Re: RAF Squadron Size in Mediterranean Post by Urmel » 30 Aug 2016, 11:24 No idea, but the real shocker for me anytime when I look at these is the almost complete absence of a meaningful air transport component. Most RAF squadron records have survived and are fairly detailed. 3 Group, Bomber Command, and were used as bombers in the Middle East initially by Nos 159, and 160 Squadrons during 1942 - later reorganized there into No 178 Squadron. Aircraft - Locations-Group and Duty - Books. Bomber Command Structure. With the drawdown in the size of the RAF towards the end and after WW2, the need for new aircrew reduced dramatically and The OTUs were gradually reduced in size and many were disbanded. During World War II, pilots of the RAF distinguished themselves in the Battle of Britain and conducted a strategic bombing campaign on … No.223 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, first as a medium/ light bomber squadron in the Middle East and second as an electronic counter-measures squadron in Bomber Command.. RAF squadrons can fly aircraft or be ground based carrying out many different roles. Of the latter number, about half were modern. Ever since 1940, the aim of an RAF fighter squadron was to try to generate 12-16 aircraft for any squadron sized task. As a result the tally of sorties over Germany in the last five months of 1941 seldom averaged more than 60 per night. Royal Air Force, youngest of the three British armed services, charged with the air defense of the United Kingdom and the fulfillment of international defense commitments. Active squadrons are the full and part-time units of personnel and equipment that carry out the RAF's mission. Groups were normally … 1 Squadron codes 2 Transport Command 'O' series radio call signs 3 Transport Command 'MO' series radio call signs 4 See also 5 Notes 6 References 7 Further reading 8 External links Most units of the Royal Air Force are identified by alphabetical (or similar) characters, known as a "squadron code", that is painted on all aircraft belonging to that unit. Command.The RAF split into Bomber, Fighter, Coastal & Training Commands.Below Bomber Command were Groups.. Group.. – In 1939 there were 6 Groups in Bomber Command, 5 (No.2 Group to No,6 Group) the UK and a 6th (Advanced Air Striking Force – AASF) in France.The HQ No.5 Group was based at RAF Grantham for most of WW2. (Subsequently No 159 became a bomber unit based in India, whilst No 160 Squadron was reorganized as a Liberator GR Squadron in Ceylon.) This is a brief guide to researching records of Royal Air Force squadrons, as opposed to records of RAF personnel. As more aircraft and pilots became available, reserves of both would be increased. By the outbreak of World War Two, most RAF squadrons had modern equipment, the breathing space given by the Munich agreement having given time for the introduction of vital Hurricanes and Spitfires into Fighter Command squadrons. In September 1939, the RAF had 10,208 aircraft in service, approximately 3,500 being in operational units. The first Eagle Squadron, No. By July 1941 the strength of Bomber Command stood at 45 RAF squadrons with a theoretical deployment of 1,000 aircraft. 71 Squadron commenced operations based at RAF Church Fenton in early 1941, before a move to RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey. 38 squadrons were operationally … 71 Squadron, was formed in September 1940 as part of the RAF's buildup during the Battle of Britain, and became operational for defensive duties on 5 February 1941. In practice, only 37 squadrons could be considered for active operations and not all of these were fully-trained. 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