249 Malta Veterans

[utbresearch]

Hi everyone,

I came across this site during my research on an upcoming documentary for Breakthrough Films & Television in Toronto, Canada. We have a long history of producing documentaries about WWI and WWII for History Television with historian Norm Christie.

We are currently producing a new series entitled Uncovering the Battlefield which examines pivotal battles/actions that are, unfortunately, not well known to Canadian audiences. One of our upcoming episodes is about the Siege of Malta and the brave RAF pilots that flew the Spitfire in defense of the island.

We filmed in the UK this past autumn, and we’ll be back in late March to finish our filming, as well as some on-location shoots in Malta around that time. We're hoping to interview one or two Spitfire veterans of this conflict that are currently either located in Malta or the UK. Would anyone happen to have come in contact with any over the last few years through your site that might be open to hearing more about our film?

Your help would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through any of the below numbers, a response to this thread or private message through this site.

Thanks, guys.

Michael Faye
Researcher - "Uncovering the Battlefield"
Breakthrough Films & Television
T: 416-366-6588 x111
F: 416-366-7796
www.breakthroughfilms.com
[e-mail]

[terry]

We certainly have at least one veteran pilot who, on 27 Jun 41, flew a Hurricane off the Ark Royal to reach Malta and flew throughout the air battle. He is a very old gentleman now but , if you want to speak with him, just contact me and I will try to put you in touch.

Terry Gill
01344 640573

[wendyfahey]

Hi My name is Wendy Fahey from Wollongong Australia. I am helping my brother in law with some research on his Uncle who was killed in Malta in march 1942.His name is Joseph James Guerin and was seconded from the R.A.A.F. to 501 Sq and then 249 Sq in Malta.Joseph flew spitfires at same stage.We have his records from War Memorial Australia, however we are looking for some more information on him with the two squadrons mentioned aforehand.We do not have any photos of Joseph, and yes it is a needle in a haystack. If there is anyone out there who can steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it.
many thanks
wendy fahey

[pml518]

Hello Wendy

I can tell you where you can see a photo of James Guerin. If you get a copy of the book called The Spitfire Smiths by Christopher Shores published by Grub Street in 2008 (isbn 978-1-906502-11-9) There is a photo of him during training with 57 OTU at Hawarden in 1941.
I came across this photo by accident myself, I had been looking also for a photo for a project I am doing (See my introduction as new member posted on this site) I would be pleased to send you the profile of James that I have done and would be interested in any further info you may be able to add.
I note you call him Joseph James his listing on the CWG is James Joseph did he prefer to use Joseph rather than James ?
Best Wishes Paul