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Aircraft Index |
Squadron Index |
Aviation Art by Country |
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Blenheim
Manufacturer : Bristol
The Bristol Blenheim, the most plentiful aircraft in the RAFs inventory when WWII began, was designed by Frank Barnwell, and when first flown in 1936 was unique with its all metal monoplane design incorporating a retractable undercarriage, wing flaps, metal props, and supercharged engines. A typical bomb load for a Blenheim was 1,000 pounds. In the early stages of the war Blenheims were used on many daylight bombing missions. On the day that war was declared on Germany, a Blenheim piloted by Flying Officer Andrew McPherson was the first British aircraft to cross the German coast and the following morning 15 Blenheims from three squadrons set off on one of the first bombing missions The Blenheim units operated throughout the battle, often taking heavy casualties, although they were never accorded the publicity of the fighter squadrons. The Blenheim units raided German occupied airfields throughout July to December 1940, both during daylight hours and at night. Although most of these raids were unproductive, there were some successes; on 1 August five out of 12 Blenheims sent to attack Haamstede and Evere (Brussels) were able to bomb, destroying or heavily damaging three Bf 109s of II./JG 27 and apparently killing a Staffelkapitän identified as Hauptmann Albrecht von Ankum-Frank. Two other 109s were claimed by Blenheim gunners. Another successful raid on Haamstede was made by a single Blenheim on 7 August which destroyed one 109 of 4./JG 54, heavily damaged another and caused lighter damage to four more. There were also some missions which produced an almost 100% casualty rate amongst the Blenheims. One such operation was mounted on 13 August 1940 against a Luftwaffe airfield near Aalborg in north-western Denmark by 12 aircraft of 82 Squadron. One Blenheim returned early (the pilot was later charged and due to appear before a court martial, but was killed on another operation); the other 11, which reached Denmark, were shot down, five by flak and six by Bf 109s. Blenheim-equipped units had been formed to carry out long-range strategic reconnaissance missions over Germany and German-occupied territories, as well as bombing operations. In this role, the Blenheims once again proved to be too slow and vulnerable against Luftwaffe fighters and they took constant casualties While great heroism was displayed by the air crews, tremendous losses were sustained during these missions. The Blenhiem was easy pickings at altitude for German Bf-109 fighters who quickly learned to attack from below. To protect the vulnerable bellies of the Blenheims many missions were shifted to low altitude, but this increased the aircrafts exposure to anti-aircraft fire. In the German night-bombing raid on London on 18 June 1940, Blenheims accounted for five German bombers, thus proving that they were better-suited for night fighting. In July, No. 600 Squadron, by then based at RAF Manston, had some of its Mk IFs equipped with AI Mk III radar. With this radar equipment, a Blenheim from the Fighter Interception Unit (FIU) at RAF Ford achieved the first success on the night of 2–3 July 1940, accounting for a Dornier Do 17 bomber. More successes came, and before long the Blenheim proved itself invaluable as a night fighter. One Blenheim pilot, Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for an attack on Singora, Thailand, on 9 December 1941. Another bomber of No. 60 Squadron RAF was credited with shooting down Lt Col Tateo Katō's Nakajima Ki-43 fighter and badly damaging two others in a single engagement on 22 May 1942, over the Bay of Bengal. Katō's death was a severe blow to the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. |
Blenheim
  Climbout from Plivot by Ivan Berryman. |   Ltn. Hans-Ekkehard Bob of JG21 Becomes an Ace by Ivan Berryman. (PC) |   Blenheim Mk.IVF of No.68 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. (PC) |   Escorting Blenheims to Le Trait - Spitfire W3455 of No.610 Squadron by Ivan Berryman. (P) |
Blenheim Artwork Collection |
  Tribute to the Blenheim Crews by Ivan Berryman. |   Ready for the Off - Blenheim of No.25 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. |   Mk.I Blenheims of No.141 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. |
  Blenheim Mk.IVF of No.68 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. |   Clipped Signature - Sir Ivor Broom. |   Clipped Signature - Edward Crew. |
  Clipped Signature - Ted Sismore. |   Clipped Signature - Bertie Boulter. |   Clipped Signature - Sir Gareth Clayton. |
  Clipped Signature - Donald Anderson. |   Clipped Signature - Sir Laurence Sinclair. |   Clipped Signature - Sir John Grandy. |
  Clipped Signature - Sir Hughie Edwards VC. |   Bristol Blenheim by Tim Fisher. |   Ltn. Hans-Ekkehard Bob of JG21 Becomes an Ace by Ivan Berryman. |
  Fear Nothing by Anthony Saunders. |   Most Memorable Day by Robert Taylor. |  Blenheims Over Norfolk by Stephen Brown. |
  The First Blow by Gerald Coulson. |   Bristol Blenheim by Robert Taylor. | Escorting Blenheims to Le Trait - Spitfire W3455 of No.610 Squadron by Ivan Berryman. (P) |
Climbout from Plivot by Ivan Berryman. |   Escort by Keith Woodcock. |   Dangerous Duty by Stan Stokes. |
| Top Aces for : Blenheim | ||
| A list of all Aces from our database who are known to have flown this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking the pilots name. | ||
| Name | Victories | Info |
| John Randall Daniel Bob Braham | 29.00 | |
| John Cunningham | 20.00 | The signature of John Cunningham features on some of our artwork - click here to see what is available. |
| Robert A Karr | 6.00 | The signature of Robert A Karr features on some of our artwork - click here to see what is available. |
| Basil Gerald 'Stapme' Stapleton | 6.00 | The signature of Basil Gerald 'Stapme' Stapleton features on some of our artwork - click here to see what is available. |
| Squadrons for : Blenheim | ||
| A list of all squadrons from known to have used this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name. | ||
| Squadron | Info | |
Country : UK Founded : 12th July 1917 Mens agitat molem - Mind over matter | No.101 Sqn RAF No 101 Squadron was formed on 12th July 1917 and based at South Farnborough. The squadron was commanded by Major The Hon L J E Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, and by the end of July the squadron was sent to France where 101 Squadron was to become the second specialist night-bomber unit in the Royal Flying Corps. 101 Squadron was equipped with the FE2b two-seat pusher bi-plane and on the 20th September 1917 began flying night bombing missions during the Battle of Menin Ridge. 101 1quadron continued night bombing missions during the 3rd Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Cambrai. 101 squadron attacked several German long-range night bomber airfields during February 1918 and these missions were among the first offensive counter air operations and up until the end of the war continued bombing missions. After the First World War 101 squadron were based in Belgium until March 1919 when returning to Britian and disbanded on the 31st December. No.101 squadron reformed on the 21st March 1928 at RAF Bircham Newton and in March 1929 the squadron was issued with the new bomber the Boulton and Paul Sidestrand. The squadron moved to RAF Andover iIn October 1929 where it remained until December 1934 when 101 squadron moved to RAF Bicester and issued with the the improved Boulton Paul Overstrand, which featured the first powered gun turret in RAF aircraft as well as othe rmodifications including more powerful engines. The Boulton Paul Overstrand is displayed on 101 Squadron's official badge. In June 1938 No 101 Squadron re-equipped with Bristol Blenheim and was stationed now at RAF West Raynham in May 1939, as part of No 2 Group, Bomber Command. When World War Two broke out 101 Squadron were stationed at RAF Brize Norton, but returned to West Raynham. It was not until the fall of France when the squadron became operational but suffered a set back when its officer commanding, Wg Cdr J H Hargroves, and his crew were lost on its first bombing mission on 5th July 1940. During the Battle of Britain 101 Squadron Blenhiems carried out bombing missions against the German barges in French ports as well as German airfields in France. Another OC 101 Squadron, Wg Cdr D Addenbrooke, was lost on the 3rd April while taking part in a raid on French ports just 3 days after taking command. 101 Squadron were re-equipped with the Vickers Wellington in April 1940 and were based at RAF Oakington and became part of No 3 Group bomber command. On the 24th July 101 Squadron lost its first Wellington on a raid against Brest. Ten Wellingtons of 101 Squadron took part in the first 1,000 bomber raid on Cologne, but losses began to mount and between July and September the Squadron lost 20 Wellingtons with 86 aircrew killed. In September 101 Squadron moved to RAF Holme-on-Spalding-Moor in Septmber 1942 and became the first operational Avro Lancaster squadron in No 1 Group.Bomber Command. 101 squadron moved to its final wartime base, RAF Ludford Magna on 15th June 1943. 101 Squadrons Lancasters took part in the raids on Hamburg and the raid on the secret German rocket site at Peenemunde. Over the winter of 1943-1944 No.101 squadron took part in the raid on Berlin but suffered high casualties. On the 31st March 1944, during the Nuremberg Raid, 101 Squadron lost 7 Lancasters and crews out of 26 dispatched. In the spring and summer of 1944 101 squadron attacked targets in France in preparation for and support of the allied invasion of Normandy. On D-Day, the squadron used ABC to jam nightfighter controllers to protect the British airborne landings. After D-Day 101 squadron continued raids on German cities with their last bombing mission on Berchtesgarden on 25th April 1945. 101 bomber squadron suffered the highest casualties of any Royal Air Force Squadron during the Second World War, losing 1176 aircrew killed in action. In October 1945, the Squadron moved to RAF Binbrook and later equipped with Avro Lincolns. In May 1952 101 squadorn became the first bomber squadron to receive the first Jet Bomber the English Electric Canberra B2 and in 1954 were stationed in Malaya carrying out bombing misisons against terrorist targets. In October 1956 during the Suez crisis to Malta for Operation MUSKETEER bombing raids against Egypt befroe being disbanded in February 1957 but in 1959 101 squadron was reformed and re equipped with the new Avro Vulcan B1 and the first squadorn to be armed with the British H Bomb, In 1961 101 squadron moved to RAF Waddington. In 1968 the squadron was equipped with the new Vulcan B2 . In 1982,101 Squadron Vulcans took part in Operation CORPORATE, during the Falklands War. A 101 Squadron crew carried out the first and last Operation BLACKBUCK Vulcan conventional bombing raids on Argentinean forces occupying Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. These 8,000 mile round trip missions required extensive use of Air to Air refuelling. After the Falklands war 101 squadron was equipped with VC10s and supplied fighter aircraft with air to air refuelling during all major conflicts form Bosnia, to Operation Desert Storm and continues today in this role. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1917 Fate : Disbanded 24th May 1963 Strike hard | No.104 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 23rd September 1917 Fate : Disbanded 1st February 1968 Fortis in proeliis - Valiant in battles | No.105 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 8th October 1917 Fate : Disbanded 10th July 1963 Nous y serons - We shall be there | No.107 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 11th November 1917 Fate : Disbanded 28th March 1945 Viribus contractis - With gathering strength | No.108 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 14th December 1915 Ociores acrierosque aquilis - Swifter and keener than eagles | No.11 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st November 1917 Fate : Disbanded 15th February 1971 Hyderabad Nec timio nec sperno - I neither fear nor despise | No.110 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st August 1917 Fate : Disbanded 10th July 1963 Velox et vindex - Swift to Vengeance | No.113 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 22nd September 1917 Fate : Disbanded 31st October 1971 Hong Kong With speed I strike | No.114 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 10th January 1915 Adjuvamus tuendo - We assist by watching | No.13 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 3rd July 1918 Fate : Disbanded 31st December 1968 Jamaica Si placet necamus - We destroy at will | No.139 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 3rd February 1915 I spread my wings and keep my promise | No.14 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st May 1918 Fate : Disbanded 20th September 1945 Photo Reconnaissance Foresight | No.140 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st January 1918 Fate : Disbanded 31st March 1964 Caedimus noctu - We slay by night | No.141 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st February 1918 Fate : Disbanded 25th May 1945 Vincere est vivere - To conquer is to live | No.143 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st March 1915 Aim sure | No.15 Sqn RAF On 1st March 1915, the officers and men who made up No.1 Reserve Squadron and the Recruits Depot, all of whom were based at South Farnborough, Hampshire, were brought together to form No.15 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Initially, the new squadron was equipped with a diverse range of flying machines, including Henri and Maurice Farmans, Avros, Bleriots, Moranes and BE2c aircraft. Having relocated to an airfield at Hounslow, west of London, where the squadron was allowed time to work up to operational status, it was, on 11th May, relocated to another airfield at Swingate Down, to the east of Dover, on the Kent coast. On 23rd December 1915, No.15 Squadron, RFC, deployed to France for operational duties. Throughout its time on the Western Front, during the First World War, the squadron was engaged in observation and reconnaissance duties, initially using BE2c aircraft but later, during June 1916, upgrading to R.E.8s. The work undertaken by the squadron, in its reconnaissance role, was recognised by higher authority, on a number of occasions, in the form of telegrams or communiqués. On 1st April 1918, No.15 Squadron became part of the newly formed Royal Air Force, which came into being with the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service. With the end of hostilities in November 1918, came a reduction in the fighting strength of the RAF and, although not disbanded as a number of squadrons were, No.15 was reduced to a cadre. The axe finally fell on the final day of December 1919, when No.15 Squadron was disbanded. It was to be approximately five years before No.15s number plate was to be resurrected when, on 20th March 1924, No.15 Squadron was reformed as part of the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE), at Martlesham Heath, Suffolk. Over a period of ten years, No.15 Squadron completed 12,100 flying hours on over seventy-five different types of airframe. Over that same period, it also saw five changes of commanding officer. On 1st June 1934, No.15 was re-designated as a new unit, equipped with Hawker Hart Mk.I aircraft, undertaking daylight operations flying as part of Bomber Command. The new C.O. was Squadron Leader Thomas Elmhirst, who secured permission for his squadron to change the number plate to Roman numerals and have the XV applied to the fuselage on all the squadrons aircraft. This decision was to have a lasting effect and was only interrupted by the Second World War. Thomas Elmhirst also gave thought to the fact the squadron should have its own badge and motto, both of which were approved, during 1935. In early 1936, the squadron re-equipped with Hawker Hind bomber aircraft. These machines remained in service with No.XV until 13th July 1938, when the unit converted to Fairey Battle bomber aircraft. It was with the latter aircraft that the squadron prepared for war when, on 27th August 1939, a state of emergency was declared. History repeated itself when the Squadron returned to France on a war footing, but it was forced to return to England in order to re-equip with the Bristol Blenheim bomber. The new aircraft was initially seen as a wonder aircraft, but No.XV Squadron was virtually decimated in strength following the German invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940. With the Blenheim being designated unsuitable for the task, the squadron began converting to the Vickers Wellington bomber, designed by Barnes Wallace, on 7th November 1940. This was really a stop-gap measure as on 30th April 1941 No.XV began converting to the Short Stirling, four-engine, heavy bomber. During the next couple of years, night after night, the squadron carried the fight back to the enemy, enduring many losses and exploits of valour in the process. It participated in all the 1,000 bomber raids against Germany. As 1943 drew to a close, No.XV prepared to continue the fight with new equipment. Having converted to the Avro Lancaster bomber in late December 1943, the squadron went operational in mid-January 1944 with its new aircraft. By the time the war came to an end, No.XV was flying Lancaster B.1 Specials, which were specially adapted to carry 22,000lb Grand Slam bombs. February 1947 saw another change of equipment when the squadron converted to the Avro Lincoln bomber, whilst based at RAF Wyton in Huntingdonshire. However, by the end of that same year, No.XV found itself deploying aircraft to Shallufa, Egypt, as part of Operation Sunrise. Another change of occurred at the end of November 1950, when No.XV Squadron was disbanded but immediately reformed with Boeing B29 Washington bomber aircraft. It was during the Washington period, in March 1951, that the squadrons code letters ‘LS’, which it had been adopted during late 1939, were removed from the aircraft fuselages. The new scheme called for a natural metal finish, adorned with only the RAF roundel, fin flash and aircraft serial. With technology advancing all the time, No.XV entered a new phase in its history in June 1953, when it was declared fully operational flying English Electric Canberra bombers. During the next couple of years, the squadron continued to train and undertook many navigational and bombing exercises, which proved fruitful in 1956 when the Suez crises erupted. No.XV was deployed to Nicosia, as part of Operation Accumulate, on 23rd October. During the short period of fighting that followed, No.XV dropped a higher concentration of bombs than any other squadron. Following a cease-fire, the squadron returned to England where, on 15th April 1957, it was disbanded. The 1st of September 1958 saw the re-formation of No.XV as a V-Bomber squadron, equipped with Handley Page Victor B.I bombers. These aircraft were not only adorned with the official RAF insignia described above, but were also permitted to carry the squadron badge, together with the Roman XV numerals. The squadron retained these aircraft until 1964 when it was again disbanded. For a period of five years No.XV Squadron ceased to exist. However, this changed on 1st October 1970, when the squadron number plate and badge were resurrected and No.XV was reformed at RAF Honnington, in Suffolk. Equipped with Blackburn S.2B Buccaneer aircraft, the squadron departed for RAF Laarbruch, where, during January 1971, it officially became part of Royal Air Force Germany. After thirteen years service with the squadron, the Buccaneers were replaced with Panavia Tornado, swing-wing, bombers. On 1st September 1983, No.XV became the first RAF Squadron in Germany to be equipped with this type of aircraft. During the latter quarter of 1990, No.XV had deployed two flights, totalling twelve crews, to Muharraq Air Base, on Bahrain Island, in readiness for operations against the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. During the following conflict, two aircraft crewed by XV Squadron personnel were shot down, resulting in the loss of Flt Lt Stephen Hicks and the capture of Flt Lts John Peters, John Nichol and Rupert Clark. The squadron returned to RAF Laarbruch at the end of March 1991, where a number of awards, for service in the Gulf War were announced. Wing Commander John Broardbent was awarded a Distinguished Service Order, whilst Sqn Ldr Gordon Buckley and Sqn Ldr Nigel Risdale were both awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses. Senior Engineering Officer S/L Rob Torrence was awarded the Member of the British Empire. Following disbandment in January 1992, No.XV was reformed a few months later on 1st April, at RAF Honnington, where it took on the role of the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit. It was also granted the status of a Reserve Squadron. No.XV (R) Squadron remained at Honnington until 1st November 1993, when it re-located to RAF Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland. During January 1998, it was re-designated as the Tornado GR1 Operational Conversion Unit and equipped with the up-graded Tornado GR4 variant. In 2011, just four years away from its 100th anniversary, No.XV (R) Squadron still operates from RAF Lossiemouth, providing refresher crews and new crews to the front line squadrons. Text by kind permission of Martyn Ford Jones | |
Country : UK Founded : 11th May 1915 Burma Animo et fide - With courage and faith | No.18 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 23rd July 1915 Fate : Disbanded 31st January 1976 Viribus vincimus - By strength we conquer | No.21 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 15th March 1946 Toujours a propos - Always at the right moment | No.211 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 24th April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 23rd August 1963 Gold Coast In time | No.218 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 22nd July 1918 Fate : Disbanded 31st July 1957 From dusk till dawn | No.219 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 30th June 1964 Natal Pembili bo | No.222 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 9th March 1963 Non sibi sed patriae - For country not for self | No.226 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 20th August 1918 Fate : Disbanded 10th January 1945 Be bold | No.229 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1915 Semper aggessus - Always having attacked | No.23 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : August 1918 Fate : Disbanded 10th July 1945 Jaculamur humi - We strike them to the ground | No.235 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : August 1918 Fate : Disbanded 25th May 1945 Speculati nuntiate - Having watched, bring word | No.236 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 25th July 1918 Fate : Disbanded 1st May 1945 Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.244 Sqn RAF | No.244 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : August 1918 Fate : Disbanded 30th September 1946 Il faut en finir - It is necessary to make an end of it | No.248 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 25th September 1915 Feriens Tego - Striking I defend | No.25 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : May 1918 Fate : Disbanded 1st December 1946 With or on | No.252 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 5th November 1915 Quam celerrime ad astra - With all speed to the stars | No.27 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 25th July 1918 Fate : Disbanded 30th April 1945 On, on! | No.272 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 7th November 1915 Impiger et acer - Energetic and keen | No.29 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 24th March 1915 Ventre a terre - All out | No.30 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 10th May 1941 Fate : Disbanded 15th February 1946 Czech Jeden jestrab mnoho vran rozhan - One hawk scatters many crows | No.313 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 12th January 1916 Fate : Disbanded 31st December 1967 Lupus vult, lupus volat - Wolf wishes, wolf flies | No.34 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 15th April 1916 Die noctuque - By day and night | No.39 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 26th February 1916 Fate : Disbanded 1st February 1957 Hostem coelo expellere - To drive the enemy from the sky | No.40 Sqn RAF 40 Squadron Royal Air Force: 40 squadron was formed at Gosport on 26th February 1916 as a scout squadron equipped with the FE8. One flight went to France in early August and the rest of the squadron at the end of the month. However, the FE8 was soon obsolete and 40 squadron was unable to be effective in its task of fighting when faced with a faster aircraft. In March 1917 the squadron suffered heavy casualties when 9 aircraft were caught on patrol by Jasta 11 led by Manfred von Richthofen and all aircraft were brought down with four pilots killed. Before the end of March they were re-equipped with Nieuport Scouts and with these, 40 squadron began a successful career, flying offensive patrols and developing its own tactics for observation balloon attacks. During this period one of the 40 Squadron officers Lieutenant Edward Mannock (later Major Mannock VC) destroyed 6 enemy aircraft and went on to a highly successful fighting career in command of two other squadrons. Before the end of 1917, 40 Squadron replaced its scouts with the highly successful S.E.5.a and continued offensive operations against the German armed forces until the end of the First World War. It ended the war with a squadron tally of 130 enemy aircraft and 30 balloons destroyed. The squadron returned to the UK in February 1919 and was disbanded 4th July the same year. It was reformed on 1st April 1931 as a bomber squadron and served in the UK and the Middle East theatre. It was disbanded in Egypt during 1947 and reformed later that year as a transport squadron until 1950. In 1953 it was again reformed as a bomber squadron before being finally disbanded in 1956. | |
Country : Canada Founded : 15th April 1941 Fate : Disbanded 25th May 1945 Ready to fight | No.404 Sqn RCAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : Canada Founded : 5th May 1941 Fate : Disbanded 31st August 1945 City of Saskatoon We kill by night | No.406 Sqn RCAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : Canada Founded : 8th May 1941 Fate : Disbanded 4th June 1945 Demon To hold on high | No.407 Sqn RCAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : Canada Founded : 20th August 1941 Fate : Disbanded 15th May 1945 Swordfish Ad metam - To the mark | No.415 Sqn RCAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 15th April 1916 Fate : Disbanded 21st December 1982 Rhodesia Fulmina regis justa - The Kings thunderbolts are righteous | No.44 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st March 1916 Per ardue surge - Through difficulties I arise | No.45 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : Australia Founded : 6th June 1941 Fate : Disbanded 25th May 1945 Strike and strike again | No.455 Sqn RAAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : Australia Founded : 30th June 1941 Fate : Disbanded 15th June 1945 Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.456 Sqn RAAF | No.456 Sqn RAAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : New Zealand Founded : 12th August 1941 Fate : Disbanded 1st August 1945 Coastal Command Whakatanagata kia kaha - Quit ye like me, be strong | No.489 Sqn RNZAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 16th March 1931 Fate : Disbanded 10th March 1957 County of Kent (Auxiliary) Qua fata vocent - Whither the fates may call | No.500 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 26th March 1928 Fate : Disbanded 10th March 1957 County of Nottingham (Auxiliary) Vindicat in ventis - It avenges in the wind | No.504 Sqn RAF 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force: 504 Squadron came into being on the 14th March 1926 based at Hucknell as part of the Special Reserve Squadron in the light bomber role. The squadron was equipped with Horsleys, Wallaces and Hinds before becoming a fighter squadron equipped with Gloster Gauntlets on 31st October 1938. By the beginning of World War II, 504 had been re-equipped with Hawker Hurricanes. The squadrons first victory was a Ju88 shot down over France on May 14th 1940 where it had been sent as a BEF reinforcement. After suffering heavy losses in France, 504 was sent back to Wick in the UK and began to build itself back to operational strength. On 5th September 1940 504 flew to Hendon and began intensive operations attacking German formations over London and the South East of England during the Battle of Britain. During 1941, 504 was re-equipped with Mk IIb Hurricanes and then divided. A flight joining No.81 squadron to go to Russian and a new 504 squadron being built up from B flight. 504 squadron saw action throughout World War II, taking part in offensive fighter sweeps over occupied Europe, escorting transport aircraft to Arnhem and bomber escort duties. During January 1945, six pilots were posted to Glosters for conversion to the Meteor, but the war ended in Europe before they could be used in combat. On 16th December 1947 King George VI gave permission for the use of the Royal prefix for all Auxiliary Air Force squadrons. On 12th February 1957 504 squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Wyneswold was disbanded. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st August 1941. Fate : Disbanded 1st April 1946 Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.521 Sqn RAF | No.521 Sqn RAF 521 Squadron was formed on the 1st August 1941 from No 1401 Flight at Bircham Newton, it continued to conduct meteorological reconnaissance duties. 521 Squadron flew Hudsons and Blenheims for North Sea patrol duties, Spitfires and Mosquitoes over Europe. It was disbanded when it was divided into Flights again, No's 1401 and 1409. But on the 1st September 1943 it was reformed in its previous role at Docking. 521 Squadron was re equipped with Hampdens, Hudsons and Gladiators, with Venturas arriving in December 1943. In August 1944 Hurricanes joined the Gladiators and Hudsons returned to replace the Venturas in September 1944. In December 1944 Flying Fortress IIs arrived for long range sorties and these were operated together with Mk IIIs from May 1945 until February 1946. Halifax Mk.III bombers replaced the Flying Fortresses in December 1945 and following the withdrawal of the Fortresses, 521 Squadorn was disbanded on 1st April 1946 at Chivenor. | |
Country : UK Founded : 15th June 1943 Fate : Disbanded 1st May 1945 Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.526 Sqn RAF | No.526 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 15th June 1943 Fate : Disbanded 21st August 1958 Silently we serve | No.527 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 28th June 1943 Fate : Disbanded 1st September 1944 Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.528 Sqn RAF | No.528 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 15th May 1916 Fate : Disbanded 14th September 1976 United in effort | No.53 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 8th June 1916 Nil nos tremefacit - Nothing shakes us | No.55 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 8th June 1916 Corpus non animum muto - I change my body not my spirit | No.57 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 21st June 1916 Fate : Disbanded 4th January 1961 Ab uno disce omes - From one learn all | No.59 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 15th May 1916 Per ardua ad aethera tendo - I strive through difficulties to the sky | No.60 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 14th October 1925 Fate : Disbanded 10th March 1957 City of London (Auxiliary) Praeter Sescentos - More than six hundred | No.600 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 14th October 1925 Fate : Disbanded 10th March 1957 County of London (Auxiliary) Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.601 Sqn RAF | No.601 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 17th March 1930 Fate : Disbanded 10th March1957 County of Middlesex (Auxiliary) Si vis pacem, para bellum - If you want peace, prepare for war | No.604 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 25th July 1917 Fate : Disbanded 31st March 1958 Per prurum tonantes - Thundering through the clear sky | No.61 Sqn RAF On July 1917 at RAF Rochford in Essex No.61 Squadron was formed and along with two other squadrons formed the London Air Defence Area intended to counter the daylight air raids. 61 squadron was equipped with the Sopwith Pup. The squadron first went into action on 12 thAugust, when a formation of 10 German Gotha bombers were seen over the Thames. Sixteen Sopwith Pups of No.61 Squadron took off to intercept them and succeeded in turning the enemy back, but not before two bombs had been dropped near No.61s hangars on Rochford Aerodrome. In 1918, 61 squadron was re-equipped with SE5s. When the armistice had been signed and the war was over 61 squadron was disbanded on 13th June 1919. No. 61 Squadron was re-formed on 8th March 1937 as a bomber squadron, and initially flying Hawker Audax, then the Avro Anson, followed by the Bristol Blenheim and during World War II flew with No. 5 Group, Bomer Command flying the Handley Page Hampden. The squadrons first operational mission was on 25th December 1939. The squadron then was equipped with the Avro Manchester. The slow delivery of the Manchester meant that the squadron operated both aircraft from July 1941 when the first Manchesters arrived, through to October 1941 when the use of the last of the Hampdens stopped. The squadron struggled on with the Manchester before converting to the Avro Lancaster in 1942, which 61 squadron flew for the rest of the war. Four of its Lancasters; ED860 N-Nan, EE176, JB138, and LL483, each served on more than 100 operational sorties. Records show that in the case of the first three aircraft, the long road to their centuries included participation in the raid on 3/4 November 1943, when Flt Lt William Reid of No. 61 Squadron won the Victoria Cross. After the war No. 61 Squadron re-equipped with Avro Lincolns in May 1946 and saw action in Malaya during Operation Firedog and during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. In 1954 at RAF Wittering, 61 Squadron was equipped with the new English Electric Canberra. The Canberras of the squadron were used during the Suez Crisis in 1956. Finally on March 31st 1958, 61 squadron wasd disbanded. | |
Country : UK Founded : 18th April 1943 Fate : Disbanded 18th July 1945 Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.619 Sqn RAF | No.619 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 28th July 1916 Fate : Disbanded 30th September 1964 Inseperato - Unexpectedly | No.62 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st August 1916 Fate : Disbanded 16th June 1967 Tenax proposite - Firmness of purpose | No.64 Sqn RAF Flew Mustangs from November 1944. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st January 1915 Uspiam et passim - Everywhere unbounded | No.8 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 7th January 1917 Fate : Disbanded 10th July 1963 United Provinces Super omnia ubique - Over all things everywhere | No.82 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 7th January 1917 Scorpiones pungunt - Scorpions sting | No.84 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1917 Fate : Disbanded 25th April 1946 Ad libertates volamus - We fly to freedom | No.86 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 24th July 1917 Fate : Disbanded 17th December 1962 Hong Kong En garde - Be on your guard | No.88 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 8th October 1917 Fate : Disbanded 1st March 1965 Celer - Swift | No.90 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available. | |
Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1917 Fate : Disbanded 1st October 1994 East India Aut pugna aut morere - Either fight or die | No.92 Sqn RAF 92 Squadron was formed in the First World War, as a squadron of the Royal Flying Corps, on 1st September 1917. It flew Pups, Spads and SE5s during the war, becoming an RAF squadron on the formation of the RAF on 1st April 1918, before being disbanded on 7th August 1919. On the outbreak of hostilities of World War Two, 92 Sqn reformed on 10th October 1939, flying Blenheims before converting to Spitfires. It transferred to North Africa, and for some time flew as part of 244 Wing RAF. After the war, the squadron was disbanded on 30th December 1946. On 31st January 1947, the former 91 Squadron was redesignated 92 Squadron, flying the Meteor before re-equipping with the Sabre and then the Hunter. While flying the Hunter in 1960, the squadron was designated as the RAF's aerobatic squadron, with the name Blue Diamonds, a name the squadron carried on after tranferring to the Lightning. The squadron then re-equipped with Phantoms, before being disbanded on 1st July 1991. It was reformed from a rserve squadron on 23rd September 1992, and became No.92 (Reserve) Squadron, flying the Hawk aircraft before being disbanded once more on 1st October 1994. | |
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