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Post by flyboy on Jan 11, 2016 22:07:46 GMT
226 SQUADRON + 'C' FLIGHT.
The squadron arrived on 13 February 1944 from RAF Swanton Morley with a new type of aircraft to be seen at the airfield, this was the Mitchell bomber carrying code letters 'MQ'. The RAF received nearly 900 Mitchells with early models entering service in late January 1943. They were used to bomb strategic targets in Europe and also to support allied troops during their advance following the D Day landings. 3500lb (1587 Kg) of bombs could be carried although the heavier the bomb load the less range the aircraft had. The normal bomb load carried was usually 3200lb(1451 Kg). Power was from 2x Wright R-2600-13 engines of 1700hp (1268kw) each giving a maximum speed of 284mph (247Kts) at 15000'(4572 m). The aircraft had a ceiling of 21200' (6462 m) with a range of just over 1500 miles (2414 Km).
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'C' FLIGHT
Also operating from the airfield was the top secret 'C' Flight which arrived later in April 1944. They were used mainly for night time flights over enemy controlled Europe making contact with British agents operating on the ground. These aircraft carried multi-lingual operators who would make contact with the agents on the ground by radio and receive their vitally important information. This information was often of national importance to the war effort and protection of the agents was paramount. It was very risky for the agents on the ground as their signals could be intercepted by enemy troops who by cross bearings could locate their position. Flight routes were therefore employed to provide maximum security for them. Often a triangular course would be taken which passed over the agent at a previously arranged spot. As the aircraft didn't deviate from the straight line as it passed overhead and a very narrow band width was used on the agents radio precise flying was required by the crew to ensure the agents message could be received. The aircraft were modified with special equipment to facilitate this special task and carried no markings but had various non-standard aerials attached to the airframe. The aircraft would also fly at a greater height than the bomber version could achieve.
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Post by flyboy on Jan 12, 2016 13:47:46 GMT
322 (DUTCH) SQUADRON
This squadron arrived on 24th April 1944 with the high performance Spitfire XIV's from their former base at RAF Acklington in Northumberland. This was an out and out fighter unit and their aircraft carried the code letters 'VL'. They were a Dutch squadron which had been specifically moved to Hartford Bridge to stop the enemy taking high altitude photographs of the English coast where the build up towards the pending invasion of Europe was being assembled. Their two Flights, 'A' and 'B', were positioned separately to the south of the A30 with crews being put into tented accommodation which was uncomfortable and not to their liking! They didn't appreciate the wild life either with unfriendly Adders taking a fancy to their living quarters! The squadron was only at the airfield for two months but on the 7th May they received a visit from Prince Bernhard to help boost moral. It was a proud day for the squadron personnel. By mid June , following the invasion their primary roll had changed as they found themselves being tasked to shoot down the increasing number of VI flying bombs that were targeting London and the south of England. On the first day (17th June) when tasked, they were successful as two were destroyed. It was decided that it would increase their chances further if they were nearer the main area of threat and the squadron moved out on the following day to RAF West Malling in Kent and joined 148 Wing.
Aircraft:
Spitfire XIV. A very high performance aircraft powered by the Griffon engine giving 2050hp(1528kw). To handle this power a 5 bladed 10'5" (3.18m) diameter Jablo-Rotol propeller was introduced with a larger fin and rudder added to improve directional control. Later XIV's were fitted with the 'tear drop' canopy which improved vision to the rear. A variety of weapons could be carried including 2x cannon plus 4x.303 machine guns or 2x cannon and 2x.50 machine guns. Once air superiority had been achieved the aircraft were able to attack ground targets. They could carry a 250 or 500lb bomb under the fuselage plus 2x 250lb bombs under the wings. It was also fast enough to catch and destroy the VI flying bomb. The engine was a Rolls Royce Griffon-12 supercharged V12, capable of producing 2050hp (1528kw) at 8000' (2438m), it was 32'8" ( 9.96m )long, had a wing span of 36'10" ( 11.23 m), and a gross weight of 7923lb (3594kg). It had a maximum speed of 448mph (721k/hr), a combat range of 460 miles (740.2km), a ceiling of 43500' (13259m) and a rate of climb of 3650 fpm (1113 mpm). It was described by various pilots as "a hairy beast to fly...... even with full aileron ,elevator and rudder, this brute of a fighter took off slightly sideways!" and "It was a truly impressive machine being able to climb almost vertically!". N.B Quotes not from 322 squadron pilots - ED.
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Post by flyboy on Jan 12, 2016 22:05:12 GMT
264 SQUADRON
The next squadron to arrive at Hartford Bridge was 264 which flew the Mosquito XIII. This night fighter unit was based at the airfield to provide cover during the 'D Day' landings in a defensive role and arrived on the 7th May 1944. They were to stay only a short while as they departed again on 26th July following the invasion. They had arrived from their previous base at RAF Church Fenton in Yorkshire and were soon undertaking an important task, the defence of London and the south east. 141 Airfield headquarters moved in at the same time to administer 264 Squadron and also the Spitfire operating 322 Squadron who performed the same duties. Both were based in the south east corner of the airfield and found it strange to have to taxi across the A30 to and from their dispersal area. A note here perhaps of how quickly things could change: A German JU188 bomber was caught and shot down by the crew of one of the 264 Squadron Mosquitos in the Alton area. However the Mosquito also got into trouble and eventually crashed but not before F/Lt Romsey the pilot managed to parachute to a safe landing. His Radio Officer ,however, was not so lucky and was unfortunately killed.
Aircraft:
Mosquito XIII.
This powerful variant of the Mosquito was powered by a pair of the Merlin 21/23 engines each of which developed 1460hp (1089kw). This gave the aircraft a top speed of 370mph (595.4K/hr). 270 were built with Centrimetric AI Mk. VIII radar which was mounted in a solid 'thimble' nose radome which meant that the usual nose mounted guns had to be dispensed with.
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Post by flyboy on Jan 13, 2016 13:25:09 GMT
MOSQUITO SQUADRONS MOVE IN
The three Boston Squadrons had recently departed and their place was taken by three squadrons operating the Mosquito VI fighter bomber. 305, 613 and 107 all arrived from RAF Lasham 0n 23rd October 1944, but they all then returned to Lasham two days later on the 25th October - reason unknown. However it wasn't to be for long as they were back again on the 30th of the month. They were briefed to support the Allied troops as the invasion of Europe continued and progress was made.
305 (POLISH) SQUADRON
This was a Polish squadron and member of 138 Wing of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Their aircraft carried the code letters SM and crews were pleased with the move to their new base. As one pilot told me "Hartford Bridge was sheer luxury after living in tents in the snow at Lasham and it was also close to the 'fleshpots'. On the few free days that we had before we moved to France we gladly made the most of it!" At the time of the squadrons move to Hartford Bridge Allied troops were advancing well through Holland and were almost at the German border. There were already plans for the squadron to move to a base on the Continent to be closer to the action.
Aircraft:
The Mosquito VI.
This was a fighter/bomber version of the Mosquito and 2298 were built. First flown by on the 1st June 1942 it was powered by 2x Merlin 21's each giving 1460hp(1089Kw) but later aircraft were updated to the Merlin 25's giving 1635hp(1219Kw). With a newly re-stressed and reinforced wing it was capable of carrying 250 or 500lb bombs on racks within streamline fairings under each wing or up to 8x RP3 25lb bombs, or 60lb rockets. Additional fuel lines in the wings also meant that 50 or 100 imperial gallon drop tanks could be carried under each wing. The usual armament was 4x Hispano Mk.2 cannon and 4x.303 Browning machine guns while 2x 250lb or 500lb bombs could be carried in the internal bomb bay. A formidable weapons carrier indeed. The aircraft wing span was 54'2"(16.51m), length was 40'92 (12.43m), max load 22377lb (10150Kg), Speed 380mph (612Km/h) at 17000', max speed was 425 mph ( 684Km/h) at 30300feet(9235m), ceiling 31000'(9450m), range 1220 miles (1965Km).
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613 (CITY OF MANCHESTER) SQUADRON
Carrying code letters SY the squadron finally arrived from RAF Lasham on 30th October1944. On the 27th, however, they had helped by taking photographs when a full scale test of the new 'sunken' FIDO ( fog dispersal ) installation had been undertaken. They flew night intruder missions with their Mosquito VI's while based at Hartford Bridge. Similarly they supported Allied troops as they made advances through Europe. In November it moved across the Channel to its new base at A75 Cambrai/Epinoy where it stayed until the end of the war.
Aircraft details see Mosquito VI under 305 Squadron.
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107 SQUADRON
When they initially arrived on the 23rd October 1944 this squadron was returning to Hartford Bridge having previously flown Bostons from the airfield. Now they had the new Mosquito VI onto which they had converted the previous February while at Lasham. Carrying their squadron code OM they must have been easily recognised by long serving personnel at the airfield. Like the other based squadrons they were tasked with flying night intruder missions against enemy targets in support of the advancing troops on the continent. They could carry 4000lb bombs at high speed and at very high level, which made it almost impossible for German fighters to catch them. They were therefore able to attack specified important targets.
Aircraft details see Mosquito VI under 305 Squadron.
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Post by flyboy on Jan 14, 2016 12:09:50 GMT
SQUADRON CHANGES
When the three squadrons (305,613 and 107) departed on 19 November 1944 to move to Epinoy in France they did so in style with a 57 aircraft formation. One can only imagine the sight and sound of such a spectacle and imagine the effort put in by the ground crew to make such a mass departure possible and achieve 100% serviceability. Their departure heralded the arrival two days later of 418 Squadron coded 'TH' and 605 Squadron 'UP' flying similar Mosquito VI's. 136 Wing, 2nd TAF to which they belonged had formed at the airfield a few days earlier. 418 Squadron was a Canadian squadron which had previously been based at RAF Hunsdon in Herefordshire and was known as the "City of Edmonton" squadron. Arriving at the same time from RAF Manston in Kent was 605 Squadron which was an Auxiliary Air Force squadron.
418 SQUADRON
418 'City of Edmonton' Squadron was crewed by all Canadian pilots mainly with British Navigators. Specialists at intruder operations their aircraft, the Mosquito VI's, were Gee radar equipped. However at this time these sets were not very reliable and had a nasty tendency to jam even before the enemy coast had been reached. So the reliable Navigator was left to find the target. These squadrons had previously been carrying out long range intruder operations. They now had to train for their new role of low level bombing in addition to air to ground firing. .............................................. 605 SQUADRON
The squadron had previously been based at RAF Manston in Kent and were an Auxiliary Air Force Squadron. Bombing and ground firing was something new for most of the crews, some who had only recently joined the squadron. The new low level role was completely different to their previous long range intruder role. Flying at heights often not above 100 feet at night, surprise was relied upon to improve chances of not being shot down by the enemy. Often the bomb explosions were the first indication they had that the Mosquitos had attacked and by which time the Mosquito would be well out of range of the enemy defences. However, many losses were attributed to collision with church steeples, tall buildings, bridges, masts etc. The squadron moved out to Coxyde in Belgium on 15th March 1945.
When 136 Wing departed with their 40 aircraft, 16 Dakotas from RAF Bradwell Bay were called upon to move their personnel and equipment.
Aircraft details see Mosquito VI under 305 Squadron.
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Post by flyboy on Jan 14, 2016 12:12:30 GMT
The first American unit to operate from the airfield arrived on the 9th December 1944 from RAF Northolt. This was the USAAF 9th Troop Carrier Command which was operating 7x C47's, which is the military designation of the Dakota. With them came a Lockheed Lightning twin boom fighter which was the personal hack of the Commanding Officer. Consisting of 17 Officers and 44 other ranks they immediately started flying much needed supplies out to the ever advancing front and bringing back the injured for urgent treatment. Entry into service was in late 1940 as the C47 Skytrain. It carried upto 27 combat ready personnel. This was/is a very solid aircraft noted to be able to withstand considerable damage yet still keep flying. They were to depart in March 1945 as did the Mosquito squadrons leaving the airfield quiet with only a few aircraft remaining.
Aircraft:
Lockheed P38E Lightning (see also under 16 Squadron):
Details: Powered by 2x 1150hp V1710 Engines, Wing span 52' (15.85m), length 37'10" (11.53m), Gross Wt. 15340lb ( 6958 Kg), Max speed 395mph ( 636k/ph), ceiling 39000' (11887m), Range 500 miles (805Km). Armament 1x 20mm Cannon, 4x.50 machine guns.
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C-47 (Dakota) No idea what Mk. C47 they operated. Details given are for the C47B-DK / RAF Dakota IV. Details: Powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90C Twin Wasp14 cylinder radial engines giving 1200hp (895) each. Wing span 95' 6" (29.41 m), Length 63' 9" (19.43m), Max T/O weight 31000lb (14061 Kg), cruise speed 160mph (257 k/ph), Range 1600 miles (2575Km), ceiling 26400' (8045m)
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Post by flyboy on Jan 15, 2016 11:32:18 GMT
167 SQUADRON
This transport squadron arrived from RAF Holmsley South in the New Forest on 27th March 1945 with Warwick C.MkI & C.MkIII aircraft. They also flew Anson XII's on detachment from RAF Croydon during their stay at the airfield and operated Dakotas of 147 Squadron, RAF Croydon, from June 1945 in particular when there were problems with the Warwicks. Twenty five Warwick C.Mk1 & C.Mk3 arrived. Some of the C.Mk1's were ex BOAC aircraft which had previously been stripped of all military equipment, while the C.Mk3's had a large pannier under the fuselage.
Aircraft:
Anson XII.
There were only 241 Ansons of this variant produced,of which 20 were converted MkI's and 221 were new build airframes. There were two different sub-types produced: the series I which had wooden wings and the series 2 with metal wings, hydraulically operated flaps and under-carriage which had been lacking on earlier models. They also had a raised cabin roof to allow more passenger comfort. Ansons were to remain in service as transport and communications aircraft until 1968. They were powered by 2x Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah XV radial engines rated at 420hp (313kW)each.
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Warwick 1 (History of Type).
Was built by Vickers Armstrong and was designed as a bomber. However it was effectively made redundant by rapid development of other bomber types manufactured by other companies. It was therefore put to operational use as a transport aircraft with some being allocated for maritime reconnaissance and air-sea rescue duties as the ASR versions. It first flew on 13th August 1939 and development was slow. An initial order for 150 Double Wasp engined Mk.1's and 100 Centuras powered Mk.II's wasn't placed until 28th December 1940. Of the Warwick 1's built the last 95 were powered by R2800-47, 2000hp (1491kW) engines. The aircraft proved to have severe handling problems, particularly with one engine out, which wasn't unusual, as the early Double Wasp powered aircraft suffered many engine failures. Later versions powered by the Bristol Centaurus engine were more reliable but the handling problems persisted.
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Warwick II / C.Mk 1. Was operated by BOAC during the wartime period. There were eventually 14 aircraft BV243 - BV256 which became G-AGEX - G-AGFK during use by the airline. These were eventually passed to the RAF as C.MkI's. They had originally been created by taking and modifying B.MkI's already under construction and adding cabin windows, a strengthened freight floor and long range fuel tanks. They were powered by 2x Double Wasp R2800-SIA4 engines and were able to carry 9600lb (4354kg) of freight.
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Warwick C.MkIII
This aircraft was designed as a transport aircraft capable of carrying either 26 fully equipped troops, 20 paratroopers , aircraft engines, normal cargo, 6 stretcher casualties and two medical staff or as a glider tug. It carried no armament or armour but a pannier replaced the bomb bay. It was also used in the air-sea rescue and maritime reconnaissance roles. 100 C.MkIII's were completed and entered service in June 1944. They were withdrawn from service by March 1946. They had a wing span of 96' 8" ( 29.46m), length of 70' ( 21.33m), Gross weight 45000lb ( 20412Kg) and a ceiling of 28000' (8534m).
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Dakota III and IV.
These were 147 Squadron aircraft from RAF Croydon and were Mk. III and Mk.IV versions. They were used between July 1945 and February 1946. They were roughly the same specification as the 9th Troop Carrier Command aircraft except that they had uprated electronics. The squadron continued to operate from the airfield until leaving on 1st February 1946.
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Post by flyboy on Jan 15, 2016 20:38:10 GMT
301(POLISH)SQUADRON
The squadron formed at RAF Blackbushe on 4th April 1945 flying Warwick I and III aircraft. Having been flying Halifax and Liberator bombers from their base in Brindisi it took them a little time to acclimatize to the Hampshire weather and convert onto their new aircraft type. Following conversion they started flying long distance supply flights all over Europe. They received a visit from Air Vice Marshal Izycki, Commander in Chief Polish Air Force, and a number of other VIP's on the 27th of the month. At an investiture he decorated seventy three squadron personnel. Some of their Warwicks were grounded on the 27th May due to repeated engine failures. More groundings were to follow in late June and again the cause was unreliable engines, a representative of the manufacturers was called in to try and find the cause. The squadron moved out to RAF North Weald in Essex on 2nd July 1945.Their regular flights to Naples and Athens were taken over by 147 Squadron Dakotas.
For aircraft details see under 167 Squadron.
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Post by flyboy on Jan 16, 2016 11:04:47 GMT
162 SQUADRON 'B' FLIGHT
The Flight arrived on 7th May 1945 with a detachment of 8 Mosquito XXV's from RAF Bourn in Cambridgeshire. The Flights operational task was to deliver urgent mail and packages to British troops anywhere in Europe ( known as ADLS flights ) starting on the 10th of the month. There was to be a bad start when having had an engine failure on take-off one of their aircraft crashed near Odiham killing the two crew members. The 'B' Flight billet was in front of the, still existing, " Cricketers " pub in Cricket Hill Lane, Yateley. They were in poorly insulated Nissen huts on churned up wet grass - and the crews didn't appreciate it - although the proximity to the pub had its advantages! They were joined by the rest of the squadron on the 10th July and stayed at the airfield for a year, departing on 14th July 1946.
Aircraft development and details: Mosquito XXV. Was a Canadian built version of the Mosquito. They were manufactured at Downsview Airfield, now Downsview Park, Ontario, Canada. In total the Canadians built 1133 Mosquitos of various versions and supplied them mainly to the RAF and the Canadian Armed Forces. However, many destined for the RAF never reached this country as they were lost in transit as shipping convoys were attacked by the enemy. 145 of the Mk.XX version were built as a Canadian built version of the Mk.IV. with 40 being supplied to the USAAF for photo reconnaissance. The Mk.XX was developed further to become the Mk.XXV, the type operated by 162 Squadron with 400 built. The Mk.XXV was powered by 2x 1620hp (1208Kw) Packard Merlin 225 engines and was capable of 425 mph (684K/ph) at 30000' (9144m).
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Post by flyboy on Jan 16, 2016 14:43:08 GMT
ADLS DETACHMENT NORTHOLT
On 14th January the airfield was visited by S/Ldr Austin, 46 Group and S/Ldr Burton, ADLS Northolt. They came to inspect accommodation due to be used by a detachment from an ADLS unit shortly to arrive from RAF Northolt. The ADLS aircraft, four Ansons, arrived on the 16th and the crews soon made themselves at home in their new surroundings. They would depart on the 20th April 1946.
Aircraft: I have been unable to find the Mark of Anson flown by this unit but for details of the Anson XII see under 167 Squadron.
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128 SQUADRON DETACHMENT.
128 Squadron were flying night intruder missions over Germany from their base at Melsbroek in Belgium, from where a detachment was despatched to RAF Blackbushe in January 1946. They were flying the Mosquito XVI with their code letters M5. The prototype XVI was a converted BIV which first flew in July 1943. There were 402 of this Mk produced which were able to carry six 500lb (227kg) bombs or a 4000lb (1814kg) 'cookie' bomb. Having a pressurised cabin and being powered by 2x Merlin engines of 1710hp (1275Kw) each it was able to bomb from 35000' ( 10668m) using radar and Gee radio-navigation to give considerable accuracy. They departed the airfield on 11th March 1946.
Aircraft details:
Mosquito XVI
Carried 2 crew, Wing span 54'2"(16.52m), Length 44'6" (13.57m), Max T/O Wt. 25000lb (11000kg), Max speed 415mph (668km/h) at 28000' (8500m), Range 1500m (2400km) fully loaded, Normal bomb load 4000lb (1800kg).
This completes the "Squadrons and their Aircraft" section.
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