In the next article we are going to delve into the fascinating world of No. 692 Squadron RAF. From its origins to its relevance today, we will explore all aspects of this interesting topic. We will discover its impact on society, its influence in different areas and how it has evolved over time. With a broad and detailed approach, we will analyze its different facets to offer a complete and enriching panorama. Join us on this journey of knowledge and discovery about No. 692 Squadron RAF.
No. 692 (Fellowship of the Bellows) Squadron RAF | |
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Active | 1 January 1944 – 20 September 1945 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | Royal Air Force |
Role | Light Bomber Squadron |
Part of | No. 8 Group RAF, Bomber Command |
Nickname(s) | Fellowship of the Bellows |
Motto(s) | Latin: Polus Dum Sidera Pascet (Translation: "So long as the sky shall feed the stars") |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | S/Ldr. (then) S.D. Watts, the first pilot to drop a 4,000 lbs "Cookie". |
Insignia | |
Squadron Badge heraldry | In front of a pair of wings conjoined in base, a dagger, point downwards |
Squadron Codes | P3 (Jan 1944 – Jun 1945) |
Aircraft flown | |
Bomber | de Havilland Mosquito |
No. 692 Squadron RAF was a light bomber squadron of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
The squadron was formed on 1 January 1944 at RAF Graveley, Huntingdonshire as a light bomber unit, equipped with Mosquito Mk.IV bombers, as part of the Light Night Striking Force of No. 8 Group RAF in Bomber Command. It re-equipped with Mosquito Mk.XVI bombers from March 1944 and by June 1944 the squadron had completely switched over to the newer variant.
It was the first squadron to carry 4,000 lb bombs in Mosquitos, used in an attack on Düsseldorf. The squadron was also the first Mosquito unit to carry out minelaying operations. Most operations were at low level, including one mission when the squadron dropped 4,000 lb bombs into the mouth of tunnels in the Ardennes. At the end of the war the squadron was disbanded on 20 September 1945 at RAF Gransden Lodge, Cambridgeshire. The squadron had carried out 3,237 operational sorties (though one source claims a far lower number of sorties, 1,457) for the loss of 17 aircraft.
From | To | Aircraft | Variant |
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January 1944 | June 1944 | de Havilland Mosquito | Mk.IV |
March 1944 | September 1945 | de Havilland Mosquito | Mk.XVI |
From | To | Name |
---|---|---|
January 1944 | March 1944 | W/Cdr. W.G. Lockhart, DSO, DFC |
March 1944 | July 1944 | W/Cdr. S.D. Watts, DFC (RNZAF) |
July 1944 | September 1945 | W/Cdr. J. Northrop, DFC, AFC |
From | To | Name | Remark |
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1 January 1944 | 4 June 1944 | RAF Graveley, Huntingdonshire | Formed here |
4 June 1944 | 20 September 1945 | RAF Gransden Lodge, Cambridgeshire | Disbanded here |