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Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Schwab

Name : Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Schwab Born : 22nd January 1915 Service Number : 37831 Air Victories : 6.00 Awards : Distinguished Flying Cross

Lloyd Schwab was born in Niagra Falls, Ontario, joining the RAF on a short service commission in March 1936. On completion of training he was posted to 17 Squadron late in the year, and when 'B' Flight became the nucleus of 80 Squadron in March 1937, he became a part of that unit, subsequently accompanying it to Egypt. During the morning on 17 August, the Mediterranean Fleet was out for a raid in support of the Army. The battleships HMS Warspite, HMS Ramilles and HMS Malaya, supported by the cruiser HMS Kent and three flotillas of destroyers bombarded Bardia harbour and Fort Capuzzo, starting at 06:45 and continuing for 22 minutes. As the vessels headed back towards Alexandria a series of bombing attacks were launched against them by the Regia Aeronautica. The RAF and the FAA provided escort for the fleet. HMS Eagle's Fighter Flight of three Sea Gladiators had been flown to Sidi Barrani airfield in Libya, and from here patrolled over the Fleet. 'B' and 'C' Flights of 80 Squadron provided air support with flights of four Gladiators over the ships from dawn to dusk. ‘A’ Flight of 112 Squadron was positioned at Z Landing Ground (Matruh West) while ‘C’ Flight of 112 Squadron was based at Y LG about 18 kilometres further west and they also took part in the covering missions. The attacks on the Royal Navy began when, at 10:40 five SM 79s were seen at 12,000 feet, heading in from the north-east. Over the fleet there were, on standing patrol, at least the Gladiators of ‘A’ Flight 112 Squadron (probably six of them), the three Sea Gladiators of HMS Eagle’s Fighter Flight and a single Hurricane from ‘A’ Flight 80 Squadron flown by Flying Officer John Lapsley (P2641). They intercepted the Italian bombers and altogether claimed six of them; one by Flight Lieutenant Schwab, one by Pilot Officer Peter Wickham, (both from 112 Squadron) and three by Lapsley. Two Sea Gladiators flown by Lieutenant (A) Kenneth Keith (N5513) and Lieutenant Anthony Young (N5567) attacked several formations. Young attacked one in company with a 112 Squadron Gladiator flown by an unknown pilot. Keith joined the attack and the port wing of the bomber burst into flames, two members of the crew bailing out before the Savoia crashed into the sea. Commander Charles Keighly-Peach (N5517) became separated, and realizing the futility of chasing the fleeing bombers alone, headed back over the Fleet in time to see to more formations attacking (totally 25 SM 79s were counted). He made three attacks on one bomber, seeing numerous pieces fall off and it went into a shallow dive. One man baled out, but as the aircraft lost height rapidly, it disappeared into cloud. He attacked another twice but without result. On the 31st October At 13:00, Pilot Officer Duff sighted a reported ten SM 79 and gave chase However, he failed to see the escorting fighters; six CR.42s, which was part of an 18 strong escort formation, dived on him and shot him down. Fortunately, he managed to escape by parachute, suffering only slight burns. The fighters were engaged by Flying Officer Schwab, Second Lieutenant Smith and Pilot Officer Richard Acworth Schwab claimed two CR.42s shot down after which he reported that his engine failed and he force-landed, On 3 April Flight Lieutenant Schwab took command over 112 Squadron after Squadron Leader H. L. I. Brown, when the later was posted away from the unit. In September 1943 he was promoted Wing Commander and came back to the UK to command an advanced flying training unit. Schwab ended the war with 6 victories and 1 probable; all of them scored while flying Gladiators. He remained in the RAF after the war, retiring in March 1958 as a Wing Commander.

COMBAT REPORTS

SCHWAB, F/L Lloyd Gilbert (37831) - ( SCHWAB, Lloyd Gilbert, S/L, DFC (37831) - Distinguished Flying Cross (Greece) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 29 December 1942.) Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 11 July 1941. Born in Niagara Falls, 22 January 1915; educated there. Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation, RAF, 4 May 1936; with No.112 Squadron, 23 July 1940 to 26 June 1941; Operations Room, Helipolis, June 1941; to UK, October 1941; Flying Instructor, Central Flying School; also instructed in Canada; returned to Canada 1944. Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date. Air Ministry Bulletin 4420 refers. This officer has led his squadron in combat with considerable skill and has personally destroyed eleven enemy aircraft. He has displayed great courage and determination. SCHWAB, S/L Lloyd Gilbert (37831) - Distinguished Flying Cross (Greece) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 29 December 1942.Served with 80 & 112 Sqn 6 victories London Gazette issue 35217, 11 July 1941, page 9 of 60

Known Service Details :
Squadron	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
No.112 Sqn RAF	Flying Officer	unknown	unknown	31st October 1940	Gladiator		On the 31st October At 13:00, Pilot Officer Duff sighted a reported ten SM 79 and gave chase However, he failed to see the escorting fighters; six CR.42s, which was part of an 18 strong escort formation, dived on him and shot him down. Fortunately, he managed to escape by parachute, suffering only slight burns. The fighters were engaged by Flying Officer Schwab, Second Lieutenant Smith and Pilot Officer Richard Acworth Schwab claimed two CR.42s shot down after which he reported that his engine failed and he force-landed,

Aircraft for : Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Schwab
A list of all aircraft associated with Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Schwab. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Aircraft	Info
Gladiator Click the name above to see prints featuring Gladiator aircraft. Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1935 Retired : 1945 Number Built : 746	Gladiator GLOSTER GLADIATOR: A continuation form the Gloster Gauntlet aircraft the Gloster Gladiator (SS37) becoming designated the F.7/30 was named Gladiator on the 1st July 1935. The first 70 Gladiators had Under wing machine guns (Vickers or Lewis) before the browning became standard The first aircraft arrived at Tangmere airfield on in February 1937 to no. 72 squadron. at the outbreak of world war two a total of 218 Gladiators had been received by the Royal air force with a total of 76 on active service. They served also in the Middle eats and in 1940 when Italy joined the war was nearly the only front line fighter in the middle east. Between 1939 and 1941. the Gloster Gladiator flew in many war zones. flying in France, Greece, Norway, Crete Egypt Malta and Aden. The Aircraft claimed nearly 250 air victories. It stayed in front line duties until 1942, then becoming fighter trainer, and other sundry roles. It continued in these roles until the end of world war two. The Naval equivalent the Sea Gladiator a short service in the Middle east and European waters. A Total of 746 aircraft were built of these 98 were Sea Gladiators.. Performance. speed: 250mph at 17,500 feet, 257 mph at 14,600 Range 430 miles. Armament: Two fixed .3-03 browning machine guns

Squadrons for : Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Schwab
A list of all squadrons known to have been served with by Lloyd Gilbert 'Algy' Schwab. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.
Squadron	Info
No.112 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 25th July 1917 Fate : Disbanded 1st July 1957 Swift in destruction Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.112 Sqn RAF	No.112 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.

First created : 12:15, January 2, 2017
Created by : HMS

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