232nd RAF Sq.

[Trekkie]

Hi! I have a question concerning 232nd RAF squadron. As I am studying air groups reinforcement schedule and I´ve found that No.232 (P) Sqn RAF will arrive to Cape Town and No.232 Sqn RAF will arrive +-14 days later to Aden. Now, what is the relationship of these two groups? What does the "(P)" mean? Both are supposed to have 16 planes. Can I merge these two groups in the future? I didn´t find any other RAF squadron signed with "(P)"...

[cantona2]

I think the (P) stands for provisional, ie it withdraws at some point. IRC that one withdraws in June '42

[Dixie]

I can't remember the exact details, but from memory...

No. 232 Sqn was one of a group of four (262 Wing) sent east to Iraq.  When the Japanese attacks started, the wing was reassigned to the Far East.  The squadrons were sent in two seperate groups with squadron commanders and the more experienced pilots in one convoy and the rest of the squadrons in other groups.  232(P) was formed from parts of four squadrons in Durban, with about half a dozen pilots from each.  IIRC the squadron was given the 232 number because a Flt Lt from 232 was promoted to command the unit and most of the ground crew came from 232 Sqn.
Meanwhile the rest of 232 were still formed as a complete unit under their original squadron leader.