Today, No. 619 Squadron RAF occupies a central place in society. Its importance and relevance are reflected in all aspects of daily life, from politics and economics to entertainment and culture. No. 619 Squadron RAF has captured the attention of experts and fans alike, generating passionate debates and divergent opinions. In this article we will explore the influence and impact of No. 619 Squadron RAF in different areas, analyzing its evolution over time and its projection into the future. From its origins to its role today, No. 619 Squadron RAF has not only left its mark on history, but also continues to shape the world we live in.
No. 619 Squadron RAF | |
---|---|
Active | 18 April 1943 – 18 July 1945 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | Royal Air Force |
Type | Inactive |
Role | Heavy Bomber Squadron |
Part of | No. 5 Group, RAF Bomber Command |
Motto(s) | Latin: Ad Altoria (Translation: "To higher things") |
Insignia | |
Squadron Badge heraldry | A heron vigilant, holding before him a battle axe with its right paw (unofficial) |
Squadron Codes | KV (Apr 1939 – Sep 1939 allocated, but never used) PG (Apr 1943 – Jul 1945) |
Aircraft flown | |
Bomber | Avro Lancaster Four-engined heavy bomber |
Trainer | Airspeed Oxford Twin-engined trainer |
No. 619 Squadron RAF was a heavy bomber squadron of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, flying Lancaster bombers from bases in Lincolnshire.
The squadron was formed out of elements of 97 Squadron at RAF Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire on 18 April 1943, equipped with Lancaster Mk.III bombers, as part of 5 Group in Bomber Command. It also flew Lancaster Mk.I bombers. Their first mission was flown in the night of 11 June 1943, when 12 Lancasters were sent to bomb targets in Düsseldorf, and the last bombing mission was flown on 25 April 1945, when 6 Lancasters tried to bomb Obersalzberg. The last operational mission was flown a day later, when 2 Lancasters laid mines in the Oslo Fjord near Horten. After that mission the squadron ferried ex-prisoners of war back to the United Kingdom from Belgium (Operation Exodus). The squadron operated out of various Lincolnshire stations, before being disbanded at RAF Skellingthorpe on 18 July 1945.
Members of the squadron were awarded 1 DSO, 76 DFCs and 37 DFMs. The squadron was mentioned 10 times in despatches.
From | To | Aircraft | Version |
---|---|---|---|
18 April 1943 | 18 September 1943 | Airspeed Oxford | Mks.I, II |
18 April 1943 | 18 July 1945 | Avro Lancaster | Mks.I, III |
From | To | Base |
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18 April 1943 | 9 January 1944 | RAF Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire |
9 January 1944 | 17 April 1944 | RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire |
17 April 1944 | 28 September 1944 | RAF Dunholme Lodge, Lincolnshire |
28 September 1944 | 30 June 1945 | RAF Strubby, Lincolnshire |
30 June 1945 | 18 July 1945 | RAF Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire |
From | To | Name |
---|---|---|
20 April 1943 | 17 August 1943 | W/Cdr. I.J. McGhie, DFC |
20 August 1943 | 4 December 1943 | W/Cdr. W. Abercromby, DFC |
4 December 1943 | 23 May 1944 | W/Cdr. J.R. Jeudwine, OBE, DFC |
23 May 1944 | 26 July 1944 | W/Cdr. J.R. Maling, AFC |
28 July 1944 | 21 February 1945 | W/Cdr. A.R. Millward, DFC |
21 February 1945 | 14 June 1945 | W/Cdr. S.G. Birch, DFC |
14 June 1945 | 18 July 1945 | W/Cdr. Flett |