The Lockheed Ventura was a medium bomber ordered for the RAF after the early success of the Lockheed Hudson, but was not as successful as the earlier aircraft, entering service too late to serve in the day bomber role it was designed to perform.
The Lockheed Model 37 was the USAAF designation given to 264 Ventura II medium bombers taken over from RAF orders after Pearl Harbor.
The Lockheed B-34 was the lend-lease designation given to the Lockheed Ventura, but of the 200 aircraft produced under this designation only 66 actually went to the RAF or Commonwealth airforces (as the Ventura IIA), while the remaining 124 were retained by the USAAF
The Lockheed B-37 was a medium bomber based on the Ventura, produced in very small numbers for the USAAF.
The Lockheed PV-1 was the designation given to the Ventura bomber in service with the US Navy.
The Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon was the final production version of the Ventura bomber, modified to make it a better maritime patrol aircraft.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
US Navy aircraft designations of the Second World War
We start today with a look at the often confusing system of aircraft designations used by the US Navy during the Second World War.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Nos.20, 21, 22 and 23 Squadrons
No.20 Squadron spent the entire Second World War in India and Burma, flying army co-operation and reconnaissance missions from 1942-February 1943 and ground attack missions for the rest of the war.
For most of the Second World War No.21 Squadron was a light bomber squadron, operating the Blenheim, Ventura and Mosquito, with a break from June 1940-March 1942 when it served as an anti-shipping unit with Coastal Command.
No.22 Squadron began the Second World War as a torpedo bomber of Coastal Command, before moving to the Far East in March-April 1942. After spending the next two years flying anti-submarine patrols and convoy escort missions, it converted to the Beaufighter and spent 1945 as a ground attack squadron in Burma.
No.23 Squadron spent the entire Second World War serving as a night fighter squadron, first in a defensive role, but from December 1940 as an intruder squadron, from bases in Britain and on Malta and Sardinia.
For most of the Second World War No.21 Squadron was a light bomber squadron, operating the Blenheim, Ventura and Mosquito, with a break from June 1940-March 1942 when it served as an anti-shipping unit with Coastal Command.
No.22 Squadron began the Second World War as a torpedo bomber of Coastal Command, before moving to the Far East in March-April 1942. After spending the next two years flying anti-submarine patrols and convoy escort missions, it converted to the Beaufighter and spent 1945 as a ground attack squadron in Burma.
No.23 Squadron spent the entire Second World War serving as a night fighter squadron, first in a defensive role, but from December 1940 as an intruder squadron, from bases in Britain and on Malta and Sardinia.
Combats of Margalef, Tremendal, Hostalrich and Barba del Puerco
The combat of Margalef of 23 April 1810 saw the defeat of a Spanish army attempting to help the besieged garrison of Lerida.
The combat of Tremendal of 23-24 November 1809 was a rare French success against one of the elusive bands of Spanish guerrillas.
The combat of Hostalrich of 7 November 1809 was a minor French victory in Catalonia, which played a significant part in their victory in the third siege of Gerona (24 May-11 December 1809).
The skirmish of Barba del Puerco of 19-20 March 1810 was a minor clash between part of Craufurd’s line of outposts on the Portuguese border and part of the French army gathering in preparation for Massina’s invasion of Portugal.
The combat of Tremendal of 23-24 November 1809 was a rare French success against one of the elusive bands of Spanish guerrillas.
The combat of Hostalrich of 7 November 1809 was a minor French victory in Catalonia, which played a significant part in their victory in the third siege of Gerona (24 May-11 December 1809).
The skirmish of Barba del Puerco of 19-20 March 1810 was a minor clash between part of Craufurd’s line of outposts on the Portuguese border and part of the French army gathering in preparation for Massina’s invasion of Portugal.
Sieges of Lerida, Mequinenza, Fuengirola and third Gerona
The siege of Lerida of 15 April-14 May 1810 was one of a series of sieges that saw the French extend their control over eastern Spain, and removed a major obstacle on the road between Saragossa and Barcelona.
The siege of Mequinenza of 15 May-18 June 1810 saw the French capture the strategically important town, at the highest navigable point on the Ebro.
The siege of Fuengirola of 13-15 October 1810 was a minor disaster suffered by the British in southern Spain during an ambitious attempt to help the hard-pressed guerrillas of Granada.
The third siege of Gerona of 24 May-11 December 1809 was one of the great epics of Spanish resistance during the Peninsular War, which despite ending in a French victory would act as a rallying call for Spanish resistance for the rest of the war.
The siege of Mequinenza of 15 May-18 June 1810 saw the French capture the strategically important town, at the highest navigable point on the Ebro.
The siege of Fuengirola of 13-15 October 1810 was a minor disaster suffered by the British in southern Spain during an ambitious attempt to help the hard-pressed guerrillas of Granada.
The third siege of Gerona of 24 May-11 December 1809 was one of the great epics of Spanish resistance during the Peninsular War, which despite ending in a French victory would act as a rallying call for Spanish resistance for the rest of the war.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Lockheed Hudson
The Lockheed Hudson was one of the most important American produced aircraft during the early years of the Second World War, serving as the backbone of RAF Coastal Command well into 1942.
The RAAF was the second service to order the Lockheed Hudson, and the most important operator of the aircraft after the RAF.
The Lockheed Hudson served with 39 RAF Squadrons and a large number of Commonwealth squadrons between 1939 and 1945
The RCAF was the second most important operator of the Lockheed Hudson by numbers, receiving a total of 248 aircraft
The Lockheed Hudson served with the RNZAF from 1941 until the end of the Second World War, first in the general reconnaissance and bomber role and later as a transport aircraft.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.I was one of a number of American military aircraft developed and produced to satisfy overseas orders, in this case from the RAF.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.II was the designation given to twenty aircraft equipped with constant-speed Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propellers in place of the two-position Hamilton Standard propeller used on the Hudson Mk.I.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.III was a significant improvement on the earlier versions of the aircraft with three extra .303in machine guns, one in a retractable ventral position and two in beam positions, removing a blind spot below the aircraft
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV was the eventual designation given to 100 aircraft ordered for the RAAF and originally given the Australian designations Hudson Mk.I and Mk.II.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.V was the final version of the aircraft produced under direct RAF contracts before the start of the lend-lease scheme.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.VI was the lend-lease version of the Hudson Mk.V
The Lockheed A-28 was the USAAF designation for Pratt & Whitney powered Lockheed Hudsons, introduced under the terms of the lend-lease act.
The Lockheed A-29 was the USAAF designation given to Lockheed Hudsons powered by Wright R-1820 engines and produced under the lend-lease agreement.
The Lockheed AT-18 was an advanced trainer based on the Lockheed Hudson.
The Lockheed PBO-1 was the designation given to twenty A-29 Hudson maritime patrol aircraft that served with the US Navy.
The RAAF was the second service to order the Lockheed Hudson, and the most important operator of the aircraft after the RAF.
The Lockheed Hudson served with 39 RAF Squadrons and a large number of Commonwealth squadrons between 1939 and 1945
The RCAF was the second most important operator of the Lockheed Hudson by numbers, receiving a total of 248 aircraft
The Lockheed Hudson served with the RNZAF from 1941 until the end of the Second World War, first in the general reconnaissance and bomber role and later as a transport aircraft.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.I was one of a number of American military aircraft developed and produced to satisfy overseas orders, in this case from the RAF.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.II was the designation given to twenty aircraft equipped with constant-speed Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propellers in place of the two-position Hamilton Standard propeller used on the Hudson Mk.I.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.III was a significant improvement on the earlier versions of the aircraft with three extra .303in machine guns, one in a retractable ventral position and two in beam positions, removing a blind spot below the aircraft
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV was the eventual designation given to 100 aircraft ordered for the RAAF and originally given the Australian designations Hudson Mk.I and Mk.II.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.V was the final version of the aircraft produced under direct RAF contracts before the start of the lend-lease scheme.
The Lockheed Hudson Mk.VI was the lend-lease version of the Hudson Mk.V
The Lockheed A-28 was the USAAF designation for Pratt & Whitney powered Lockheed Hudsons, introduced under the terms of the lend-lease act.
The Lockheed A-29 was the USAAF designation given to Lockheed Hudsons powered by Wright R-1820 engines and produced under the lend-lease agreement.
The Lockheed AT-18 was an advanced trainer based on the Lockheed Hudson.
The Lockheed PBO-1 was the designation given to twenty A-29 Hudson maritime patrol aircraft that served with the US Navy.
Nos.48, 518, 520, 578, 614, 624, 640 and 644 Squadrons
No.48 Squadron served with Coastal Command from 1939-1942, before moving to Gibraltar to support Operation Torch. On its return to Britain at the start of 1944 it joined Transport Command and took part in D-Day, the battle of Arnhem and the crossing of the Rhine.
20 May
No.518 Squadron was a meteorological unit of Coastal Command, formed in July 1943 at Stornoway to fly weather recording flights over the mid-Atlantic.
No.520 Squadron was a meteorological squadron which formed at Gibraltar in September 1943, operated a mix of long and short range aircraft for flights over the Atlantic.
No. 578 Squadron was formed from C Flight of No.51 Squadron on 14 January 1944 as a Halifax bomber squadron in No.4 Group, and was part of the main bomber force to the end of the war.
No.614 'County of Glamorgan' Squadron spent the first three years of the Second World War training with the army, before moving to North Africa to take part in the fighting in Tunisia before being disbanded in July 1944. It was then reformed from No.462 Squadron RAAF, and operated as a bomber and special duties squadron to the end of the war.
No.624 Squadron was formed in Algeria in September 1943 from No.1575 (Special Duties) Flight, and flew supply drop missions over southern Europe until disbanded in September 1944. It reformed in December 1944 and flew mine-spotting missions over the Mediterranean until November 1945.
No. 640 Squadron was formed from C Flight of No. 158 Squadron in January 1944 as part of No.4 Group and took part in the main bombing offensive against Germany as part of Bomber Command's main bomber force.
No.644 Squadron was formed in February 1944 in preparation for the invasion of Europe, and towed gliders to D-Day, Arnhem and across the Rhine.
20 May
No.518 Squadron was a meteorological unit of Coastal Command, formed in July 1943 at Stornoway to fly weather recording flights over the mid-Atlantic.
No.520 Squadron was a meteorological squadron which formed at Gibraltar in September 1943, operated a mix of long and short range aircraft for flights over the Atlantic.
No. 578 Squadron was formed from C Flight of No.51 Squadron on 14 January 1944 as a Halifax bomber squadron in No.4 Group, and was part of the main bomber force to the end of the war.
No.614 'County of Glamorgan' Squadron spent the first three years of the Second World War training with the army, before moving to North Africa to take part in the fighting in Tunisia before being disbanded in July 1944. It was then reformed from No.462 Squadron RAAF, and operated as a bomber and special duties squadron to the end of the war.
No.624 Squadron was formed in Algeria in September 1943 from No.1575 (Special Duties) Flight, and flew supply drop missions over southern Europe until disbanded in September 1944. It reformed in December 1944 and flew mine-spotting missions over the Mediterranean until November 1945.
No. 640 Squadron was formed from C Flight of No. 158 Squadron in January 1944 as part of No.4 Group and took part in the main bombing offensive against Germany as part of Bomber Command's main bomber force.
No.644 Squadron was formed in February 1944 in preparation for the invasion of Europe, and towed gliders to D-Day, Arnhem and across the Rhine.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sieges of Tarifa, Ciudad Rodrigo 1812 and Valencia
The siege of Tarifa of 20 December 1811-5 January 1812 was an unsuccessful French attempt to capture one of the few remaining Spanish-held strongholds in Andalusia.
The siege of Ciudad Rodrigo of 8-19 January 1812 was a major success for Wellington’s British and Portuguese army, and marked a significant turning point in the Peninsular War - the moment when the French lost the initiative in Spain
The combat of Navas de Membrillo of 29 December 1811 was a minor clash between a British and Portuguese expedition under General Hill and part of the French garrison of Estremadura.
The siege of Valencia of 25 December 1811-9 January 1812 was the final major French success during the Peninsular War, and saw French power in eastern Spain reach its maximum extent.
The French invasion of Valencia of September 1811-January 1812 was the last major French success during the Peninsular War, and saw them virtually complete the conquest of eastern Spain, but at the same time they were forced to weaken their forces on the Portuguese border, allowing Wellington to begin the campaign that led to Salamanca, and the beginning of the end for the French in Spain.
The siege of Ciudad Rodrigo of 8-19 January 1812 was a major success for Wellington’s British and Portuguese army, and marked a significant turning point in the Peninsular War - the moment when the French lost the initiative in Spain
The combat of Navas de Membrillo of 29 December 1811 was a minor clash between a British and Portuguese expedition under General Hill and part of the French garrison of Estremadura.
The siege of Valencia of 25 December 1811-9 January 1812 was the final major French success during the Peninsular War, and saw French power in eastern Spain reach its maximum extent.
The French invasion of Valencia of September 1811-January 1812 was the last major French success during the Peninsular War, and saw them virtually complete the conquest of eastern Spain, but at the same time they were forced to weaken their forces on the Portuguese border, allowing Wellington to begin the campaign that led to Salamanca, and the beginning of the end for the French in Spain.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Siege and battle of Saguntum, combats of Mislata and Aldaya, 1811
The siege of Saguntum of 23 September-26 October 1811 was a French victory during their invasion of Valencia, but one that slowed down their campaign and ended any chance of the expected easy victory.
The battle of Saguntum of 25 October 1811 saw the defeat of a Spanish army under General Joachim Blake which was attempted to raise the French siege of Saguntum.
The combat of Mislata of 26 December 1811 was a rare Spanish success during the fighting around Valencia in the winter of 1811-12, but failed to stop the French trapping a Spanish army in the city of Valencia
The combat of Aldaya of 26 December 1811 was a French victory during their crossing of the Guadalaviar River which saw them drive off most of General Blake’s Spanish cavalry.
The battle of Saguntum of 25 October 1811 saw the defeat of a Spanish army under General Joachim Blake which was attempted to raise the French siege of Saguntum.
The combat of Mislata of 26 December 1811 was a rare Spanish success during the fighting around Valencia in the winter of 1811-12, but failed to stop the French trapping a Spanish army in the city of Valencia
The combat of Aldaya of 26 December 1811 was a French victory during their crossing of the Guadalaviar River which saw them drive off most of General Blake’s Spanish cavalry.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Nos.433, 434, 502, 511 and 517 Squadrons
No.433 "Porcupine" Squadron was an RCAF heavy bomber squadron that almost uniquely operated from the same base, at Skipton-on-Swale from its formation in September 1943 until it was disbanded in October 1945.
No.434 "Bluenose" Squadron was a RCAF heavy bomber squadron, formed in June 1943 as part of No.6 (RCAF) Group. It was named after the schooner "Bluenose", a successful racing ship and fishing boat, which became a symbol of Nova Scotia.
No.502 'Ulster' Squadron served with Coastal Command throughout the Second World War, and on 30 November 1941 became the first Coastal Command squadron to make a successful attack on a U-boat using air-to-surface radar.
No.511 Squadron was a transport squadron which operated on a small number of long range routes from 1942 until the end of the war.
No.517 Squadron was a meteorological squadron, forming as part of Coastal Command from No.1404 (Met) Flight in August 1943.
No.434 "Bluenose" Squadron was a RCAF heavy bomber squadron, formed in June 1943 as part of No.6 (RCAF) Group. It was named after the schooner "Bluenose", a successful racing ship and fishing boat, which became a symbol of Nova Scotia.
No.502 'Ulster' Squadron served with Coastal Command throughout the Second World War, and on 30 November 1941 became the first Coastal Command squadron to make a successful attack on a U-boat using air-to-surface radar.
No.511 Squadron was a transport squadron which operated on a small number of long range routes from 1942 until the end of the war.
No.517 Squadron was a meteorological squadron, forming as part of Coastal Command from No.1404 (Met) Flight in August 1943.
Frank Jack “Black Jack” Fletcher
Frank Jack 'Black Jack' Fletcher, 1885-1973, was an American admiral who played a major part in the early naval battles in the Pacific during the Second World War, but who gained a reputation for being over-cautious and was sidelined after the battle of the Eastern Solomons.
Siege of Oropesa, Calatayud, Molina and combats of Segorbe and Benaguacil
The siege of Oropesa of 19 September-11 October 1811 was a French victory during their invasion of Valencia, which saw them capture the coastal town of Oropesa and remove a major obstacle on the coastal road from Tarragona.
The siege of Calatayud of 26 September-4 October 1811 was a significant victory for the Spanish guerrillas over the French garrison of Calatayud.
The siege of Molina of 26 September-27 October 1811 was an unsuccessful attempt by the Spanish guerrillas to help the defence of Valencia.
The combat of Segorbe of 30 September 1811 was a minor French victory during the siege of Saguntum.
The combat of Benaguacil of 2 October 1811 was a minor French victory during the siege of Saguntum
The siege of Calatayud of 26 September-4 October 1811 was a significant victory for the Spanish guerrillas over the French garrison of Calatayud.
The siege of Molina of 26 September-27 October 1811 was an unsuccessful attempt by the Spanish guerrillas to help the defence of Valencia.
The combat of Segorbe of 30 September 1811 was a minor French victory during the siege of Saguntum.
The combat of Benaguacil of 2 October 1811 was a minor French victory during the siege of Saguntum
Thursday, May 08, 2008
RCAF Squadrons of the Second World War
No.405 "Vancouver" Squadron was the first Canadian heavy bomber squadron to serve with Bomber Command, operating as a bomber squadron from June 1941 until October 1942, then with Coastal Command to March 1943 and finally with the Pathfinder Force from April 1943 to the end of the war.
No.408 'Goose' Squadron was a RCAF Squadron that operated with Bomber Command from June 1941 until the end of the war in Europe.
No.410 Squadron was an RCAF night fighter squadron, which spend 1941-43 operating in Scotland and the North East of England, before moving to Lincolnshire to carry out intruder missions. From June 1944 the squadron operated over the Allied armies during their advance towards Germany.
No.415 Squadron was a RCAF squadron which was formed as part of Coastal Command, carrying out anti-shipping and anti-submarine patrols from 1942 to 1944, before converting to the Halifax and joining No.6 (RCAF) Group of Bomber Command.
No.419 'Moose' Squadron was a RCAF squadron which served with Bomber Command from its formation at the end of 1941 until the end of the war in Europe, ending the war operating the Canadian built Lancaster B.Mk X
No.420 'Snowy Owl' Squadron was a RCAF Squadron that operated with Bomber Command from December 1941 until the end of the war with Europe, with a short break in the Mediterranean in May-October 1943 to support the invasions of Sicily and Italy.
No.424 'Tiger' Squadron was a RCAF Squadron that formed in Britain in October 1942. It spent most of the war operating with Bomber Command, with a short period in North Africa in June-October 1943 to support the invasions of Sicily and Italy.
No.425 'Alouette' Squadron was a RCAF squadron and part of Bomber Command from 1942 until the end of the war in Europe, with a short break in North Africa in 1943 to support the invasion of Sicily and Italy.
No.426 'Thunderbird' Squadron was a RCAF squadron formed in Britain in October 1942 that operated with the main bomber force of Bomber Command until the end of the war in Europe.
No.427 'Lion' Squadron was a RCAF squadron which formed in Britain in November 1942, and spent the entire war serving with Bomber Command's main force.
No.428 'Ghost' Squadron was an RCAF squadron which operated as part of Bomber Command's main bomber force from 27 January 1943 until the end of the war in Europe.
No.429 Squadron was a RCAF squadron that formed in Britain in November 1942 as part of Bomber Command, and operated with No.6 (RCAF) Group to the end of the war in Europe.
No.431 'Iroquois' Squadron was a RCAF squadron that formed in Britain in November 1942 as part of Bomber Command, and operated with No.6 (RCAF) Group to the end of the war in Europe.
No.432 "Leaside" Squadron was a RCAF bomber squadron, which formed around a nucleus of eighteen crews from No.427 squadron during 1943. It formed part of the main bomber force until the end of the war.
No.408 'Goose' Squadron was a RCAF Squadron that operated with Bomber Command from June 1941 until the end of the war in Europe.
No.410 Squadron was an RCAF night fighter squadron, which spend 1941-43 operating in Scotland and the North East of England, before moving to Lincolnshire to carry out intruder missions. From June 1944 the squadron operated over the Allied armies during their advance towards Germany.
No.415 Squadron was a RCAF squadron which was formed as part of Coastal Command, carrying out anti-shipping and anti-submarine patrols from 1942 to 1944, before converting to the Halifax and joining No.6 (RCAF) Group of Bomber Command.
No.419 'Moose' Squadron was a RCAF squadron which served with Bomber Command from its formation at the end of 1941 until the end of the war in Europe, ending the war operating the Canadian built Lancaster B.Mk X
No.420 'Snowy Owl' Squadron was a RCAF Squadron that operated with Bomber Command from December 1941 until the end of the war with Europe, with a short break in the Mediterranean in May-October 1943 to support the invasions of Sicily and Italy.
No.424 'Tiger' Squadron was a RCAF Squadron that formed in Britain in October 1942. It spent most of the war operating with Bomber Command, with a short period in North Africa in June-October 1943 to support the invasions of Sicily and Italy.
No.425 'Alouette' Squadron was a RCAF squadron and part of Bomber Command from 1942 until the end of the war in Europe, with a short break in North Africa in 1943 to support the invasion of Sicily and Italy.
No.426 'Thunderbird' Squadron was a RCAF squadron formed in Britain in October 1942 that operated with the main bomber force of Bomber Command until the end of the war in Europe.
No.427 'Lion' Squadron was a RCAF squadron which formed in Britain in November 1942, and spent the entire war serving with Bomber Command's main force.
No.428 'Ghost' Squadron was an RCAF squadron which operated as part of Bomber Command's main bomber force from 27 January 1943 until the end of the war in Europe.
No.429 Squadron was a RCAF squadron that formed in Britain in November 1942 as part of Bomber Command, and operated with No.6 (RCAF) Group to the end of the war in Europe.
No.431 'Iroquois' Squadron was a RCAF squadron that formed in Britain in November 1942 as part of Bomber Command, and operated with No.6 (RCAF) Group to the end of the war in Europe.
No.432 "Leaside" Squadron was a RCAF bomber squadron, which formed around a nucleus of eighteen crews from No.427 squadron during 1943. It formed part of the main bomber force until the end of the war.
Nos.215, 218, 226, 246, 264, 295, 296, 297, 298, 301, 346 and 347 squadrons
No.215 Squadron began the war as a training squadron with Bomber Command, before serving in India from 1942 to the end of the war, as a bomber squadron until April 1945 before ending the war as a transport squadron dropping supplies to the troops in Burma.
No.218 Squadron began the Second World War as a Fairey Battle squadron in the Advanced Air Striking Force, losing all of its aircraft during the fighting in France. In November 1940 it became a night bomber squadron and served with the main bomber force to the end of the war.
No.226 Squadron began the Second World War as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force, suffering heavy loses in France in May-June 1940. It reformed as a Blenheim squadron, attacking coastal targets and shipping, and ended the war as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, back in France.
No.246 Squadron served with Coastal Command during 1942, then reformed in 1944 as a transport squadron, flying to the Middle and Far East.
No.264 Squadron began the Second World War as a Defiant-equipped day fighter squadron, but after suffering heavy loses in the summer of 1940 the squadron converted to the night fighter role, operating the Mosquito from June 1942 to the end of the war.
No.295 Squadron was a airborne forces squadron, which towed gliders during the D-Day invasions, Operation Market Garden and the Rhine crossings.
No.296 Squadron was an airborne forces squadron that towed gliders during the invasion of Sicily, the D-Day invasions and Operation Market Garden.
No.297 Squadron was an airborne forces unit formed from the Parachute Exercise Squadron, which took part in the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden and the crossing of the Rhine.
No.298 Squadron was an airborne forces squadron, which towed gliders into action on D-Day, at Arnhem and during the Rhine crossings of 1945.
No.301 "Pomeranian" Squadron was a Polish-manned bomber squadron from 1940-1943, before reforming as a Special Duties squadron in the Mediterranean in 1944.
No.346 'Guyenne' Squadron was a bomber squadron manned by Free French personnel who had previously been serving in North Africa. It formed part of Bomber Command's main force from 1 June 1944 until the end of the war.
No. 347 "Tunisie" Squadron was the second Free French Heavy Bomber Squadron, to be formed in Bomber Command, entering combat on 27 June 1944
No.218 Squadron began the Second World War as a Fairey Battle squadron in the Advanced Air Striking Force, losing all of its aircraft during the fighting in France. In November 1940 it became a night bomber squadron and served with the main bomber force to the end of the war.
No.226 Squadron began the Second World War as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force, suffering heavy loses in France in May-June 1940. It reformed as a Blenheim squadron, attacking coastal targets and shipping, and ended the war as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, back in France.
No.246 Squadron served with Coastal Command during 1942, then reformed in 1944 as a transport squadron, flying to the Middle and Far East.
No.264 Squadron began the Second World War as a Defiant-equipped day fighter squadron, but after suffering heavy loses in the summer of 1940 the squadron converted to the night fighter role, operating the Mosquito from June 1942 to the end of the war.
No.295 Squadron was a airborne forces squadron, which towed gliders during the D-Day invasions, Operation Market Garden and the Rhine crossings.
No.296 Squadron was an airborne forces squadron that towed gliders during the invasion of Sicily, the D-Day invasions and Operation Market Garden.
No.297 Squadron was an airborne forces unit formed from the Parachute Exercise Squadron, which took part in the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden and the crossing of the Rhine.
No.298 Squadron was an airborne forces squadron, which towed gliders into action on D-Day, at Arnhem and during the Rhine crossings of 1945.
No.301 "Pomeranian" Squadron was a Polish-manned bomber squadron from 1940-1943, before reforming as a Special Duties squadron in the Mediterranean in 1944.
No.346 'Guyenne' Squadron was a bomber squadron manned by Free French personnel who had previously been serving in North Africa. It formed part of Bomber Command's main force from 1 June 1944 until the end of the war.
No. 347 "Tunisie" Squadron was the second Free French Heavy Bomber Squadron, to be formed in Bomber Command, entering combat on 27 June 1944
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Spruance, Halsey and Ghormley
Raymond Spruance was one of the most important American naval commanders of the Second World War, taking command of the American carriers part of the way through the battle of Midway and then going on to command the Fifth Fleet for the campaigns in the Gilberts, Marshalls and Marianas as well as planning and implementing the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
William "Bull" Halsey was a hard-hitting American Admiral who played a major part in developing the strategy of "island skipping" in the Pacific in 1943-45 which saw the United States bypass a series of Japanese held islands during their advance across the southern and central Pacific.Vice-Admiral Robert Ghormley is most famous for having been the overall American commander at the start of the Guadalcanal campaign, a role he is considered to have performed quite poorly.
William "Bull" Halsey was a hard-hitting American Admiral who played a major part in developing the strategy of "island skipping" in the Pacific in 1943-45 which saw the United States bypass a series of Japanese held islands during their advance across the southern and central Pacific.Vice-Admiral Robert Ghormley is most famous for having been the overall American commander at the start of the Guadalcanal campaign, a role he is considered to have performed quite poorly.
RAF Squadrons
No.151 Squadron began the Second World War as a Hurricane squadron, participating the Battle of Britain, before becoming a night fighter squadron in November 1940, operating first in the defensive role and later as an intruder squadron.
No.157 Squadron was the first squadron to operation the Mosquito as a night fighter, after reforming in December 1941 for that purpose.
No.158 Squadron was formed during the great wartime expansion of Bomber Command, from the home echelon of No.104 Squadron and spent the entire war operationg with the main bomber force.
No.161 Squadron was a special duties squadron, formed in February 1942 from the King's Flight and part of No.138 Squadron to carry out a mix of supply drops and agent transportation missions
No. 166 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, first as a training unit and later as a bomber squadron operationg the Wellington and then Lancaster
No.169 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, first as tactical reconnaissance unit and then as a Mosquito equipped night fighter intruder unit supporting the bomber offensive.
No.171 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, operating as a reconnaissance unit for six months in 1942 and then as a bomber support squadron from September 1944
No.178 Squadron was a heavy bomber squadron that spent the entire Second World War operating in the Mediterranean.
No.185 Squadron began the war as a training squadron, before being reformed on Malta on 27 April 1941, where it took part in some of the fiercest air battles over the island, before going onto the offensive in Italy at the end of 1942.
No.187 Squadron was a short-lived transport squadron, formed in February 1945 to ferry troops to India in preparation for the planned invasions of Burma, Malaya and Japan.
No.190 Squadron went through two very different incarnations during the Second World War, spending 1943 operating with Coastal Command, before becoming a glider-towing squadron, taking part in the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden and the crossing of the Rhine.
No.192 Squadron was formed on 4 January 1943 as a radar counter-measures squadron. It was essentially a research unit, involved in identifying the types of radar being used by the Germans.
No.199 Squadron was formed in 1942 as a standard bomber squadron, becoming a counter-measures squadron in May 1944 after its Stirlings were withdrawn from the main bomber offensive.
No.207 Squadron was reformed in November 1940 to operate the troubled Avro Manchester, and had to use that aircraft for sixteen months, before converting to the Lancaster. No.214 "Federated Malay States" Squadron spent the entire Second World War operating with Bomber Command, with the main bomber force from 1940 to early 1944 and then with No.100 Group
No.157 Squadron was the first squadron to operation the Mosquito as a night fighter, after reforming in December 1941 for that purpose.
No.158 Squadron was formed during the great wartime expansion of Bomber Command, from the home echelon of No.104 Squadron and spent the entire war operationg with the main bomber force.
No.161 Squadron was a special duties squadron, formed in February 1942 from the King's Flight and part of No.138 Squadron to carry out a mix of supply drops and agent transportation missions
No. 166 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, first as a training unit and later as a bomber squadron operationg the Wellington and then Lancaster
No.169 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, first as tactical reconnaissance unit and then as a Mosquito equipped night fighter intruder unit supporting the bomber offensive.
No.171 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, operating as a reconnaissance unit for six months in 1942 and then as a bomber support squadron from September 1944
No.178 Squadron was a heavy bomber squadron that spent the entire Second World War operating in the Mediterranean.
No.185 Squadron began the war as a training squadron, before being reformed on Malta on 27 April 1941, where it took part in some of the fiercest air battles over the island, before going onto the offensive in Italy at the end of 1942.
No.187 Squadron was a short-lived transport squadron, formed in February 1945 to ferry troops to India in preparation for the planned invasions of Burma, Malaya and Japan.
No.190 Squadron went through two very different incarnations during the Second World War, spending 1943 operating with Coastal Command, before becoming a glider-towing squadron, taking part in the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden and the crossing of the Rhine.
No.192 Squadron was formed on 4 January 1943 as a radar counter-measures squadron. It was essentially a research unit, involved in identifying the types of radar being used by the Germans.
No.199 Squadron was formed in 1942 as a standard bomber squadron, becoming a counter-measures squadron in May 1944 after its Stirlings were withdrawn from the main bomber offensive.
No.207 Squadron was reformed in November 1940 to operate the troubled Avro Manchester, and had to use that aircraft for sixteen months, before converting to the Lancaster. No.214 "Federated Malay States" Squadron spent the entire Second World War operating with Bomber Command, with the main bomber force from 1940 to early 1944 and then with No.100 Group
Honest John and Lance missile systems
The MGR-1 Honest John Short Range Tactical Battlefield Support Missile System first entered US service in 1953.
The MGM-52 Lance Short Range Battlefield tactical support missile system was designed to provide nuclear fire support at Corps level and the US Army had at one point eight battalions in service.The Circular Error Probability is a circular area around the target within which a warhead has 50% chance of landing.
The MGM-52 Lance Short Range Battlefield tactical support missile system was designed to provide nuclear fire support at Corps level and the US Army had at one point eight battalions in service.The Circular Error Probability is a circular area around the target within which a warhead has 50% chance of landing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
