Havoc - Aircraft Details - Aviation Directory

Naval History by Country :

ROYAL
NAVY

US
NAVY

GERMAN
NAVY

FRENCH
NAVY

*VIEW ALL OF OUR CURRENT ART SPECIAL OFFERS ON ONE PAGE HERE*
NAVAL ART	AVIATION ART	MILITARY ART	SPORT ART

ALWAYS GREAT OFFERS :

20% FURTHER PRICE REDUCTIONS ON HUNDREDS OF LIMITED EDITION ART PRINTS

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE ON THOUSANDS OF PAINTINGS AND PRINTS

FOR MORE OFFERS SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

Havoc - Aircraft Details - Aviation Directory

Havoc

Name : Havoc
Manufacturer : Douglas

A-20

Pilots and Aircrew for : Havoc

A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking their name.

Name

Info

Addison, William Nathan .
Click the name above to see a profile of Addison, William Nathan .

Addison, William Nathan .

posted to 85 Squadron at Debden, The Squadron were operating Havocs, he joined his Canadian pilot, F/Lt. G Raphael. On the night of 13th/14th May 1941 they destroyed a Heinkel 111 off the Thames Estuary and probably destroyed another near Gravesend. A Ju88 was shot down at night on 23rd/24th June and another He111 was destroyed on 13th/14th July. Addison was awarded the DFM on the 15th July 1941) On the 16th/17th Sept 1941 they shot down a Ju88 and damaged another on 30th/31st July 1942 and had their final victory together in a Mosquito on 17th/18th January 1943, destroying a Ju88. Promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st May 1942, was awarded the DFC (gazetted 19th February 1943). In July 1944 Addison joined 488 Squadron at Colerne. where he flew with F/O D Robinson, and with F/Lt. Cook. During his time with 488, Addison assisted in the destruction of a Ju88. When 488 was disbanded on 26th April 1945, he joined 219 Squadron,

Aines, Howard B
Click the name above to see a profile of Aines, Howard B

Aines, Howard B

Lead Bombardier / Navigator with the 644th Sqn. Flew the first of his 65 combat mission in the A-20 on 4th May 1944.

Allard, Geoffrey
Click the name above to see a profile of Allard, Geoffrey

Died : 13 / 3 / 1941

Allard, Geoffrey

Born 1912, "Sammy" Allard joined the RAF in 1929, training to be a pilot in the late 1930s, before joining No.87 Sqn, but transferred to No.85 Sqn soon after. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of France, Allard racked up 8 victories, and added another 8 during the Battle of Britain, before 85 squadron became a night-fighting unit. Sammy Allard was piloting a Havoc aircraft on 13th March 1941 when a small panel displodged and jammed the rudder, causing the plane to crash, and killing all on board, including New Zealand Ace William Hodgson. Allard was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, which does not appear in the London Gazette, to our knowledge, a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Medal, gazetted on 13th September 1940, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 8th October 1940.

Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross :

Between 30th August and ist September, 1940, this officer destroyed seven enemy aircraft; previously he had destroyed ten and shared in the destruction of others. He has displayed outstanding skill and courage in combat against the enemy.

Allen, Mike
Click the name above to see a profile of Allen, Mike

Died : 6 / 6 / 2001

Allen, Mike

Michael Seamer Allen was born in Croydon, Surrey on March 15th 1925, and educated at Hurstpierpoint College, Sussex. He then studied mechanical engineering at night school before being apprenticed to Fairey Aviation. Mike Allen managed with the help of his father to get Fairey Aviaiton to release him, so that he could join the RAF. Allen joined the RAF as a navigator in June 1941 and two months later was paired with Harry White at No 54 Training Unit, at Church Fenton, Yorkshire. They remained together throughout the war. They both joined No 29, a Beaufighter night squadron at West Malling, in Kent before going to No.534 at Tangmere, Sussex, from where they flew Havoc night fighters (converted Douglas Bostons), each equipped with a Turbinlite searchlight in the nose. The notion was that the Havocs would use their radar to search out enemy aircraft, which would then be picked out with the searchlight and shot down by an accompanying Hurricane. In practice, the scheme was none too successful, but Allen regarded the 15 months that he and White spent in Havocs as invaluable training in the art of night fighting. Allen along with Harry White spent a few months ferrying Beaufighters to the Middle East before Mike Allen and Harry White moved to No.141 Squadron having won two Bars to his DFC 1944. Sadlly around this time his parents were killed when a V2 rocket destroyed their house in July 1944. In January 1945 Allen and White had a close shave while taking off on their 91st operational sortie on a bleak evening in January 1945. The engine of their Mosquito failed as the aircraft left the ground, and the fighter nose-dived into a field. White and Alien found themselves in a heap in the cabin, with Allens foot jammed in the fuselage, White pinned underneath him, and the aircraft on fire, Fortunately, a farmer and two labourers who had seen the crash managed to pull them to safety just as the Mosquito went up in flames. Over the course of their partnerhsip they successfully destroyed at least 12 enemy aircraft. Flt Lt Mike Allen left the Royal Air Force in 1946, and began his civilian career working for Avro, the Manchester-based aircraft company, Pye Telecommunications, BTR and Rank Hovis McDougall. In 1966 he moved to South Africa, where he became chairman of the Pretoria branch of the South African Air Force Association. He returned to Britain in 1982 and worked for the Officers Association. In 1999 Mike Allen published the book Pursuit through Darkened Skies. Flight Lieutenant Mike Allen sadly died at the age of 78 on the 6th of June 2001. Mike Allen had won three DFCs as a navigator and radar operator in night fighters.

Barkalow, Jame F
Click the name above to see a profile of Barkalow, Jame F

Died : 17 / 11 / 2009

Barkalow, Jame F

49 combat mission A-20 Lead Pilot in the ETO. Born in Bradley Beach, he was a resident of Wildwood for over thirty years before residing in Northfield. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Untied States Army and served as a pilot with the 410th Bomb Group in the U.S. Army Air Corps in England and France. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, received nine Air Medals and received the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation. He was the Commanding Officer of the New Jersey National Guard Division, Cape May County for 19 years. Mr. Barkalow worked as a supervisor for the NJ Bell Telephone Company in Wildwood and Atlantic City for thirty two years. Sadly, Lt Colonel Jame F Barkalow passed away at his home aged 89, on 17th November 2009.

Bjornson, Donald
Click the name above to see a profile of Bjornson, Donald

Bjornson, Donald

Aerial Gunner with the 645th Sqn. 65 combat missions on the A-20 Havoc, including the Blankenheim Strike.

Burbridge, Branse
Click the name above to see a profile of Burbridge, Branse

Died : 1 / 11 / 2016

Burbridge, Branse

Posted to 85 Squadron on night-fighters in October 1941, Branse Burbridge flew Havocs on his first tour, scoring just a single claim, but when he returned to 85 Squadron for a second tour - this time on Mosquitos, he was far more successful. His first enemy kill was in Febraury 1944 when he shot down a Messerschmitt 410 fighter plane off the Sussex coast. On the night of March 24, 1944 he became embroiled in a life-or-death dogfight with a Dornier 217 bomber over the Channel. His Mosquito chased the aircraft from 19,000ft to just 3,000ft before it crashed into the sea, with Wg Cmdr Burbridge pulling up with just 1,000ft to spare. During the period of the build up to the invasion of Normandy, and after, together with his radar navigator, Bill Skelton, They flew 30 sorties over Germany to provide escort cover to RAF bombers. His greatest achievement came on November 4, 1944 during a bombing raid over Bonn. He shot down three Junkers 88 bombers and a Me 110, firing just 200 rounds in the process. In total they claimed 21 victories in a ten month spell. In the days after D-Day, he shot down a Junkers 88 bomber on the France/Belgium border that was piloted by Major Herget, who was credited with 72 aerial victories. In June 1944 he also shot down three V-1s. With his final air victory, in January 1945, he passed the total set by John Cats Eyes Cunningham to become the highest scoring RAF night fighter Ace of the war. Following the war Wg Cmdr Burbridge studied theology at Oxford before becoming a lay preacher for the Scripture Union. He now lives in care in Chorleywood, Herts.

Clark, Terry
Click the name above to see a profile of Clark, Terry

Clark, Terry

Terry Clark was born in Croyden on 11th April 1919. Terry Clark joined 615 RAuxAF in March 1938 in Kenley, as an Aircrafthand. Called up in 1939, he joined 615 Squadron, Auxiliary Air force, and flew as a gunner in Hawker Hectors before he qualified as an Air Gunner and also a Radio Observer. He joined No.219 Sqn at Catterick in July 1940 and flew on Beaufighters throughout the Battle of Britain. By September 1940, the conflict had reached its zenith and at night the feared Blitz began in earnest. More radar specialists were needed to deal with the threat so Mr Clark was sent to Beaufighters. He did not receive any training and still wore the AG brevet, but people began to ask why a plane without a gun turret had an air gunner on board, so he was given a badge that said RO. Eventually, in recognition of his new role, Mr Clark was awarded his third flying badge â€“ N for Navigator. His job was to track enemy aircraft and guide the pilot towards the selected contact. It was while flying the Beaufighter that he was awarded the DFM on 8th July 1941 after assisting his pilot to down three aircraft at night. He joined 1455 Flight in 1941, forming at Tangmere with Turbinlite Havocs, then flew the same aircraft with 1451 Flight at Hunsdon, locating enemy aircraft by Radar in the Havoc for accompanying fighters to attack and destroy. Commissioned in May 1942 from Warrant Officer and in May 1943 he was posted to No.488 Sqn RNZAF.

Coe, Jerome M
Click the name above to see a profile of Coe, Jerome M

Coe, Jerome M

Lead pilot with the 647th Sqn. Flew the first of his 61 combat missions in the A-20 on 15 Aug 1944

Conte, Ralph F.
Click the name above to see a profile of Conte, Ralph F.

Conte, Ralph F.

Navigator / Bombardier, Ralph flew 65 combat missions in the A-20 & A-26

Davis, Narval F
Click the name above to see a profile of Davis, Narval F

Davis, Narval F

Pilot with the 647th Sqn. 72 combat missions on both the A-20 & A-26, the first on D-Day June 1944.

Downing, Wayne E
Click the name above to see a profile of Downing, Wayne E

Downing, Wayne E

A pilot, Wayne Downing flew Douglas A20 Havoc light bombers with the 416th Bomb Group, the first Group to fly the A20 in Europe. On D-Day the 416th BG targeted Argentan, a major German troop crossroads, and later in the day a second mission to hit a major marshalling yard. Moving to France in September 1944, in October he converted over to flying the more advanced a26 Invader. Wayne Downing flew a total of 86 combat missions.

Ellecombe, John
Click the name above to see a profile of Ellecombe, John

Died : 11 / 5 / 2014

Ellecombe, John

John Ellecombe joined the RAF in 1939 and was posted to 151 Squadron in July 1940, immediately converting to Hurricanes. On 24th August he shot down a He111, but a week later his Hurricane was blown up in combat and he baled out, with burns. Rejoining his squadron a few months later, in February 1941 was posted to 253 Squadron where he took part in the Dieppe operations. On 28th July, flying a Turbinlite Havoc, he probably destroyed a Do217. Converting to Mosquitos, John was posted to 487 Squadron RNZAF, and during the build up to the Normandy Invasion and after, was involved in many ground attacks on enemy held airfields, railways, and other targets of opportunity. He completed a total of 37 sorties on Mosquitos. Flying a de Havilland Mosquito XIII with a devastating set of four 20mm cannon in the nose, John Ellacombe flew deep into occupied France on the night before D-Day searching out and destroying German convoys and railway targets. As the Normandy campaign raged on, 151 Squadron intensified its interdiction sorties - including night attacks on Falaise and the Seine bridges. On August 1st Ellacombe took part in the famous attack by 23 Mosquitoes on the German bar-racks in Poitiers, led by Group Captain Wykeham Barnes. Ellacombe had first joined 151 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, direct from Flying Training School. Within weeks he had scored his first victory but also force landed in a field, having shot down a He 111, and baled out of a blazing Hurricane. He baled out a second time during the Dieppe Raid in 1942 but was picked up safely. Postwar he had a long and successful career in the RAE.

Fitch, John
Click the name above to see a profile of Fitch, John

Died : 31 / 10 / 2012

Fitch, John

Joining the Army Air Corps in 1941 he began his service flying the A-20 Havoc in North Africa. Volunteering for a second tour in 1944 he joined the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group initially flying P-47s and on 18th November 1944 he shot down an Me262 over Germany. Transferring to P-51s he was shot down in March 1945 whilst strafing a train, and was taken prisoner. After the war he became a successful Grand Prix racing driver and an icon of the racing industry.

Hall, John Anthony Sanderson
Click the name above to see a profile of Hall, John Anthony Sanderson

Died : 24 / 9 / 2015

Hall, John Anthony Sanderson

John Anthony Sanderson Hall was born in Oxford on Christmas Day 1921. His father was William Glenvil Hall, MP for Colne Valley and Financial Secretary to the Treasury in Attlee's government. From his father, a life-long Quaker, John inherited a belief in practical action rather than ideology, along with a sense of decency and respect for the rights of individuals. He attended the Quaker co-educational Leighton Park School, Reading, then worked briefly as a publisher's reader and studied at the Sorbonne before returning to this country and joining the RAF at the height of the Battle of Britain. After training as a night-fighter pilot, Hall joined No 85 Squadron, At that time, 85 Squadron flew twin engine Havocs, a night fighter version of the American light bomber, the Boston, with the radar operator where the Boston's gun turret would have been and 12 machine guns in the nose, in place of the Boston's navigator. The radar then was the Mark 4, not very reliable, and with a very limited range. During 1942, the Squadron re-equipped with the much faster and more maneuverable Mosquito, with a scanner in the nose for the infinitely more effective Mark 8 radar and 4 cannon. After excelling on an air gunnery course at the Central Gunnery School, Hall became an instructor at No 51 Operational Training Unit. He became an ardent believer in the need for fighter pilots to understand fully the basics of air-to-air shooting, something that he felt most of them lacked. He likened the problem to shooting game birds when an estimate of range, line and deflection held the key to success. Hall joined the New Zealanders of No 488 in November 1943, and was crewed up with Cairns, an experienced radar operator. Two months after their initial success, Hall and Cairns were on a routine patrol over Essex when they were directed to a contact flying at 18,000ft. They identified a Junkers 88, which they shot down and saw crash with a tremendous explosion. The enemy aircraft had landed on a group of dispersed bombers on the USAAF airfield at Earls Colne, severely damaging a number of them. Hall was doubtful about claiming this as a kill. He shot down another bomber off the Essex coast on April 19 1944. As he approached to land, he was told to wait until another Mosquito had landed ahead of him. In the event, the other Mosquito turned out to be a Junkers 88; the crew claimed they thought they were landing in Holland. After shooting down their fifth German bomber, as it attacked Bristol on May 22, both Hall and Cairns were awarded the DFC. Hall's citation described him as a highly efficient and courageous fighter. On the night before D-Day, Hall flew one of the many night fighters that patrolled over the beachhead keeping German bombers away from the invasion fleet. By mid-August, the crews of No 488 had destroyed 49 enemy aircraft. The sum of Â£50 had been accrued at various fund-raising events, and it was agreed that this should go to the ground crew of the aircraft achieving the squadron's 50th success. During the night of August 14/15, Hall attacked a German bomber, but it escaped. Shortly afterwards a second bomber was attacked and Hall succeeded in shooting it down 20 miles south of Caen, much to the delight of his ground crew. After moving to an advanced airfield in France, further success came on the night of December 23/24. Two days later, however, Hall had a narrow escape. Flying in atrocious weather in an attempt to support Allied troops under attack during the German's lightning Ardennes offensive, he was prevented by blizzards from returning to his base at Amiens. With virtually no fuel, he saw a light and crash-landed on a US forward grass airstrip and the Mosquito was wrecked. Hall scored his last kill on March 27 1945. He pressed home his attack from such close range that his Mosquito was hit by debris from the enemy bomber. The port engine was damaged and subsequently caught fire, but Hall managed to crash land on an airfield in Holland; his aircraft was almost completely burnt out. A few days later, he and Cairns each received a Bar to their DFCs. After leaving the RAF at the end of 1946, Hall went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, to read Law. He was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in November 1948, and joined chambers at Lamb Building.

Humphreys, J. D.
Click the name above to see a profile of Humphreys, J. D.

Died : 2 / 8 / 1942

Humphreys, J. D.

June 18th 1940 Shot down a HE111 at 23.99 over the Norfolk Coast 13th October 1940 J D Humphreys flying Blenheim K7135 was attacked by mistake by Hurricanes of 312 sqd. Although Damaged he managed to get back to his base at Ternhill, other crew members Gunner Sgt E H Bee and Radio operator Francis Fizel. (his last flight) Humphrey was killed the night of 1st/2nd August 1942 during a night intruder to Beauvais. He was the pilot of the Havoc Mk.I serial BJ489 code JP-L from 605 Sqn. Crew were follows : The crew were all killed S/Ldr. J.D. Humphreys DFC W/O. D.L. McConnell Sgt. W.R. Wells

LaMond, Charles D
Click the name above to see a profile of LaMond, Charles D

LaMond, Charles D

Pilot with the 644th Squadron. 41 combat missions in the A-20.

Lusty, Kenneth R
Click the name above to see a profile of Lusty, Kenneth R

Died : 18 / 9 / 2009

Lusty, Kenneth R

Kenneth Lusty joined the RAF as an Airman u/t Air Gunner on 4th September 1939. After call-up, he did his basic training at Padgate and then went to RAF Aldergrove on 30th December for a gunnery course. On 24th February 1940 Lusty joined 235 Squadron. As a Coastal Command Squadron, the need for WOp/AGs in the crews meant that Lusty was posted away on 14th May to 25 Squadron at North Weald. He served with the squadron throughout the Battle of Britain. Lusty retrained as a Radio Observer, was commissioned in May 1941 and on 16th July he joined 1453 Flight, newly-formed at Wittering and equipped with Turbinlite Havocs. On 1st August 1942 Lusty was rested. He returned to operations on 2nd April 1943, joining 410 (RCAF) Squadron at Drem operating Beaufighters. Lusty's pilot was posted to 406 (RCAF) Squadron at Predannack on 25th August and they went together but when the squadron became all-Canadian Lusty went to 264 Squadron at Fairwood Common on 9th October 1943. After completing his tour Lusty was sent to the Staff College on 5th July 1944. He was posted to 132 Squadron at Vavuyina, Ceylon on 28th November 1944 as Adjutant. He moved to BHQ Colombo on 23rd June 1945 as Senior Admin Officer. Lusty returned to the UK and was released from the RAF on 21st January 1946 as a Squadron Leader. He died on 18th September 2009.

McBride, Leonard R
Click the name above to see a profile of McBride, Leonard R

McBride, Leonard R

416th B G A-20 & A-26 pilot on 65 combat missions

Milow, Arthur R
Click the name above to see a profile of Milow, Arthur R

Milow, Arthur R

Arthur Milow was Commanding Officer of the 643rd Squadron, 409th Bomb Group, and commanded a total of 66 combat missions flying the Douglas A20 Havoc, and A26 Invader. He flew combat missions during the D-Day operations, and later took part in the Battle of the Bulge.

Minech, John L
Click the name above to see a profile of Minech, John L

Minech, John L

A pilot with the 647th Squadron, 410th Light Bomb Group, John Minech flew the first of his sixty-five combat missions in May 1944, flying the Douglas A20 Havoc. he flew two missions on d-Day itself, the second of which was a low level attack at 300ft during the evening. He flew thirty-five missions as a Flight Leader, and was Squadron Operations Officer for 5 months. He flew in Europe until the end of the war.

Shea, Daniel F
Click the name above to see a profile of Shea, Daniel F

Shea, Daniel F

46th B G. Graduate of West Point. 65 missions as A-20 & A-26 pilot.

Snell, Vivian
Click the name above to see a profile of Snell, Vivian

Died : 21 / 2 / 2010

Snell, Vivian

Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot with No.501 Sqn. Shot down over Cranbrook on 25th October 1940 while flying Hurricane P2903, bailing out uninjured. During his service life Vivian flew the Fairy Battle with 103 Squadron, later flying the Hawker Hurricane with 151 and 501(F) Squadrons during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Vivian shot down a Bf109E on the 25th October 1940 and was then shot down himself while piloting Hurricane Mk.I serial N2438. After having minor wounds attended to he returned to his squadron and flew through the rest of the Battle of Britain. In 1941 he was flying the American built Douglas DB7 Havoc night fighter with number 85(F) Squadron. He commanded his own Mosquito Squadron towards the end of the War. Vivian was released from the RAF in 1946 with the rank of Wing Commander.

Wheeler, Dick
Click the name above to see a profile of Wheeler, Dick

Wheeler, Dick

416th B. G. Graduate of West Point. A-20 & A-26 combat pilot in the ETO from Jan 1944 to Aug 1945.

Squadrons :
No.605 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
J. D. Humphreys

Historical Notes :
02-08-1942 - during a night of 1st/2nd intruder to Beauvais.( the Havoc Mk.I from 605 Sqn. Crew were all kille S/Ldr. J.D. Humphreys DFC W/O. D.L. McConnell Sgt. W.R. Wells

Known Individual Aircraft : Havoc :
Type	Serial	Codes	First Flew	Squadron History	Aircrew History	History Notes	Engine	Factory
Havoc I	BJ489	JP-L	-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Havoc I	BV203		-	*no information*	*no information*	*no information*

Squadrons for : Havoc
A list of all squadrons known to have flown the Havoc. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.
Squadron	Info
409th Bomb Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 409th Bomb Group	409th Bomb Group Full profile not yet available.
410th Bomb Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 410th Bomb Group	410th Bomb Group Full profile not yet available.
416th Bomb Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 416th Bomb Group	416th Bomb Group Full profile not yet available.
643rd Bomb Group Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 643rd Bomb Group	643rd Bomb Group Full profile not yet available.
644th Bomb Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 644th Bomb Squadron	644th Bomb Squadron Full profile not yet available.
645th Bomb Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 645th Bomb Squadron	645th Bomb Squadron Full profile not yet available.
647th Bomb Squadron Country : US Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 647th Bomb Squadron	647th Bomb Squadron Full profile not yet available.
No.161 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st June 1918 Fate : Disbanded 2nd June 1945 Liberate Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.161 Sqn RAF	No.161 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.226 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 9th March 1963 Non sibi sed patriae - For country not for self Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.226 Sqn RAF	No.226 Sqn RAF First formed on 1 April 1918 at Pizzone, Italy, by re-designating the Bombing School Pizzone, No. 226 Squadron operated fast bombers and fighter aircraft and formed No. 472, 473 and 474 (Fighter) Flights within it in September 1918. After the Armistice the squadron was disbanded at Taranto, Italy. As part of the re-armament plan No. 226 Squadron was reformed at RAF Upper Heyford, as a light bomber squadron, on 15 March 1937, flying Fairey Battle light bombers. Deployed to France as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force, No. 226 Squadron suffered heavy losses during the Battle of France, retreating westwards and evacuating from Brest in mid-June 1940. The squadron was re-assembled at RAF Sydenham, moving to East Anglia and re-equipping with Douglas Havoc, Douglas Boston and North American Mitchel medium bombers, whilst carrying out attacks on German ports and anti-shipping strikes. Operation Overlord in 1944 saw No. 226 Squadron become part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, supporting the invasion in Normandy and the Allied advance to Germany. The squadron was disbanded shortly after hostilities ceased, at Gilze-Rijen airfield, on 20 September 1945. The squadron was reformed in 1959 as one of twenty Strategic Missile (SM) squadrons associated with Project Emily equipped with three Douglas PGM-17 Thor Intermediate range ballistic missiles, based at RAF Catfoss in Yorkshire as part of the Driffield group of Thor launch sites. During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the squadron was kept at full readiness, with the missiles aimed at strategic targets in the USSR. Resolution of the missile crisis included the de-activation of the Thor and Jupiter IRBMs in the United Kingdom, Italy and Turkey. The squadron was disbanded with the termination of Project Emily in 1963.
No.23 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1915 Fate : The squadron disbanded on 2 October 2009, when it amalgamated with No 8 Squadron. Semper aggessus - Always having attacked Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.23 Sqn RAF	No.23 Sqn RAF o. 23 Squadron formed at Fort Grange, Gosport on 1 Sep 1915 under the command of one of the RAF's most experienced operational pilots - Captain Louis Strange. After a brief period attempting to counter German airship flights over London, the Squadron moved to France with its FE2Bs initially employed on escort duties. By early 1917, Spad single-seaters had arrived, and were being used on offensive patrols over the front and low-level strafing attacks against German troops By the end of the War, the Squadron had converted to Dolphins, and flew these until disbanded at the end of 1919. On 1 July 1925, No. 23 Squadron reformed at Henlow with Snipes, but these were replaced shortly after with Gloster Gamecocks. In 1931, the Squadron was tasked with carrying out trials on the new Hawker Hart two-seaters, taking the production version, known as Demons, on strength in 1933 n 1938 it became a night-fighter squadron using the Bristol Blenheim. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, these were replaced by the Douglas Havoc and later the de Havilland Mosquito. Between 1942 and 1944 the squadron was based on Malta. It then returned to England and served as an intruder squadron, targeting German night fighters, over western Europe. 23 Sqn was disbanded, following the war's end, in September 1945 The squadron was reformed on 1 September 1946 as a night fighter squadron operating the de Havilland Mosquito.[8] It received jet aircraft in the form of de Havilland Vampire NF.10s in 1953, replacing them with de Havilland Venom NF.2s in June 1954. The squadron acquired Venom NF.3 in 1957.but was soon replaced with Gloster Javelin all-weather fighter, beginning a long period operating in the air defence role. The squadron has a strong heritage in the air defence role, operating Gloster Javelins, Lightnings, Phantoms and Tornado F3s. The squadron first acquired Phantoms on 1 November 1975 at RAF Coningsby before moving to RAF Wattisham for just under 10 years. Then in October 1983 the squadron deployed to Stanley airfield, Falkland Islands after their recapture from Argentina, arriving there on 1 November. They remained here until 31 October 1988 when its duty was assumed by 1435 Flight. The squadron then reformed on 1 November 1988 at RAF Leeming with the Panavia Tornado which it operated until 26 February 1994, when the unit was disbanded. The squadron assumed the Airborne Early Warning role upon reformation in April 1996, sharing the RAF's Sentry AEW1 fleet with No. 8 Squadron. The squadron disbanded on 2 October 2009, when it amalgamated with No 8 Squadron.
No.253 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 7th June 1918 Fate : Disbanded 1st September 1957 Hyderabad State Come one, come all Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.253 Sqn RAF	No.253 Sqn RAF 253 Squadron was formed at Bembridge, on the Isle of Wight, on 7 June 1918, During the squadrons stay at Bembridge it parented No. 412 (Seaplane) Flight RAF and No. 413 (Seaplane) Flight RAF, as well as No. 511 (Special Duty) Flight RAF, No. 512 (Special Duty) Flight RAF and No. 513 (Special Duty) Flight RAF for coastal reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrols, flying Short Type 184 and Airco DH.6 aircraft. DH.6s of 511 and 512 Flights flew their aircraft from the aerodrome at Foreland 253 sqd was disbanded on 31 May 1919. On 30 October 1939, No 253 Squadron reformed at Manston and was originally intended as a shipping protection unit with Blenheims. None were delivered, however, and the squadron began to receive Hurricanes in February 1940, becoming operational on 3 April. In May 1940 one flight was sent to France to reinforce the hard-pressed Hurricane squadrons while the second flight flew daily to French airfields from 17 to 23 May. After re-equipping in Lincolnshire, No 253 took part in the Battle of Britain from the end of August and remained in southern England until January 1941. In February the squadron moved to the Orkneys for air defence duties, returning to England in September for convoy patrols off the East Coast. After taking part in the Dieppe raid, No.253 became non-operational in preparation for the invasion of North Africa and arrived in Algeria a few days after the landings. It provided air cover for the Army and its supply lines during the Tunisian campaign and its aftermath, moving to Italy in October 1943. In February 1944, the squadron arrived in Corsica to undertake escort and anti-shipping missions, returning to Italy in April for similar duties over Yugoslvia. In April 1945 the squadron actually moved to a base at Zadar that had been captured by the Yugoslav partisans during the German retreat from the country. After the end of the war the squadron quickly returned to Italy, spending the next year at Treviso. the squadron acquired a flight of Spitfire XIs from No.225 Squadron and disbanded on 16 May 1947. It moved to Austria during the winter of 1946-47 before returning to Treviso, where it was disbanded on 16 May 1947. On 18 April 1955, No 253 reformed at Waterbeach as a night fighter squadron with Venoms which it flew until disbanded on 1 September 1957. The Squadron operated the following aircraft December 1939-May 1940: Fairey Battle I February 1940-August 1941: Hawker Hurricane I, July 1941-September 1942: Hawker Hurricane IIA and IIB ' January 1942-September 1943: Hawker Hurricane IIC, March 1943: Supermarine Spitfire VC , August 1943-November 1944: Supermarine Spitfire VC , September 1943-June 1944: Supermarine Spitfire IX , November 1944-May 1947: Supermarine Spitfire VIII and IX March-May 1947: Supermarine Spitfire XI April 1955 Venom Jet Fighters
No.530 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 8th September 1942 Fate : Disbanded 25th January 1943 Hyderabad State Come one, come all Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.530 Sqn RAF	No.530 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.534 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 2nd September 1942 Fate : Disbanded 25th January 1943 Hyderabad State Come one, come all Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.534 Sqn RAF	No.534 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.605 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 5th October 1926 Fate : Disbanded 10th March 1957 County of Warwick (Auxiliary) Nunquam dormio - I never sleep Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.605 Sqn RAF	No.605 Sqn RAF Formed on 5 October 1926 at RAF Castle Bromwich, 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron was originally a day bomber unit of the Auxiliary Air Force. recruiting in the Birmingham area. Initially equipped with DH.9As, it received Westland Wapitis in April 1930 and Hawker Harts in October 1934. The latter were replaced by Hawker Hinds in August 1936. On 1 January 1939 No. 605 squadron was redesignated as a fighter squadron and re-equipped with Gloster Gladiators., they moved to RAF Tangmere at the start of World War II with a mixture of 6 Hurricanes and 10 Gloster Gladiators. In 1940, the Squadron flew patrols over northern France and took part in the closing stages of the Battle of Britain. It then carried out escort duties and fighter sweeps until posted overseas. In November 1941, the Squadron flew off the carrier HMS Argus to Malta, where it was retained as part of the island's defences, prior to continuing its journey to the Far East. Arriving in Singapore too late to prevent its capture, it moved to Sumatra and then to Java, where they were caught up in the Japanese invasion. It operated any aircraft it could fly until it ceased to exist with its personnel either escaping in small groups or being captured. A new 605 Squadron was formed at RAF Ford on 7 June 1942. Initially equipped with Douglas Boston and Havocs in the intruder role, they were replaced with de Havilland Mosquitoes from February 1943. The Squadron continued to operate this type of aircraft until the end of the war and during this period they were tasked with destroying the German V1 Flying Bombs en route to England. The Squadron disbanded at Volkel Air Base on 31 August 1945; however, with the reactivation of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, 605 Squadron was reformed as a night fighter squadron at RAF Honiley on 10 May 1946. Becoming a day fighter Squadron in July 1948, it flew de Havilland Vampire F.1s and Vampire FB.5s before finally being disbanded, along with all the flying units of the RAuxAF, on 10 March 1957. The Squadron Standard was awarded on 15 October 1953, but it was presented by HRH Princess Margaret on 11 March 1954. It is now laid up in the Parish Church of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Castle Vale, which was built on the original site of RAF Castle Bromwich.
No.85 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st August 1917 Fate : Disbanded 19th December 1975 Noctu diuque venamur - We hunt by day and night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.85 Sqn RAF	No.85 Sqn RAF No. 85 Squadron was formed on the 1st of August 1917 at Uphaven. Shortly afterwards the squadron moved to Mousehold Heath nea Norwich under the command of Major R A Archer. The squadron transferred to Hounslow in November 1917 and in March 1918 received its new commander Major William Avery Bishop VC, DSO, MC. On 1st April 1918 No.85 Squadron was transferred into the new Royal Air Force and went to France in May1918 flying the Sopwith Dolphin and later SE5A's. 85 Squadron duties were fighter patrols and ground attack sorties over the western front until the end of the war. On 21st June 1918 Major Edward Mannock DSO MC became commanding officer. On the 26th July 1918 during a patrol with Lt DC Inglis over the front line Major Mannock failed to return and on the 18th of July 1919 Major Mannock was awarded a posthumous VC. No. 85 Squadron had 99 victories during their stint on the western front, returning to the UK in February 1919, and being disbanded on the 3rd of July 1919. 85 Squadron was reformed on June 1st, 1938, as part of A Flight of 87 Squadron based at RAF Debden commanded by Flight Lieutenant D E Turner. The squadron started training on the Gloster Gladiator until the 4th of September when Hawker Hurricanes were supplied. On the outbreak of World War Two the squadron moved to Boos as part of the Air Component of the BEF 60th Fighter Wing, and their Hurricanes were given the role to support the squadrons of Bristol Blenheims and Fairey Battles. By 1st November 85 Squadron's Hurricanes were moved to Lille Seclin. 85 Squadron scored its first victory of World War Two when Flight Lieutenant R.H.A. Lee attacked an He111 which crashed into the Channel, exploding on impact while on patrol over the Boulogne area. In May 1940, during the German advance, 85 Squadron were in combat constantly and over an 11 day period the squadron confirmed 90 enemy kills. When their operating airfields were overun the squadron's last remaining three Hurricanes returned to England. The squadron lost 17 pilots (two killed, six wounded and nine missing). During the Battle of Britian the squadron took part in the conflict over southern England and in October the Squadron moved to Yorkshire and were given the new role of night fighter patrols. 85 Squadron continued in the night fighter role for most of the war, with only a brief period as bomber support as part of 100 group.
No.93 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 23rd September 1917 Fate : Disbanded 31st December 1960 Ad arma parati - Ready for battle Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.93 Sqn RAF	No.93 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.

Last edited : 16:38, December 17, 2017
Last editor : HMS

Return to Aviation Directory Search Home

Everything we obtain for this site is shown on the site, we do not have any more photos, crew lists or further information on any of the ships.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE. ALL IMAGES DISPLAYED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW, AND ARE OWNED BY CRANSTON FINE ARTS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. NO REPRODUCTION OR COPYING ALLOWED ON OTHER WEBSITES, BOOKS OR ARTICLES WITHOUT PRIOR AGREEMENT.

Contact Details
Shipping Info
Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy
Privacy Policy

Sign Up To Our Newsletter!

Stay up to date with all our latest offers, deals and events as well as new releases and exclusive subscriber content!

This website is owned by Cranston Fine Arts. Torwood House, Torwoodhill Road, Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotland, G848LE

Contact: Tel: (+44) (0) 1436 820269. Email: cranstonorders -at- outlook.com

Return to Home Page