109 SQUADRON
From December 1940 was a radio countermeasures unit until transferred to Bomber Command in August 1942. Served with 8 Group as an Oboe Mosquito squadron until the end of the war, being based at Wyton, Marham and Little Staughton.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Mosquitoes – 522 bombing, mostly using Oboe Sorties and Losses Mosquitoes – 5,421 sorties, 18 aircraft lost (0.3 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Introduced Oboe to Bomber Command service. Carried out most raids and flew most sorties in 8 Group. Victoria Cross: Squadron Leader R. A. M. Palmer, D.F.C., posthumously, Cologne, 23 December 1944; Squadron Leader Palmer was flying in a Lancaster of 582 Squadron in this raid.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14152-14162). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
76 SQUADRON
After several false starts early in the war, the squadron became operational in 4 Group at Middleton St George in June 1941 and commenced operations with Halifaxes. Most of the squadron was sent to the Middle East in July 1942 and became absorbed into other units, but that part of the squadron which had remained in England was built up again and continued to fly Halifaxes in 4 Group until the end of the war, being based at Linton-on-Ouse and Holme-on-Spalding Moor.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Halifaxes – 376 bombing, 17 minelaying, 3 leaflet = 396 raids. Sorties and Losses Halifaxes – 5,123 sorties, 139 aircraft lost (2.7 percent), 16 destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Carried out more bombing raids than any other Halifax squadron. Dropped Bomber Command’s first 8,000-lb bomb, on Essen, 10/ 11 April 1942. Aircrew casualties: 787 killed in action or died of wounds, 278 prisoners of war, 27 evaders.* Contained a flight with Norwegian aircrew during the Halifax period.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13892-13904). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
77 SQUADRON
In 4 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war but with detachments to Coastal Command at various times between October 1939 and May 1940 and with the whole squadron detached to Coastal Command from May to October 1942. Flew Whitleys and Halifaxes; based at Driffield, Linton-on-Ouse, Topcliffe, Leeming, Elvington and Full Sutton.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Whitleys – 223 bombing, 13 leaflet, 3 reconnaissance Halifaxes – 220 bombing, 27 minelaying Total – 446 bombing and recce, 27 minelaying, 13 leaflet = 486 raids Sorties and Losses Whitleys – 1,687 sorties, 56 aircraft lost (3.3 percent) Halifaxes – 3,692 sorties, 75 aircraft lost (2.0 percent) Total – 5,379 sorties, 131 aircraft lost (2.4 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of the war; flew leaflet operations over the Ruhr on the third night of the war. Carried out most bombing raids by a Whitley squadron. Suffered most losses in Whitley squadrons.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13910-13918). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
82 (UNITED PROVINCES) SQUADRON
In 2 Group from the outbreak of the war until March 1942, flying Blenheims from Watton and suffering heavy losses. Sent to India in the spring of 1942 and operated from there until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Blenheims – 200 bombing and sweeps, 10 photo and weather recces Sorties and Losses Blenheims – 1,436 sorties, 62 aircraft lost (43 percent), 11 destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war, flying photo-recce sorties to Germany before the end of September 1939. Flew most bombing raids and sweeps and suffered most losses in Blenheim squadrons. Sank U-31 off Borkum on 11 March 1940. (The U-boat was later salvaged and returned to service but was depth-charged and sunk by the destroyer H.M.S. Antelope in the Atlantic on 2 November 1940.)
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13939-13943). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
83 SQUADRON
In 5 Group at the outbreak of the war and flew Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters from Scampton, with a short detachment to Coastal Command at Lossiemouth in February/ March 1940. Transferred to 8 Group in August 1942 and flew Pathfinder operations from Wyton until returned to 5 Group for that group’s own marker force in April 1944 and flew from Coningsby until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 5 Group Hampdens – 205 bombing, 72 minelaying, 6 ‘night-fighter’ over English cities 5 Group Manchesters – 21 bombing, 10 minelaying, 2 leaflet 5 Group Lancasters (May to August 1942) – 26 bombing, 8 minelaying, 1 leaflet 8 Group Lancasters – 167 bombing 5 Group Lancasters (April 1944 to May 1945) – 105 bombing Total – 524 bombing, 90 minelaying, 6 ‘night-fighter’, 3 leaflet = 623 raids Sorties and Losses 5 Group Hampdens – 1,987 sorties, 43 aircraft lost (2.2 percent) 5 Group Manchesters – 152 sorties, 9 aircraft lost (5.9 percent) 5 Group Lancasters (May to August 1942) – 262 sorties, 4 aircraft lost (15 percent) 8 Group Lancasters – 1,740 sorties, 56 aircraft lost (3.2 percent) 5 Group Lancasters (April 1944 to May 1945) – 1,380 sorties, 31 aircraft lost (2.2 percent) Total – 5,521 sorties, 143 aircraft lost (26 percent) 25 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war; 6 Hampdens flew a sweep over the North Sea on the first day of the war. Victoria Cross: Sergeant John Hannah, Antwerp, 15/ 16 September 1940. An original Pathfinder squadron.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13943-13963). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
85 SQUADRON
Came from Air Defence of Great Britain (Fighter Command) on 1 May 1944 for ‘bomber support’ work with 100 Group as a Mosquito Intruder squadron. Based at Swannington until the end of the war, except when detached to West Mailing in the summer of 1944 for anti-flying bomb operations.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Carried out 170 bomber support, 48 anti-flying bomb and 2 anti-Intruder operations. Flew 1,190 sorties – 864 bomber support, 326 anti-flying bomb, etc. Lost 7 aircraft, all on bomber-support work. Claimed 71 German aircraft destroyed – 30 Me 110s, 27 Ju 88s, 8 Ju 188s, 4 He 219s, 2 FW 190s and 6 others damaged. This total of claims is greater than that of any other Mosquito squadron in 100 Group. Also claimed 30 flying bombs destroyed and many attacks on railways.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13970-13971). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
88 (HONG KONG) SQUADRON
Came to 2 Group in July 1941 after service with the Advanced Air Striking Force in France and with Coastal Command in Northern Ireland. Flew Blenheims and Bostons from Swanton Morley (twice), Attlebridge and Oulton until 2 Group left Bomber Command in May 1943.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Blenheims – 15 bombing Bostons – 47 bombing Total – 62 bombing Sorties and Losses Blenheims – 96 sorties, 5 aircraft lost (5.2 percent) Bostons – 559 sorties, 6 aircraft lost (1.1 percent) Total – 655 sorties, 11 aircraft lost (1.7 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Introduced the Boston to Bomber Command operations and flew more Boston sorties than any other squadron.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13971-13981). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
90 SQUADRON
A training squadron on the outbreak of war and later absorbed into an O.T.U. Reformed in 2 Group on 7 May 1941 and flew Fortresses in the daylight role but this was not successful and the Fortresses were phased out later in the year; the squadron was disbanded in February 1942. Re-formed again on 7 November 1942, this time in 3 Group, and flew Stirlings and Lancasters in 3 Group until the end of the war. Based at Watton, West Raynham and Polebrook while with 2 Group and at Ridge-well, West Wickham (renamed Wratting Common in August 1943) and Tuddenham while with 3 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 2 Group Fortresses – 20 bombing 3 Group Stirlings – 111 bombing and Resistance operations, 100 minelaying 3 Group Lancasters – 162 bombing, 19 minelaying Total – 293 bombing, etc., 119 minelaying = 412 raids Sorties and Losses 2 Group Fortresses – 52 sorties, 3 aircraft lost (5.6 percent) 3 Group Stirlings – 1,937 sorties, 58 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) 3 Group Lancasters – 2,624 sorties, 25 aircraft lost (1.0 percent) Total – 4,613 sorties, 86 aircraft lost (1.9 percent) 26 Stirlings and 12 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Introduced the B-17 Flying Fortress to R.A.F. service and the only squadron to operate the Fortress in the daylight-bombing role.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13982-13997). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
97 (STRAITS SETTLEMENTS) SQUADRON
A training squadron on the outbreak of war and lost its identity in April 1940. Reformed in May 1940 as a Whitley squadron in 4 Group but never operated and was disbanded before the end of that month. Again re-formed, in February 1941, this time in 5 Group, where Manchesters and Lancasters were flown. Transferred to 8 Group in April 1943 and flew Pathfinder operations for a year, suffering heavy losses. Returned to 5 Group in April 1944 as part of 5 Group’s own marker force until the end of the war. Based at Waddington, Coningsby and Woodhall Spa in the first spell with 5 Group, at Bourn with 8 Group and at Coningsby again on the return to 5 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 5 Group Manchesters – 33 bombing, 3 minelaying 5 Group Lancasters (to 14 April 1943) – 135 bombing, 42 minelaying 8 Group Lancasters – 96 bombing 5 Group Lancasters (April 1944 to May 1945) – 111 bombing, 4 minelaying Total – 375 bombing, 49 minelaying = 424 raids (In July 1941, the squadron’s Manchesters were grounded and, in the next six weeks, 97 Squadron aircrew flew operations in 106 Squadron Hampdens; these raids, sorties and losses have been included in 106 Squadron’s totals.) Sorties and Losses 5 Group Manchesters – 151 sorties, 8 aircraft lost (5.3 percent) 5 Group Lancasters – (to 14 April 1943) – 998 sorties, 23 aircraft lost (2.3 percent) 8 Group Lancasters – 1,465 sorties, 58 aircraft lost (40 percent) 5 Group Lancasters (April 1944 to May 1945) – 1,320 sorties, 20 aircraft lost (1.5 percent) Total – 3,934 sorties, 109 aircraft lost (2.8 percent) 26 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The squadron broke no records but performed a valuable bombing and pathfinding service over a long period. It was not a lucky squadron and often suffered heavy losses until the last few months of the war.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 13998-14018). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
98 SQUADRON
98 Squadron was re-formed as a day-bomber squadron in 2 Group on 12 September 1942, after having served as a training squadron, with the Advanced Air Striking Force in France and with Coastal Command in Iceland. Flew Mitchells from West Raynham and Foulsham until 2 Group left Bomber Command in May 1943.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
98 Squadron flew 70 Mitchell sorties and lost 2 aircraft (2.9 percent) in 5 bombing raids and 7 air-sea rescue searches.
POINTS OF INTEREST
With 180 Squadron, introduced the Mitchell to Bomber Command service.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14018-14025). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
99 (MADRAS PRESIDENCY) SQUADRON
A Wellington squadron in 3 Group from the outbreak of the war until posted to India in January 1942. A detachment to Lossiemouth for service with Coastal Command took place in November and December 1939. Based at Newmarket and Water-beach while with 3 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons – 228 bombing, 5 leaflet = 233 raids Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 1,786 sorties, 43 aircraft lost (2.4 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war; 2 Wellingtons dropped leaflets over Hannover on the sixth night of the war. Part of the squadron was detached to Salon in Southern France in January 1940 and carried out some of the first raids to Italy.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14026-14035). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
100 SQUADRON
In the Far East from 1939 to 1942 and wiped out while operating Vickers Vildebeest aircraft in Malaya and Java. Re-formed in 1 Group on 15 December 1942 and flew Lancasters until the end of the war. Based at Grimsby until the last few weeks of the war when a move was made to Elsham Wolds.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Lancasters – 267 bombing, 13 minelaying = 280 raids Sorties and Losses Lancasters – 3,984 sorties, 92 aircraft lost (2.3 percent), 21 aircraft destroyed in crashes.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14035-14041). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
101 SQUADRON
In 2 Group with Blenheims from the outbreak of the war until May 1941, in 3 Group with Wellingtons until September 1942, then in 1 Group with Wellingtons and Lancasters until the end of the war. Based at West Raynham, Oakington, Bourn, Stradis-hall, Holme-on-Spalding Moor and Ludford Magna.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 2 Group Blenheims – 81 bombing 3 Group Wellingtons – 129 bombing, 13 minelaying 1 Group Wellingtons – 4 bombing, 4 minelaying 1 Group Lancasters – 298 bombing, 10 minelaying Total – 512 bombing, 27 minelaying = 539 raids Sorties and Losses 2 Group Blenheims – 618 sorties, 15 aircraft lost (2.4 percent) 3 Group Wellingtons – 1,216 sorties, 42 aircraft lost (34 percent) 1 Group Wellingtons – 37 sorties, 1 aircraft lost (1.7 percent) 1 Group Lancasters – 4,895 sorties, 113 aircraft lost (2.3 percent) Total – 6,766 sorties, 171 aircraft lost (2.5 percent) 6 Blenheims and 33 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war but it did not fly its first operation until July 1940. In service with Bomber Command until the end of the war but with frequent interruptions for changes of group and aircraft type. From early October 1943, the squadron operated Lancasters equipped with A.B.C. (Airborne Cigar). With an extra, German-speaking crew member, they mixed with the bomber stream and jammed German night-fighter communications. The A.B.C. aircraft also carried normal bomb loads. 101 Squadron was the only squadron to perform the A.B.C. role in Bomber Command and retained the duty even after 100 Group was formed. Because of this role, the squadron was often dispatched on raids when its parent group was being rested and this led to its taking part in more bombing raids than any other Lancaster squadron in 1 Group.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14056-14062). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
102 (CEYLON) SQUADRON
In 4 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war, though with short detachments to Coastal Command in 1939 and 1940. Flew Whitleys and Halifaxes; based at Driffield, Leeming, Linton-on-Ouse, Topcliffe (twice), Dalton and Pocklington.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Whitleys – 181 bombing, 14 recce/ leaflet Halifaxes – 310 bombing, 84 minelaying, 13 leaflet Total – 491 bombing, 84 minelaying, 27 recce/ leaflet = 602 raids Sorties and Losses Whitleys – 1,372 sorties, 52 aircraft lost (38 percent) Halifaxes – 4,734 sorties, 140 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) Total – 6,106 sorties, 192 aircraft lost (3.1 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of the war; 3 Whitleys dropped leaflets over the Ruhr on the second night of the war. Served until the end with only short breaks on detachment to Coastal Command. Suffered the third heaviest overall losses in Bomber Command (sharing this distinction with 44 and 78 Squadrons). Suffered most losses in 4 Group (sharing with 78 Squadron). Suffered highest percentage losses in 4 Group. Suffered highest percentage losses in any Whitley squadron.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14063-14078). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
103 SQUADRON
Came to 1 Group in July 1940 after returning from operations in France with the Advanced Air Striking Force and served continuously with 1 Group until the end of the war, carrying out intensive operations during that long period and often suffering heavy casualties. Based at Newton and Elsham Wolds.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Battles – 16 bombing Wellingtons – 138 bombing, 6 minelaying Halifaxes – 15 bombing Lancasters – 317 bombing, 27 minelaying Total – 486 bombing, 33 minelaying = 519 raids Sorties and Losses Battles – 51 sorties, 1 aircraft lost (2.0 percent) Wellingtons – 1,116 sorties, 31 aircraft lost (2.8 percent) Halifaxes – 137 sorties, 12 aircraft lost (8.8 percent) Lancasters – 4,536 sorties, 135 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) Total – 5,840 sorties, 179 aircraft lost (3.1 percent) 22 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Counting service with the Advanced Air Striking Force, unbroken service as a bomber squadron throughout the Second World War. Only squadron in 1 Group to operate Halifaxes and thus the only squadron to operate all four types of aircraft flown by 1 Group in the war. Carried out the most bombing raids in 1 Group. Suffered most losses in 1 Group. Suffered highest percentage losses in 1 Group Lancaster squadrons.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14088-14096). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
104 SQUADRON
A training squadron on the outbreak of war and absorbed into an O.T.U. in April 1940. Re-formed as a Wellington squadron in 4 Group on 1 April 1941 and flew operations from Driffield until February 1942, by which time most of the squadron had been posted to the Middle East.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
104 Squadron flew 373 Wellington sorties and lost 13 aircraft (3.5 percent) in 60 bombing raids.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14097-14102). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
105 SQUADRON
Returned from the Advanced Air Striking Force in France in June 1940 and posted to 2 Group. While with 2 Group, flew Blenheims at first and then Mosquitoes in the day-bomber role, sometimes suffering heavy losses. Based at Honington, Watton, Swanton Morley, Horsham St Faith and Marham. The squadron was detached to Malta from July to October 1941 while still equipped with Blenheims. 105 Squadron was retained in Bomber Command when 2 Group left in May 1943 and flew Oboe Mosquito night-bomber operations with 8 Group until the end of the war. It was based at Marham and Bourn during this period.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 2 Group Blenheims – 99 bombing, 10 reconnaissance 2 Group Mosquitoes – 127 bombing 8 Group Mosquitoes – 487 bombing, mostly using Oboe Total – 713 bombing, 10 reconnaissance = 723 raids Sorties and Losses 2 Group Blenheims – 692 sorties, 22 aircraft lost (3.2 percent) 2 Group Mosquitoes – 548 sorties, 26 aircraft lost (4.7 percent) 8 Group Mosquitoes – 4,947 sorties, 10 aircraft lost (0.2 percent) Total – 6,187 sorties, 58 aircraft lost (0.9 percent) 10 Blenheims were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Continuous duty as a bomber squadron throughout the war, counting the Advanced Air Striking Force and Malta periods. Carried out more bombing raids than any other squadron in Bomber Command (though many of the raids with 8 Group were with small numbers of aircraft and incurred very light casualties). Introduced the Mosquito to Bomber Command service and pioneered the Mosquito in the daylight-bombing role; carried out the first daylight raid to Berlin on 30 January 1943. Carried out more raids and flew more sorties than any other Mosquito squadron. Victoria Cross: Wing Commander H. I. Edwards, D.F.C., Bremen, 4 July 1941. One of only two Oboe squadrons in Bomber Command.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14118-14123). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
106 SQUADRON
A training squadron on the outbreak of war. Became operational in September 1940 and flew continuously with 5 Group until the end of the war. Equipped with Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters; based at Finningly, Coningsby, Syerston and Metheringham.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Hampdens – 106 bombing, 44 minelaying Manchesters – 19 bombing, 14 minelaying, 3 leaflet Lancasters – 346 bombing, 24 minelaying, 1 leaflet Total – 471 bombing, 82 minelaying, 4 leaflet = 557 raids Sorties and Losses Hampdens – 1,230 sorties, 55 aircraft lost (4.5 percent) Manchesters – 151 sorties, 9 aircraft lost (6.0 percent) Lancasters – 4,364 sorties, 105 aircraft lost (2.4 percent) Total – 5,745 sorties, 169 aircraft lost (2.9 percent) 18 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Suffered highest percentage losses in Hampden squadrons. Victoria Cross: Sergeant N. C. Jackson, Schweinfurt, 26/ 27 April 1944.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14123-14137). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
107 SQUADRON
In 2 Group on the outbreak of war and flew Blenheims and Bostons until 2 Group left Bomber Command in May 1943. The squadron was detached to Coastal Command several times and to Malta once. Main bases were at Wattisham and Great Massingham but several other airfields were used for short periods.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Blenheims – 162 bombing and sweeps, 5 general weather recces Bostons – 63 bombing Total – 225 bombing, 5 recces = 230 raids Sorties and Losses Blenheims – 1,442 sorties, 61 aircraft lost (4.2 percent) Bostons – 157 sorties, 23 aircraft lost (14.6 percent) Total – 1,599 sorties, 84 aircraft lost (5.3 percent) 7 Blenheims and 1 Boston were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war; 5 Blenheims were dispatched on the second day of the war and 4 were lost attacking German warships. Flew most Blenheim sorties in Bomber Command. Flew most sorties in 2 Group and probably dropped the greatest tonnage of bombs in 2 Group squadrons; flew only one bombing raid less than 105 Squadron’s highest number in 2 Group. Suffered most losses in 2 Group.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14147-14152). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
109 SQUADRON
From December 1940 was a radio countermeasures unit until transferred to Bomber Command in August 1942. Served with 8 Group as an Oboe Mosquito squadron until the end of the war, being based at Wyton, Marham and Little Staughton.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Mosquitoes – 522 bombing, mostly using Oboe Sorties and Losses Mosquitoes – 5,421 sorties, 18 aircraft lost (0.3 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Introduced Oboe to Bomber Command service. Carried out most raids and flew most sorties in 8 Group. Victoria Cross: Squadron Leader R. A. M. Palmer, D.F.C., posthumously, Cologne, 23 December 1944; Squadron Leader Palmer was flying in a Lancaster of 582 Squadron in this raid.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14152-14162). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.