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No.274 Sqn RAF

Name : No.274 Sqn RAF Founded : April 1918 Disbanded : 7th September 1945 Country : UK Fate : Disbanded 7th September 1945 More Details : Supero - I oversome Known Code Letters : , JJ,

274 squadron was formed as a heavy bomber squadron at Bircham Newton in April 1918, and disbanded shortly after the Armistice. On 19th August 1940 it was reformed as a fighter squadron at Amriya with ten pilots from No.80 squadron and initially equipped with Hurricanes and Gladiators. The squadron was soon to become the first in the western desert to be fully equipped with Hurricanes. They became operational in September, destroying their first enemy aircraft (two SM79s) over Maaten Bagush on 10th September. Between December and February 1941, the squadron was employed on various duties including patrols, strafing Italian troops/transport and escort work. During February it was rested and some of its pilots ferried aircraft to Greece. In April they encountered German aircraft and were involved in the intense fighting over Tobruk. These operations continued until May, when they began strafing targets in Crete and providing cover for naval ships. Until March 1942 the squadron was involved in ground attack, protective patrols and bomber escorts. In May they began to receive the first Hurri-bombers, using them for the first time against enemy transport on 8th June 1942. There now began a period of intense activity including the battle of Alamein and more shipping patrols. This continued until the Autumn when the squadron was employed on coastal defence for the rest of 1942 and the majority of 1943. January 1944 saw a move to Italy and the beginning of a period of offensive sorties against enemy roads which continued until April. The squadron was then transferred to the UK and re-equipped with Mk IX Spitfires commencing fighter sweeps and bomber escorts until June, when it was transferred to anti V-1 patrols. In August, No.274 was re-equipped with the Hawker Tempest and commenced attacks against airfields on the continent, moving to Belgium in September. Throughout the winter it was involved on mainly armed reconnaissance patrols and had several combats with Me262 jet fighters - destroying one on the 11th February 1945. The squadron maintained its program of patrols and attacks against enemy airfields with great success, its last being on 4th May. Following VE Day (8th May 1945) No.274 Squadron moved into the Occupied Zone until September 1945 when they effectively disbanded by re-numbering as No.174 Squadron.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
Noel le Chevalier Agazarian	Flying Officer	6th April 1941	16th May 1941	16th May 1941	Hurricane		16th May 1941 he was shot down and killed when 274 was intercepted by Me109’s over Gambut Killed in Action
C J Aldred	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	16th June 1944	Spitfire	MH935
George Joseph Aylott	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	19th June 1944		Spitfire	MH362	Killed in Action
Alan Duncan Murray		December 1940	April 1941		Hurricane

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.274 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this squadron. A profile page is available by clicking their name.
Name	Info
Agazarian, Noel le Chevalier Click the name above to see a profile of Agazarian, Noel le Chevalier    Died : 16 / 5 / 1941	Agazarian, Noel le Chevalier Noël Agazarian joined the Royal Air Force as a Volunteer Reservist and was commissioned as a pilot officer on 14 February 1939 He completed his initial flying training at the same time as Richard Hillary, at RAF Lossiemouth after which both were assigned to RAF Old Sarum, to train as army co-operation pilots They flew Westland Lysander liaison aircraft and Hawker Hector biplanes; during the training, Agazarian crashed a Hawker Hector but was unscathed By the time his course ended (June 1940 ) Hillary and Agazarian were both amongst the majority of pilots from the graduating Army co-operation class who were immediately reassigned as fighter pilots, Agazarian joined 609 Squadron, a fighter squadron flying Supermarine Spitfires, based at RAF Warmwell in Dorset His first victory was on 11 August 1940, when he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter around 15 miles south of the Isle of Portland It appears his victim was Gruppenkommandeur (Group Commander) Major Ernst Ott of Zerstörergeschwader 2. Ott was killed along with his gunner and radio operator On 12 August, he shot down two Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters and damaged a Messerschmitt Bf 110 south of Portsmouth. This occurred during a large battle, when a formation of German bombers and their fighter escorts were intercepted by three RAF fighter squadrons after they bombed Portsmouth and its dockyards Having volunteered for the Middle East, Agazarian was posted there in late January 1941 and joined 274 Squadron on 6th April at Amriya in the Western Desert. He shot down a Me109 over Tobruk on 1st May 1941 but on the 16th May 1941 he was shot down and killed when 274 was intercepted by Me109’s over Gambut
Aldred, C J Click the name above to see a profile of Aldred, C J	Aldred, C J On 16th June 1944, his Spitfire Mk.IX MH935 of No.274 Sqn failed to return from a bomber escort mission to Alencon. He was taken prisoner.
Aylott, George Joseph Click the name above to see a profile of Aylott, George Joseph    Died : 19 / 6 / 1944	Aylott, George Joseph Killed on 19th June 1944 when his Spitfire Mk.IX MH362 of No.274 Sqn developed a glycol leak and crashed into the sea off Beachy Head. His name is on the Runnymede Memorial. Son of George Samuel and Martha Rose Aylott, of Canvey Island, Essex.
Closterman, Pierre Click the name above to see a profile of Closterman, Pierre    Died : 22 / 3 / 2006	Closterman, Pierre One of the RAFs best known fighter pilots, with more than 20 victories, Clostermann was a Free French officer and later the author of a classic book about World War Two flying, The Big Show. Clostermann came to Britain via the United States and was first in action with 341 (Alsace) Squadron on Spitfires in 1943. By D-Day he was with 602 Squadron, also on Spitfires, and flew a patrol over the beaches late in the afternoon of June 6th. On June 14th he became the first French pilot to land in liberated France. Rested in July 1944, Clostermann returned to action in January 1945 and from 4th March was flying Tempests with 274 Squadron. His first Tempest score was a Bf 109 on his second day during a "cannon test". In the middle of March 1945 he was posted as a Flight commander to No 56 Squadron. With this unit he destroyed a Bf109 in the air. On 8th April he was transferred to No 3 Squadron as "A" Flight commander where he on 20th April scored two Fw190D-9s. Clostermann's final score in Tempest is at least 12 destroyed, 6 shared and 2 probables. He was awarded the DSO and DFC and Bar in addition to French, Belgian and American decorations. Post war he achieved world-wide fame with The Big Show, and other books, and enjoyed a substantial career in politics and th aviation industry. Pierre Clostermann passed away on 22nd March 2006. Final Total : 33 destroyed 19 Fw190 7 Me109 2 Dornier 24 1 Fieseler 156 1 Ju252 1 Ju88 1 Ju290 1 Heinkel 111 On the ground he destroyed : 7 Ju88 6 Do18 4 He177 2 Arado 323 1 Ju252 1 Blom-Voss ,br>Add to it some 72 locomotives , 5 tanks , 1 submarine and 2 destroyers.
Edwards, James Click the name above to see a profile of Edwards, James	Edwards, James Stocky Edwards became a P40 Ace with 260 Sqn. 94 Sqn RAF, Flight Commander 260 Sqn RAF, 417 Sqn RCAF, Flight Commander 92 Sqn RAF, Squadron Commander 274 Sqn RAF, Wing Leader 127 Wing RCAF. His victory total was 15 with 3 shared.
Fairbanks, David Click the name above to see a profile of Fairbanks, David    Died : 1975	Fairbanks, David Spitfire and Tempest pilot. Serving with No.3 Sqn and No274 Sqn RCAF, he claimed many enemy aircraft, including two Me109s and another damaged during one sortie. On one occasion, his Tempest was hit at low altitude and flipped upside down on fire. Where this would have meant disaster for most pilots, Fairbanks flew the aircraft inverted for a time before righting it, and by doing so put out the fire, which had already damaged his aircraft. After this he successfully returned to base. Later he was shot down and taken prisoner until the end of the war. He passed away in 1975. Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 16th March 1945 : Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks has completed a large number of sorties and has set a fine example of determination and devotion to duty throughout. On one occasion in November 1944, whilst attacking an enemy locomotive, his aircraft was badly hit and turned completely over while at a low altitude. One of the petrol tanks was pierced and a fire commenced in one of the wings. Displaying admirable coolness and great skill, Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks succeeded in righting the aircraft and set course for home. The fire in the wing died down but not before it had done much damage. Nevertheless, Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks succeeded in reaching base. This officer has invariably displayed a high degree of courage. Citation for the Bar to the DFC, gazetted 13th April 1945 : This officer continues to display a high standard of skill and gallantry. Within recent weeks he has destroyed five enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to eight. Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks has also effectively attacked many enemy targets on the ground. His keenness and determination have set a high example to all. Citation for the Bar to the DFC, gazetted 14th September 1945 : Squadron Leader Fairbanks has destroyed fifteen enemy aircraft. On two separate occasions since his last award he has shot down two aircraft in one sortie and in less than a fortnight he has destroyed six, including a jet propelled aircraft. As a flight and then a squadron commander he has led many daring and highly successful attacks on enemy communications, principally locomotives and road transport. In three weeks seventy-two enemy locomotives and vehicles were successfully attacked. By the excellent example he has set, his initiative and fine leadership, this officer has inspired the other members of his squadron and all pilots with whom he has come in contact.
Murray, Alan Duncan Click the name above to see a profile of Murray, Alan Duncan    Died : 0 / 3 / 2001	Murray, Alan Duncan Alan Duncan Murray was born on 10th July 1915 and joined the RAF on a short service commission in January 1934. He was posted to 3 FTS Grantham on 3rd April and with his training completed joined 18 Squadron at Upper Heyford on 4th March 1935, flying Hawker Hart light bombers. In late 1935 Murray went to Leuchars for catapult training, then Calshot for floatplane training and finally Gosport for deck-landing and torpedo training. He was detached to HMS Malaya in the Mediterranean, to be on Swordfish catapult duty. On 30th May 1936 Murray was posted to 812 (Fleet Torpedo-Bomber) Squadron, based at Hal Far, Malta and on HMS Glorious. In early 1939 he went to the A&AEE Martlesham Heath. The Establishment moved to Boscombe Down on 5th September 1939. Murray did a refresher course and converted to Hurricanes at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge in early June 1940 and was detached from there to RAF Wittering on 12th June for Ops Room duties. He joined 46 Squadron at Digby on the 18th, as OC 'B' Flight. He returned to Boscombe Down on 22nd July for flying duties. He was attached to 501 Squadron at Kenley from 16th to 25th September to gain operational experience. Whilst with 501 Murray flew six operational sorties, four on the 18th and two on the 20th. He then joined 73 Squadron at Castle Camps on 26th September and assumed command on the 27th. Murray took the squadron from Debden to Birkenhead, for service in the Middle East, on 9th November. After arriving the pilots began operating in the Western Desert in December, attached to 274 Squadron. On 1st January 1941 the squadron began operating as a unit and on the 3rd Murray shared in destroying eight enemy aircraft on a landing ground. On the 21st he shot down a Fiat G50 over Tobruk, on 1st February destroyed a Caproni Ghibli on Apollonia airfield, on the 5th shared in destroying eight enemy bombers on the ground at Benina and on the 20th damaged a Ju88. Murray was awarded the DFC (gazetted 28th March 1941) and in April was posted to Cairo, as Controller at Heliopolis. He later had the job of locating possible new airfields in the desert, then went to Group HQ Cairo and was afterwards posted to command the Fighter Sector at Abadan, Iran. Murray returned to the UK in March 1944 and took command of a unit at Hurn, servicing fighters for France. He later moved with it to Tangmere. From September 1944 until September 1945 Murray commanded RAF Manston, as an Acting Group Captain. He retired from the RAF on 15th January 1958 as a Wing Commander, retaining the rank of Group Captain. Murray died in March 2001.
Tracey, Owen Click the name above to see a profile of Tracey, Owen    Died : 8 / 12 / 1941	Tracey, Owen

Aircraft for : No.274 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.274 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Aircraft	Info
Gladiator Click the name above to see prints featuring Gladiator aircraft. Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1935 Retired : 1945 Number Built : 746	Gladiator GLOSTER GLADIATOR: A continuation form the Gloster Gauntlet aircraft the Gloster Gladiator (SS37) becoming designated the F.7/30 was named Gladiator on the 1st July 1935. The first 70 Gladiators had Under wing machine guns (Vickers or Lewis) before the browning became standard The first aircraft arrived at Tangmere airfield on in February 1937 to no. 72 squadron. at the outbreak of world war two a total of 218 Gladiators had been received by the Royal air force with a total of 76 on active service. They served also in the Middle eats and in 1940 when Italy joined the war was nearly the only front line fighter in the middle east. Between 1939 and 1941. the Gloster Gladiator flew in many war zones. flying in France, Greece, Norway, Crete Egypt Malta and Aden. The Aircraft claimed nearly 250 air victories. It stayed in front line duties until 1942, then becoming fighter trainer, and other sundry roles. It continued in these roles until the end of world war two. The Naval equivalent the Sea Gladiator a short service in the Middle east and European waters. A Total of 746 aircraft were built of these 98 were Sea Gladiators.. Performance. speed: 250mph at 17,500 feet, 257 mph at 14,600 Range 430 miles. Armament: Two fixed .3-03 browning machine guns
Hurricane Click the name above to see prints featuring Hurricane aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1936 Number Built : 14533	Hurricane Royal Air Force Fighter, the Hawker Hurricane had a top speed of 320mph, at 18,200 feet and 340mph at 17,500, ceiling of 34,200 and a range of 935 miles. The Hurricane was armed with eight fixed wing mounted .303 browning machine guns in the Mark I and twelve .303 browning's in the MKIIB in the Hurricane MKIIC it had four 20mm cannon. All time classic fighter the Hurricane was designed in 1933-1934, the first prototype flew in June 1936 and a contract for 600 for the Royal Air Force was placed. The first production model flew ion the 12th October 1937 and 111 squadron of the Royal Air Force received the first Hurricanes in January 1938. By the outbreak of World war two the Royal Air Force had 18 operational squadrons of Hurricanes. During the Battle of Britain a total of 1715 Hurricanes took part, (which was more than the rest of the aircraft of the Royal air force put together) and almost 75% of the Victories during the Battle of Britain went to hurricane pilots. The Hawker Hurricane was used in all theatres during World war two, and in many roles. in total 14,533 Hurricanes were built.
Spitfire Click the name above to see prints featuring Spitfire aircraft. Manufacturer : Supermarine Production Began : 1936 Retired : 1948 Number Built : 20351	Spitfire Royal Air Force fighter aircraft, maximum speed for mark I Supermarine Spitfire, 362mph up to The Seafire 47 with a top speed of 452mph. maximum ceiling for Mk I 34,000feet up to 44,500 for the mark XIV. Maximum range for MK I 575 miles . up to 1475 miles for the Seafire 47. Armament for the various Marks of Spitfire. for MK I, and II . eight fixed .303 browning Machine guns, for MKs V-IX and XVI two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 browning machine guns. and on later Marks, six to eight Rockets under the wings or a maximum bomb load of 1,000 lbs. Designed by R J Mitchell, The proto type Spitfire first flew on the 5th March 1936. and entered service with the Royal Air Force in August 1938, with 19 squadron based and RAF Duxford. by the outbreak of World war two, there were twelve squadrons with a total of 187 spitfires, with another 83 in store. Between 1939 and 1945, a large variety of modifications and developments produced a variety of MK,s from I to XVI. The mark II came into service in late 1940, and in March 1941, the Mk,V came into service. To counter the Improvements in fighters of the Luftwaffe especially the FW190, the MK,XII was introduced with its Griffin engine. The Fleet Air Arm used the Mk,I and II and were named Seafires. By the end of production in 1948 a total of 20,351 spitfires had been made and 2408 Seafires. The most produced variant was the Spitfire Mark V, with a total of 6479 spitfires produced. The Royal Air Force kept Spitfires in front line use until April 1954.
Tempest Click the name above to see prints featuring Tempest aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1943 Retired : 1949 Number Built : 1395	Tempest The Hawker Tempest was a much improved development of the Typhoon and first flew in June 1943. and started service with the RAF in April 1944. mainly serving in the attack role in Europe against ground targets including the V1 Flying Bomb installations. It remained in service after the war until 1949 when it was eventually replaced by the Jet Aircraft. but continued for another 4 years in the Indian and Pakistan air forces. In total no less than 1395 Hawker Tempests were built. Speed: 426mph at 18,500 feet, Crew One. Range 800 miles. Armament: Four 20mm Hispano cannons mounted in the wings and a bomb payload of upto 2,000 lbs.