrop was promoted Flight Lieut.
On Monday 11 October 1937 Hind serial K5498 flown by Pilot Officer MJ “Mike” Casey (unhurt) took off from Upper Heyford on a night flying practice and mis judged his approach, undershot the flare path, went thought a hedge and wiped off his undercarriage before sliding for 50 yards, coming to rest with the aircraft damaged beyond repair. Casey had completed his flying training at Hatfield before graduating Montrose No. 8 Flying Training School to receive his flying badge on 24 December 1936. At the time of the accident his logbook showed 237 flying hours. As mentioned above Mike Casey had the misfortune to be shot down and taken Prisoner of War in October 1939 while still serving with No. 57 Squadron. He formed an enthusiastic member of the Stalag Luft III Escape Committee and was one of the 50 “Great Escapers” who was recaptured and subsequently shot by the Gestapo as an example.
On 25 and 26 October 1937 the squadron took part in the Station 2 day tactical exercise involving practice bombing.
5 November 1937 the AOC visited Upper Heyford.
16 November Flying Officer RB Nuttall took over command of “A” Flight.
On 20 November 1937 the squadron proceeded by air and rail to No. 4 Armament Training Camp, West Freugh. Weather was good for approximately half of the period and allowed 815 practice bombs to be dropped and 10,770 rounds of ammunition to be fired. The Air Party returned to Upper Heyford on 15 December and the rail party 3 days later.
On 10 January 1938 Hind serial L7186 flown by Flying Officer RH Spencer had a take off accident.
On 17 January 1938 Hind serial K5492 flown by Pilot Officer CT Norman was flying on a camera gun exercise when the 18 year old gunner AC2 Walter G Goodhand (Killed) fell to his death. Six seconds before coming on to the target the pilot felt a jolt and turned to see that his gunner was missing. A Court of Inquiry found that his anchorage cable locking device may have become undone accidentally.
On Friday 4 March 1938 Hind serial K5471 flown by Pilot Officer GM Wyatt (safe) took off from Upper Heyford on a NAVEX, base to Unsworth and return to base. Suffered an engine failure and had to force land, aircraft turned over. Wyatt had gained his commission in Sept 1935 and following training at No. 5 FTS Sealand had flown with No. 57 Squadron.
On 25 March 1938 the first Bristol Blenheim Mk.I aircraft arrived from the Bristol Aero Company in accordance with re-equipping. On 13 April sixteen more Blenheims were delivered.
On 21 April 1938 AVM PHL Playfair CB CVO MC visited Upper Heyford and inspected the squadron.
On 28 and 29 April 1938 No. 57 Squadron participated in the Aldershot Command Road Movement Exercise carrying out reconnaissance sorties and bombing raids.
On 10 and 11 May 1938 flights simulated high level bombing raids to co-operated with No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Brigade at Blackdown.
19 May 1938 the last Hawker Hind left No. 57 Squadron.
Sources include material from Bill Chorley, Aircraft Accident Cards, Air Force Lists and original data from RAF Museum Hendon, Imperial War Museum and The National Archives Form 540’s.
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NAMES (details in text above) – Rupert H A Leigh (14/05/1912-02/1991 St Austell)- Eric Ralph Carrington Hobson DFC –
No. 57 Squadron 