BRETTELL, Edward Gordon

---

by: kurtis blonde on his lap in aircraft leads to court martial, who was she? 2015-11-12 02:13:58

There is something in his records about a court martial 1942 (illegal flight with woman on his lap) -- are there any details here.
reply

---

reply: kurtis some detail of the court martial and defense 2015-11-12 02:20:31

from the hatfield-herts link, there are some details. ...

Gordon Brettell's main claim to fame with 92 Squadron earned him a mention in the autobiography of legendary Spitfire test pilot, Jeffrey Quill – and a court martial. He had flown his girlfriend, a WAAF based at Tangmere, in his single seat Spitfire to RAF Biggin Hill for a squadron party. Unfortunately for him, the station commander who was there when they landed took a dim view of his actions and reported him. Among the charges at his later court martial was endangering the King's aircraft (King George VI was then on the throne). He called upon his friend, a Battle of Britain ace with a Hatfield-link, Anthony Charles Bartley (41816) for help.

Tony Bartlett was acting as a test pilot for Supermarine at the time. He later revealed in his autobiography that he asked Jeffrey Quill (Supermarine's chief test pilot) and Joseph Smith (Supermarine's chief designer after Reginald Mitchell's death) for their help. Joe Smith even went so far as to draw up some mathematical equations alleged to prove the aircraft wasn't in any danger, which Bartley presented at the court martial. Although the clinching argument was when asked by the prosecution how he could prove it, Bartley admitted to having committed an identical offence previously. Now faced with the prospect of having to prosecute two badly needed officers with a war on, the charge was dismissed. Although Gordon Brettell was transferred away from the squadron.