170 SQUADRON
A Mustang Army Co-Operation squadron from June 1942 to January 1944 but then disbanded. Re-formed on 15 October 1944 in 1 Group and flew Lancasters from Kelstern, Dunholme Lodge and Hemswell until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
170 Squadron flew 980 sorties and lost 13 aircraft (1.3 percent) in 63 bombing raids, 1 Lancaster was destroyed in a crash.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14399-14404). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
110 (HYDERABAD) SQUADRON
In 2 Group on the outbreak of war, flying Blenheims from Wattisham. Numerous small detachments to other airfields and once to Malta in the summer of 1941. Posted to India in March 1942 and flew operations in India and Burma until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Blenheims – 175 bombing and sweeps Sorties and Losses Blenheims – 1,402 sorties, 38 aircraft lost (2.7 percent), 10 aircraft destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of the war; carried out operations against German warships on the second day of the war and suffered casualties.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14162-14170). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
114 (HONG KONG) SQUADRON
In 2 Group, at Wyton, from September to December 1939 but did not fly operations and was posted to the Advanced Air Striking Force in France. Returned to 2 Group from France in May 1940. Flew Blenheims from Horsham St Faith, Oulton and West Raynham. Suffered heavy casualties in shipping attacks and was frequently detached to Coastal Command between March 1941 and August 1942 for recuperation. The last operations for Bomber Command were flown at the end of July 1942 and the squadron was posted to North Africa in November.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Blenheims – 124 bombing, sweeps and Intruder, 7 weather recce, 1 photo recce = 132 raids Sorties and Loses Blenheims – 731 sorties, 39 aircraft lost (5.3 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Suffered the highest percentage losses in 2 Group and the highest percentage losses in any Blenheim squadron.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14176-14181). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
115 SQUADRON
In 3 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war. Flew Wellingtons and Lancasters from Marham, Mildenhall, East Wretham, Little Snoring and Witchford. Detached to Coastal Command for one short period in April 1940.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons – 332 bombing, 54 minelaying, 4 leaflet Lancasters – 261 bombing, 27 minelaying Total – 593 bombing, 81 minelaying, 4 leaflet = 678 raids Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 3,075 sorties, 98 aircraft lost (3.2 percent) Lancasters – 4,678 sorties, 110 aircraft lost (2.4 percent) Total – 7,753 sorties, 208 aircraft lost (2.7 percent) 22 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
115 Squadron had one of the finest records of operational service in Bomber Command. An original squadron on the outbreak of war and, except for one very short period of detachment to Coastal Command, served continuously until the end of the war. Carried out the first Gee trials in August 1941. Carried out the third highest number of bombing raids in Bomber Command heavy squadrons and the most raids in 3 Group. Flew the second highest number of sorties in Bomber Command. Probably dropped the second greatest tonnage of bombs, approximately 23,000 tons, in Bomber Command; dropped more bombs than any other squadron in 3 Group. Suffered the most losses in the whole of Bomber Command; the only squadron to lose more than 200 aircraft in the war. Carried out most raids, flew most sorties and suffered most losses of any Wellington squadron in Bomber Command. Carried out most raids, flew most sorties, suffered most losses and the highest percentage loss rate in any Lancaster squadron in 3 Group.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14181-14202). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
128 SQUADRON
A maritime squadron in West Africa from October 1941 to March 1943 but then disbanded. Re-formed as a Mosquito squadron in 8 Group’s Light Night Striking Force on 15 September 1944 and operated in that role, flying from Wyton, until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
128 Squadron flew 1,531 sorties and lost 2 aircraft (0.1 percent) in 157 bombing raids.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14202-14207). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
138 SQUADRON
Formed from 1419 Flight in August 1941 as the first Special Duty squadron in Bomber Command for what are called Resistance operations in these diaries. Whitleys, Halifaxes and Stirlings were used for the dropping of supplies and agents by parachute, and Lysanders for the delivery and collection of agents and urgent packages from secret landing grounds in the occupied countries. A very few sorties were also flown by Liberators and a Wellington. Early operations were flown from Newmarket and Stradishall but the main base used was Tempsford. The squadron was administered by 3 Group, although 38 Group had some control over the operations. The squadron gave up its special role in March 1945 and became a normal Lancaster bomber squadron, still in 3 Group and flying from Tuddenham.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
It is impossible to give a full record of 138 Squadron’s operations because the Operations Record Book for the early part of the squadron’s life is not complete. It is known that 438 operations were carried out on Resistance work, flying at least 2,578 sorties – 1,788 Halifaxes, 503 Stirlings, 219 Whitleys, approximately 64 Lysanders, 3 Liberators and 1 Wellington. 69 aircraft (2.7 percent) are known to have been lost 47 Halifaxes, 11 Lysanders (often after becoming bogged down in soft ground in French fields), 10 Stirlings and 1 Whitley. In its bomber role from March to May 1945, the squadron dispatched 105 Lancaster sorties on 9 raids and lost 1 aircraft (1.0 percent).
POINTS OF INTEREST
Carried out more operations in support of Resistance groups than any other squadron. Had Czechoslovak airmen among its aircrew in late 1941.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14207-14222). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
139 (JAMAICA) SQUADRON
In 2 Group on the outbreak of war, flying Blenheims from Wyton. Posted to the Advanced Air Striking Force in France in December 1939 and, after being almost wiped out in the Battle of France, returned to England in May 1940. Resumed operations in 2 Group, flying from Horsham St Faith (twice) and Oulton (twice). Posted to Malta in December 1941 and lost its identity. Re-formed in 2 Group again with Mosquito day bombers in June 1942 and again suffered heavy losses flying from Horsham St Faith (twice more), Oulton, Marham and Wyton. Transferred to 8 Group in June 1943 and became a most useful all-purpose night-bomber squadron, dropping markers, Window or bombs, often in diversionary raids until the end of the war. Based at Wyton and Upwood while with 8 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 2 Group Bostons – 190 bombing, 7 photo recce 2 Group Mosquitoes – 56 bombing, 10 weather/ photo recce 8 Group Mosquitoes – 438 bombing and marker Total – 684 bombing, 17 recce = 701 raids Sorties and Losses 2 Group Blenheims – 1,112 sorties, 33 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) 2 Group Mosquitoes – 245 sorties, 14 aircraft lost (5.7 percent) 8 Group Mosquitoes – 4,187 sorties, 23 aircraft lost (0.5 percent) Total – 5,544 sorties, 70 aircraft lost (1.3 percent) 6 Blenheims were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war and flew Bomber Command’s first sortie of the war, a reconnaissance mission over the North Sea and Germany, on the first day of the war. Almost continuous service throughout the war if Advanced Air Striking Force and Malta detachments are included. Carried out most bombing raids in 2 Group. Suffered most losses and highest percentage losses in 8 Group Mosquito squadrons.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14238-14242). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
141 SQUADRON
A night-fighter squadron in Fighter Command which developed the Serrate device for detecting and engaging German night fighters. After several months of carrying out such operations independently, the squadron was transferred to 100 Group in December 1943 and flew with Bomber Command until the end of the war, being based at West Raynham.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
The Squadron operated on 223 occasions, mostly at night, while with 100 Group, flying 12 sorties with Beaufighters and 1,202 with Mosquitoes. Most of these were Serrate operations but 84 ordinary Intruder sorties were flown. 11 Mosquitoes (0.9 percent) were lost. The squadron claimed 70 German aircraft destroyed, 4 probables and 21 damaged in the air, and 7 aircraft destroyed and 3 damaged on the ground, as well as 58 railway engines, 7 ships and 2 motor vehicles attacked on the ground.
POINTS OF INTEREST
141 Squadron performed a most valuable service in developing Serrate and introducing this form of operation to 100 Group. Only one other squadron in 100 Group claimed more German aircraft destroyed, and then by only one aircraft.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14242-14253). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
142 SQUADRON
Returned from the Advanced Air Striking Force in France in May 1940 and served in I Group, flying Battles and Wellingtons from Waddington, Binbrook (twice), Eastchurch, Grimsby and Kirmington. Detached to 38 Group for parachute training in June and July 1942 but no operations were flown and the squadron returned to 1 Group. The main body of the squadron was posted to the Middle East in December 1942 and flew operations there until the squadron was disbanded in October 1944. Re-formed the same month in England and served as a Mosquito squadron in 8 Group’s Light Night Striking Force until the end of the war, being based at Gransden Lodge during this period.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 1 Group Battles – 16 bombing 1 Group Wellingtons – 132 bombing, 32 minelaying, 1 leaflet 8 Group Mosquitoes – 116 bombing Total – 264 bombing, 32 minelaying, 1 leaflet = 297 raids Sorties and Losses 1 Group Battles – 63 sorties, 4 aircraft lost (6.3 percent) 1 Group Wellingtons – 1,073 sorties, 47 aircraft lost (4.4 percent) 8 Group Mosquitoes – 1,095 sorties, 2 aircraft lost (0.2 percent) Total – 2,231 sorties, 53 aircraft lost (2.4 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Flew most Battle sorties in Bomber Command.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14253-14268). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
144 SQUADRON
In 5 Group at the outbreak of the war; flew Hampdens intensively from Hemswell and North Luffenham until April 1942 when the squadron transferred to Coastal Command for training as a torpedo-bomber squadron, in which role it operated with much success until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Hampdens – 276 bombing, 42 minelaying, 6 leaflet = 324 raids Sorties and Losses Hampdens – 2,045 sorties, 62 aircraft lost (3.0 percent)
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war, carrying out operations over the North Sea from 25 September 1939. Suffered 100 percent losses on 28 September 1939 when a formation of 5 Hampdens, including the aircraft of the squadron commander – Wing Commander J. C. Cunningham, was shot down. Carried out most bombing raids in Hampden squadrons and suffered the most losses.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14268-14278). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
149 (EAST INDIA) SQUADRON
In 3 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war. Flew Wellingtons, Stirlings and Lancasters from Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Methwold.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons –213 bombing, 3 weather recce, 2 leaflet Stirling – 244 bombing, 160 minelaying, 6 leaflet Lancasters – no bombing Total – 567 bombing, 160 minelaying, 8 leaflet, 3 recce = 738 raids Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 1,647 sorties, 40 aircraft lost (2.4 percent) Stirlings – 2,628 sorties, 87 aircraft lost (3.3 percent) Lancasters – 1,630 sorties, 4 aircraft lost (0.2 percent) Total – 5,905 sorties, 131 aircraft lost (2– 2 percent) 40 Stirlings and 1 Lancaster were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war; flew operations over the North Sea on the first day. Continuous service in Bomber Command throughout the war, one of only two squadrons to claim this honour (see 44 Squadron). Victoria Cross: Flight Sergeant R. H. Middleton, posthumously, Turin, 28/ 29 November 1942. Carried out the fifth highest number of bombing raids in Bomber Command heavy squadrons. Carried out most minelaying operations in Bomber Command. Flew the most Stirling sorties in Bomber Command. Suffered the lowest percentage loss rate among those Bomber Command squadrons which operated continuously from 1940 until the end of the war.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14279-14298). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
150 SQUADRON
Returned from the Advanced Air Striking Force in France in June 1940 and posted to 1 Group. Flew Battles and Wellingtons from Newton, Snaith and Kirmington until posted to the Middle East in December 1942. Disbanded in Algeria in September 1944 and re-formed, again in 1 Group, on 1 November 1944 and flew Lancasters from Fiskerton (briefly) and Hemswell until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Battles – 16 bombing Wellingtons – 175 bombing, 25 minelaying Lancasters – 73 bombing Total – 264 bombing, 25 minelaying = 289 raids Sorties and Losses Battles – 50 sorties, no losses Wellingtons – 1,667 sorties, 50 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) Lancasters – 840 sorties, 6 aircraft lost (0.7 percent) Total – 2,557 sorties, 56 aircraft lost (2.2 percent) 2 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14299-14310). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
153 SQUADRON
After three years’ duty as a night-fighter squadron, disbanded in Algeria in September 1944. Re-formed as a Lancaster squadron in 1 Group on 7 October 1944 and flew from Kirmington (briefly) and Scampton until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Lancasters – 70 bombing, 5 minelaying = 75 raids Sorties and Losses Lancasters – 1,041 sorties, 22 aircraft lost (2.1 percent), 4 aircraft destroyed in crashes.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14310-14316). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
156 SQUADRON
Formed in February 1942 as a Wellington squadron in 3 Group, flying from Alcon-bury. Transferred to 8 Group in August 1942 and flew as a Pathfinder squadron until the end of the war, converting to Lancasters in January 1943. Based at Warboys and Upwood while with 8 Group.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown 3 Group Wellingtons – 38 bombing, 4 minelaying, 1 leaflet 8 Group Wellingtons – 40 bombing 8 Group Lancasters – 230 bombing Total – 308 bombing, 4 minelaying, 1 leaflet = 313 raids Sorties and Losses 3 Group Wellingtons – 346 sorties, 22 aircraft lost (6.4 percent) 8 Group Wellingtons – 305 sorties, 17 aircraft lost (5.6 percent) 8 Group Lancasters – 3,933 sorties, 104 aircraft lost (2.6 percent) Total – 4,584 sorties, 143 aircraft lost (3.1 percent) 16 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Suffered heavy losses while flying Wellingtons. An original Pathfinder squadron. Flew most overall sorties and most Lancaster sorties in Pathfinder heavy squadrons. Lost four commanding officers in four months, January to April 1944.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14329-14331). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
157 SQUADRON
This Mosquito night-fighter squadron was posted to 100 Group in May 1944 for bomber-support duties. Based at Swannington and flew Intruder operations until the end of the war, except for two periods in the summer of 1944 when anti-flying-bomb patrols were flown from West Mailing.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Flew 1,122 bomber-support sorties in 174 separate operations, losing 5 aircraft (0.4 percent), and 214 anti-flying-bomb sorties with the loss of 1 aircraft (0.5 percent). All operations were with Mosquitoes. Claimed 37 German aircraft destroyed (18 Ju 88s, 14 Me 110s, 2 Ju 188s, 2 He 119s, 2 FW 190s) and 13 others damaged; claimed 39 flying bombs destroyed and 1 damaged.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14332-14338). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
158 SQUADRON
Formed in 4 Group on 14 February 1942 and, after flying Wellingtons for four months, converted to Halifaxes which were flown until the end of the war. Based at Driffield, East Moor, Rufforth and Lissett. Several short detachments were made to Coastal Command in November and December 1942.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons – 78 bombing, 3 minelaying Halifaxes – 267 bombing, 8 minelaying Total – 345 bombing, 11 minelaying = 356 raids Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 207 sorties, 14 aircraft lost (6.8 percent) Halifaxes – 5,161 sorties, 145 aircraft lost (2.8 percent) Total – 5,368 sorties, 159 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) 3 Wellingtons and 12 Halifaxes were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Flew most Halifax sorties in Bomber Command. One of the squadron aircraft, Halifax III L V907 – nicknamed Friday the 13th from the day of its delivery to the squadron – flew 128 operational sorties and survived the war; this was a record number of sorties for a Halifax. Suffered the following aircrew casualties: 859 killed, died of wounds or died in prison camps, 308 prisoners of war, 61 evaded capture. 78 of the dead have no known grave; 107 of the fatal casualties were suffered in crashes in the United Kingdom.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14339-14354). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
161 SQUADRON
Formed in February 1942 from a nucleus provided by the King’s Flight. Operated until the end of the war as a Special Duty squadron delivering supplies and agents to Resistance units. Based at Tempsford and operated many types of aircraft.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
The records of 161 Squadron are incomplete and confusing. The number of nights and days on which the squadron operated is not known. The sorties and losses shown below are known to have taken place but the true figure is greater: Halifaxes – 786 sorties, 17 aircraft lost (2.2 percent) Stirlings – 379 sorties, 6 aircraft lost (1.6 percent) Lysanders – 266 sorties, 10 aircraft lost (3.8 percent) Hudsons – 179 sorties, 10 aircraft lost (5.6 percent) Whitleys – 139 sorties, 6 aircraft lost (4.3 percent) Total – 1,749 sorties, 49 aircraft lost (2.8 percent) The Lysanders and the Hudsons were the most commonly used aircraft for landing in fields to collect agents, which accounts for their high casualties; these aircraft often had to be abandoned by their crews when they crashed or became bogged in soft ground. The Lysanders, and some other types of aircraft, sometimes carried small bomb loads which were dropped on a nearby target after their Resistance loads had been delivered. In addition to the above figures, at least 125 sorties by Havocs were flown; some of these were agent-landing operations but the Havoc was not suitable for this work and was replaced by the Hudson. Many of the 125 Havoc sorties were flown from St Eval as convoy escorts under Fighter or Coastal Command control. It is also known that the squadron had Albemarles, Ansons and Wellingtons for short periods but details of their operations, if any, were not recorded.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14358-14370). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
162 SQUADRON
After operating as a radio-countermeasures squadron in the Middle East, the squadron was disbanded in September 1944 but was re-formed in 8 Group on 18 December 1944 and flew Mosquitoes with the Light Night Striking Force until the end of the war. Based at Bourn.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
162 Squadron flew 913 sorties and lost only 1 aircraft (0.1 percent) in 89 bombing raids.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Suffered the lowest casualties and the lowest percentage casualties in Bomber Command. Part of the squadron was equipped with H2S and carried markers during the Mosquito campaign against Berlin in the final weeks of the war.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14371-14378). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
163 SQUADRON
Was a communications squadron in Africa from July 1942 until June 1943 but then disbanded. Re-formed in 8 Group on 25 January 1945 and flew Mosquitoes with the Light Night Striking Force until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
163 Squadron flew 636 sorties and lost 3 aircraft (0.5 percent) in 64 bombing raids.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14379-14383). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
166 SQUADRON
A Whitley training squadron in 4 Group on the outbreak of the war but lost its identity in April 1940. Re-formed in 1 Group on 27 January 1943 and flew its first operation that night. Flew Wellingtons and Lancasters from Kirmington until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown Wellingtons – 43 bombing, 33 minelaying Lancasters – 202 bombing, 13 minelaying Total – 245 bombing, 46 minelaying = 291 raids Sorties and Losses Wellingtons – 789 sorties, 39 aircraft lost (4.9 percent) Lancasters – 4,279 sorties, 114 aircraft lost (2.7 percent) Total – 5,068 sorties, 153 aircraft lost (3.0 percent) 3 Wellingtons and 19 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14386-14393). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
170 SQUADRON
A Mustang Army Co-Operation squadron from June 1942 to January 1944 but then disbanded. Re-formed on 15 October 1944 in 1 Group and flew Lancasters from Kelstern, Dunholme Lodge and Hemswell until the end of the war.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
170 Squadron flew 980 sorties and lost 13 aircraft (1.3 percent) in 63 bombing raids, 1 Lancaster was destroyed in a crash.
Everitt, Chris; Middlebrook, Martin (2014-04-02). The Bomber Command War Diaries : An Operational Reference Book (Kindle Locations 14399-14404). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.