No. 46 Squadron RAF
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No. 46 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force was formed in 1916, and has been disbanded and reformed three times before its last disbandment in 1975. It served with honour in both World War I and World War II. The Squadron's Associationis unique in having held annual Reunions Dinners continuously since 1917. The 90th Reunion will be held in the Officers' Mess RAF Lynehamon Saturday 2 June 2007.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] World War I
![BE2C of No 46 Sqn [1]](../../../upload/thumb/6/60/BE2C.jpg/180px-BE2C.jpg)
![Nieuport 2 seater at Wyton 1916[2]](../../../upload/thumb/5/50/Nieuport_2_seater.jpg/180px-Nieuport_2_seater.jpg)
No 46 Squadron was formed at RAF Wyton on 19 April 1916 from a nucleus trained in No 2 Reserve Squadron and moved to France in October 1916 equipped with Nieuport 2-seaters.
The Squadron undertook artillery co-operation, photography[3] and reconnaissance operations until May 1917, when it took on a more offensive role after re-arming with the Sopwith Pup[4].
The change from a corps to a fighter squadron came at a moment when Allied air superiority was being seriously challenged by Germans, in particular by the introduction of the "circuses" which were formed and led by Baron Von Richthofen. Operating under the 11th Army Wing, the Squadron was intensively engaged and had many combats with the enemy. In July 1917, No 46 Squadron returned to Sutton's Farm (later RAF Hornchurch), Essex for the defence of London, which had been heavily raided by Gothas a short time previously; no enemy aircraft penetrated its patrol area however, and the Squadron returned to France at the end of August.
In addition to offensive patrol work, the Squadron undertook extensive ground strafing and did excellent close support work in the attack on Messines Ridges.
In November 1917, the Squadron was re-equipped with Sopwith Camels[5] and gave valuable assistance to the infantry in the Battle of Cambrai attack. During the closing stages of the War, the Squadron was very active bombing lines of communication and ammunition dumps in the Enemy rear areas. Intensive low-level ground attack work was carried out after the German Spring Offensive in March 1918, the unit suffering high casualties as a result. The Squadron also did excellent work in the German Great Retreat in the few weeks before the signing of the Armistice. In November 1917, Lt, later Major, Donald MacLaren [6][7]joined the Squadron. His first dogfight was not until February 1918; however, in the 9 remaining months of the War he was credited with shooting down 48 aeroplanes and 6 balloons making him one of the top fighter aces[8] of WW1. Also during 1918 Lt Victor Yeates the author of Winged Victory served in the Squadron[9]. The book is considered one of finest of the first World War. Another famous book written by a 46 Sqn pilot is No Parachute by [ Capt (later AVM) Arthur Gould Lee[10]. Both Lee and Yeates served with Captain Cecil (Chaps) Marchant[11] ,another ace, who instigated and, for over 40 years, organised the Squadron Reunions.
By November 1918, 46 Squadron had claimed 184 air victories, creating 16 'aces'[12].
Towards the end of January 1919, No 46 Squadron was reduced to a cadre and in February was returned to England early, being finally disbanded on the last day of the year.
[edit] World War II
[edit] Gauntlets
The Squadron was reformed at Kenley under the RAF expansion scheme 1936, 3 years to a day before the outbreak of World War II. Gloster Gauntlets were the first type to be allocated to the Squadron[13] and with these aircraft normal peacetime training activities were carried out. A future ace and regular Reunion attender, Wg Cdr Bunny Currant[14] joined the Sqn as a sergeant pilot. Notice the aircraft markings.
[edit] Norway
The outbreak of war found 46 Squadron at RAF Digby, equipped with Hawker Hurricanes. Action with the enemy came quickly when, at the end of October 1939, Squadron Leader Barwell and Pilot Officer Plummer attached a formation of 12 Heinkel 115s, destroying one each, and scattering the remainder. The next 6 months were uneventful, consisting in the main of providing air cover for the shipping convoys steaming along the East Coast; a few enemy aircraft were sighted but no contacts were made.
In May 1940, the Squadron was selected to form part of the Expeditionary Force in Norway, which had been invaded by the Germans on 9 April.The Hurricanes were embarked on HMS Glorious and, despite doubts that a Hurricane could take off from a carrier flight deck in a flat calm, they all took off without difficulty thanks to the efforts of the ship's engineers who managed to get the Glorious up to a speed of 30 knots. No 46 Squadron assembled at Bardufoss and began operation on 26 May; patrols were maintained over the land and naval forces at Narvik without respite, some of the pilots going without sleep for more than 2 days. Conditions on the ground were very basic with poor runways and primitive servicing and repair facilities.
Many air combats took place, and in its brief campaign in Norway the Squadron accounted for no less than 14 enemy aircraft, besides probably destroying many others. On 7 June the Squadron was ordered to evacuate Norway immediately and, on the night 7/8 June, the Hurricanes were successfully flown back to Glorious - a dangerous procedure as none of the aircraft were fitted with deck arrester hooks.
The ground parties embarked on HMS Vindictive and SS Monarch of Bermuda [15] and reached the UK safely, but the Squadron's aircraft and 8 of its pilots were lost when Glorious[16][17] was sunk by German warships on 9 June 1940. The 2 pilots who survived were the Squadron Commander Sqn Ldr (later ACM) "Bing" Cross[18][19]and the Flight Commander, Flt Lt (later [[Air Commodore) "Jamie" Jameson [20].
[edit] Battle of Britain
The Squadron re-formed at RAF Digby[21], becoming operational once again at the end of June, and for the next 2 months was occupied in uneventful convoy and defensive patrols before moving south to Stapleford Tawney[22] the satellite of North Weald [23][24], for the defence of London during the Battle of Britain. The Luftwaffe's main effort at the time was against coastal objectives and shipping off the coast of Essex and Kent. The Squadron, now consisting of novice pilots and without any experienced command following its Norwegian decimation, suffered heavy casualties during continuous action against far superior numbers of enemy bombers and escorting fighters. The enemy sustained such shattering losses amongst his long range bomber force that a change of tactics was necessary, and he tried to force a decision by using fighter bombers flying very high and making every possible use of cloud cover; interception became difficult and our squadrons had to change their tactics too - mainly going over the maintenance of fighter patrols at height ranging between 20 and 30,000 feet. Early in November, No 46 Squadron, whilst on patrol over Foulness, encountered some 50 Italian bombers and fighters; at least 8 of them were destroyed, with no casualties or damage to the Squadron, and the remainder of the formation scattered in disorder. [25].
The Battle of Britain, in which No 46 Squadron had taken a full part was over, and the Squadron settled down to a few months of uneventful defensive and convoy patrols, leavened by an occasional escort duty to medium bombers in their attack on objectives on Occupied France.
The Squadron had claimed 34 aircraft destroyed July- end Dec.1940, but had lost 26 aircraft itself, with 16 pilots killed and 3 more badly wounded.
[edit] North Africa
In May 1941, the Squadron was withdrawn from the line in preparation for going overseas and embarked on the SS Almanzora[26] at the end of the month. The ground crews reached Egypt early in July and, with the Squadron headquarters based at Kilo 17 Fayoum Road, various detachments co-operated in the formation of Maintenance and Repair and Salvage Units.
The Squadron's pilots meanwhile, were operating in the defence of Malta, first as No 46 Squadron, but later being absorbed into No. 126 Squadron RAF [27][28], . They were in action continuously, claiming the destruction of nearly 40 enemy aircraft, 10 of them German and the remainder Italian. The Malta Aviation Museum has restored 46 Sqn Hurricane MkIIA Z3055 which ditched on 4 July 1941.[29] In May 1942, the Squadron moved to Idku and began reforming as a night fighter squadron with Beaufighters for the air defence of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Squadron became operational once again at the end of the month and its main tasks were the interception of enemy reconnaissance and bombing aircraft, principally over Alexandria, and the escort of shipping convoys laden with supplies for Malta. At the end of October, following the 6th Army's advance from El Alamein, No 46 Squadron carried out many highly damaging attacks on the retreating enemy columns in the Mersa Matruh area.
In November 1942, the Squadron was re-organised as a RAF Coastal Command squadron and operated various detachments in Malta andBenghazi to cover particularly important convoys; in addition, ground targets in Africa and Sicily were strafed, and barges, trawlers and other small ships were successfully attacked along the Tripolitanian coast with cannon and machine-gun fire. The New Year found the Squadron preparing to resume its original role as a night fighter unit and, at the end of January, two detachments left Idku, one for Tobruk, and the other for RAF Abu Sueir [30], by the end of April two more detachments were operating at St Jean (Palastine) and Bu Amud - with the most distant bases nearly 1,000 miles apart, administration of the Squadron became very difficult.
Some out of the ordinary tasks came the Squadron's way. On one occasion, the Bu Amud detachment searched and found a convoy of native troops who were lost in the desert and long overdue; on another, a grounded destroyer was located and given air cover until it could be re-floated. However, the Squadron was not immune from the odd problem (see photo).
April 1943 was of interest when, for the first in the war, a night fighter was controlled from a warship - the Squadron's Signal Officer, Flight Lieutenant Muir, a Canadian, having devised a homing beacon for use on the controlling ship.
In July, with the score of confirmed "kills" for one year's operations in the Middle East standing at 31, the Squadron played an important if unexciting part in the sheperding of the invasion armada sailing for Sicily.
The end of August found a large detachment of No 46 Squadron stationed in Cyprus with the main task of doing night intruder operations over Rhodes. On 14 September, Squadron leader Cuddie, in command of the detachment, landed on the recently seized Dodecanes Island of Cos - the first Allied aircraft to do so; less than 3 weeks later, however, the Germans invaded and No 46 Squadron lost its CO, Wing Commander GA Reid, whilst bombing and strafing the invasion force.
In the early months of 1944, with detachments operating from Abu Sueir, St Jean and Tocra, night intruder patrols over Rhodes, Cos and Crete formed the backbone of the Squadron’s activities. Many of these patrols bore fruit, for, in February and March, the Squadron claimed the destruction of 5 Junkers Ju52s and the probable destruction of 3 more. April and May were very quiet, despite the dove-tailing of patrols with No. 252 Squadron RAF[31] over the Islands, giving complete coverage from dusk to dawn. The next few months brought better fortune, particularly in September, when the Squadron’s aircraft were controlled by HMS Ulster Queen[32], a GCI ship, and the score for the month amounted to 11 enemy aircraft destroyed.
. On 26 September to 11 October (full moon period) a detachment was established at Gambut and fascinating personal recollection of the detachment by one of the Squadron's pilots is at the Gambut link. This short period was probably one of the most glorious in the Squadron's history with an outstanding record of 16 aircraft destroyed with 1 probable and 4 damaged. No less than 4 Squadron members were decorated for their part:
- W/O Roy Butler (pilot) DFC (5 planes destroyed)
- W/O Ray Graham (nav) DFC
- W/O Denis Hammond (pilot) DFC (3 destroyed damaged)
- F/Sgt. Harrison (nav) DFM.
A Ju52 destroyed by the detachment on 3 October proved to be the last enemy aircraft destroyed by the Squadron and, with the withdrawal of German forces from Greece almost completed, the Squadron's duty of night fighter defence of Egypt had been discharged.
[edit] Stirlings
The Squadron embarked for the UK at the end of December and arrived at Stoney Cross at the beginning of January 1945 and began operation under Transport Command. Equipped with the Short Stirling, the Squadron operated the service to the Far East between Stoney Cross and Arkonam via Poona and between Stoney Cross, and Dum Dum via Palam. With the end of the war in the Far East, the Squadron's flights were first confined to India and the Middle East and then, with Dakotas having replaced the Stirlings at the beginning of 1946, passengers and freight were carried mostly to Rome, Berlin, Warsaw and Vienna.
[edit] Post-World War 2
[edit] Berlin Airlift
The Squadron moved to RAF Manston in October 1946 and to Abingdon in December. From July 1948, the Squadron was almost exclusively engaged on the Berlin Airlift; to begin with, it operated from Wunsdorf carrying food and later from Fassberg and Lubeck carrying coal.
The Squadron returned to RAF Oakington in August 1949 and resumed its normal transport role until it disbanded on 20 February 1950.
[edit] Meteors
The Squadron once again re-formed, this time at RAF Odiham on 15 August 1954 as a night fighter squadron equipped with Meteor NF12s and 14s. The early days were affected by shortages of manpower and equipment; although training began almost immediately, it took until the end of October for the Squadron to reach a strength of 12 NF12/14s and one Meteor 7 for training and categorisation.
When Wing Commander Birchfield took over as CO from Squadron Leader Ross, the manpower situation was improving, but MT (Mechanical Transport) shortages caused problems for the Squadron, whose dispersal was on the opposite side of the airfield to the rest of the station.
By June 1955, it was recorded that the Squadron had received "some Meteor 8s for target towing," and that its strength had reached 48 officers and 110 NCO/airmen. By August, when the Squadron went to Acklington for APS (Armament Practice Station), there were 16 aircraft. Squadron members of this period who later distinguished themselves include: John Cook[33]
[edit] Javelins
In January 1956, the Squadron began converting to Javelins[34], and the first Javelin Mk [35] arrived in February together with 8 Meteor NF 11s: the NF 12s were sent off to No. 72 Squadron RAF. By May, all squadron pilots had converted and 15 Javelins were held; 8 of these were earmarked for intensive flying trials whose target was 1000 hours in 2 months - a feat believed by some to be impossible, but achieved in fact by "a wartime spirit." On 15 June, the Squadron lost its CO, Wing Commander Birchfield, in a Javelin crash. He was replaced by Wing Commander H. E. White.
Over the years, the Squadron continued to train by participating in many exercises such as Halyard, Cold Wing, Kingpin Adex, Ciano and Bombex, and took part in various trails including those of new pressure suits and helmets. The problem of poor serviceability and lack of spares continued when the Mk 2 Javelins replaced the Mk1s in 1957.
In April 1959, the Squadron sent 6 Javelins to the French Air Force 1/30 Squadron at Tours, whilst the French sent Sud Aviation Vautour aircraft to Odiham. In June the Squadron won the Ingpen Trophy after being 3rd in 1957 and 2nd in 1958. On 30 June 1961, the Squadron disbanded yet again.
[edit] Andovers
On 1 September 1966, the Squadron re-formed again, this time at RAF Abingdon[36] as a transport squadron. The first Hawker Siddeley Andover CMk1 aircraft arrived in December and the Squadron was tasked with general freight and passenger flying. Its roles were mainly related to transport support and tactical transport, for which the Andover’s ability to “kneel” - to allow vehicle entry at a shallow angle via the rear ramp – was an asset. Over the years, the Squadron acquired expertise in aero-medical evacuation, STOL, route flying and parachute and 1 ton container drops.
It also carried out various trials with voice broadcast and long-range ferry tanks. The latter became a regular item of equipment and enabled the short-range Andover to fly surprisingly long distance, such as Gander to Abingdon direct in under 8 hours 50 minutes in July 1969; by September of that year the “Blue Riband” had been reduced to 8 hours 35 minutes, and, eventually, to well under 8 hours.
The Squadron also took part in various exercises in Libya, Cyprus, the Middle East and Norway, as well as in the UK and Germany. The Squadron won the coveted Lord VC Trophy in 1968 and again in 1971 when it also won the No 14 Air Dispatch Trophy. A number of unusual tasks followed. In July 1968, the Squadron supported Exercise Icy Mountains in Greenland, re-supplying it, and finally recovering the Team. In March 1969, 3 aircraft deployed to Coolidge, Antigua, to help with the Anguillan crisis. The requirement continued, albeit later at a reduced scale, until early 1971 and led to the popular Caribbean Trainers. The Squadron was the first in the RAF to have a German exchange officer, and friendly and useful exchange visits were made between 46 Squadron and LTG 63 at Alhorn and Hone, his, and his successor’s, home bases.
In August 1969, the Squadron first became involved in Northern Ireland – in particular to provide troop and VIP transport from UK.
On 13 October 1969, the Squadron was presented with its Standard by HM King Olav V of Norway in commemoration of the Squadron’s operation with Hawker Hurricanes in Norway in 1940.
In September 1970, the Squadron moved to RAF Thorney Island and began a period of extended world-wide activity. In September, it took part in the large Far-East reinforcement exercise, Bersatu Padu and in 1971 began a 2 aircraft detachment at Masirah[37] (and added SAR to its many roles). In November 1971 and February 1972, it took part in Exercise Cold Stream with the Italian Air Force at Pisa, and in Exercise Sun Pirate in Puerto Rico, respectively.
Twice a year, the Squadron took part in Exercise MACDROP at RAF Machrihanish,
in which Andovers were employed on para dropping with Commandos, the Parachute Regiment and SAS. In January 1974, and again in December, the Squadron sent aircraft to support the Royal Engineers in Exercise Mirza, which were 4 month civil aid programmes whose main task was the construction of bridges in the Sudan.
Finally, the Defence Review in March 1975 announced the impending closure of RAF Thorney Island[38] and the disbandment of the Squadron; an immediate reduction in the number of aircraft and a drastic reduction in flying hours followed. On 31 August 1975 the Standard was laid up in Chichester Cathedral and the Squadron disbanded. A number of Andovers were re-roled to Flight Calibration[39] with No. 115 Squadron RAF at RAF Benson, 2 went to Boscombe Down and one (XS641) was converted to the Photo Recconaissance role to provide the UK's asset for the Open Skies Treaty. Later 10 Andovers were sold to the Royal New Zealand Air Force[40] [41]
[edit] Reunions
The Squadron is unique in the Royal Air Force because it is the only one to have held consecutive reunions since its formation through nearly 90 years of varying fortunes.
Reunions are held annually on the first Saturday in June under the banner of The No 46 Squadron RFC & RAF Association.
The Reunion dinner is held on the Saturday night, normally in an Officers' Mess, with a separate function for the Ladies.
The cost of running the Association is met from a small additional charge on the cost of the dinner and lunch complemented by donations. A separate fund exists to assist members who are in financial difficulty to attend the reunion.
Membership of the Association is open to all who have served on the posted strength of No 46 Squadron; in addition, people who have a close association with the Squadron may also be invited to join. No 46 Squadron Website
[edit] Aircraft
| Model | Service Dates |
|---|---|
| Nieuport 12 | Apr 1916 - Apr 1917 |
| BE2c | Nov 1916 - Apr 1917 |
| BE2e | Feb 1917 - Apr 1917 |
| Pup | Apr 1917 - Nov 1917 |
| Camel | Nov 1917 - Feb 1919 |
| Gauntlet II | Sep 1936 - Feb 1939 |
| Hurricane I | Feb 1939 - Dec 1940 |
| Hurricane IIA | Dec 1940 - May 1941 |
| Hurricane IIC | May 1941 - Jun 1941 |
| Beaufigher I | May 1942 - Jul 1942 |
| Beaufigher VI | May 1942 - Dec 1944 |
| Beaufigher X | Apr 1944 - Jul 1944 |
| Mosquito XII | Apr 1944 - Jul 1944 |
| Stirling V | Feb 1945 - Feb 1946 |
| Dakota III, IV | Feb 1946 - Feb 1950 |
| Meteor NF 12 | Aug 1954 - Mar 1956 |
| Meteor NF 14 | Aug 1954 - Mar 1956 |
| Javelin FAW 1 | Mar 1956 - Nov 1957 |
| Javelin FAW 2 | Aug 1957 - Jun 1961 |
| Javelin FAW 6 | Aug 1958 - Jun 1961 |
| Andover CMk1 | Dec 1966 - Aug 1975 |
[edit] Locations
| Location | Assignment Dates |
|---|---|
| RAF Wyton | Apr 1916 - Oct 1916 |
| Boisdinghem | May 1917 - May 1917 |
| La Gorgue | May 1917 - Jul 1917 |
| Bruay | Jul 1917 - Jul 1917 |
| Sutton's Farm | Jul 1917 - Aug 1917 |
| Ste Marie Cappel | Aug 1917 - Sep 1917 |
| (Izel) Le Hameau | Sep 1917 - May 1918 |
| Liettres | May 1918 - Jun 1918 |
| Serny | Jun 1918 - Aug 1918 |
| Poulainville | Aug 1918 - Sep 1918 |
| Cappy | Sep 1918 - Oct 1918 |
| Athies | Oct 1918 - Oct 1918 |
| Busigny | Oct 1918 - Nov 1918 |
| Baizieux | Nov 1918 - Feb 1919 |
| Rendcombe | Feb 1919 - Feb 1919 (disbanded) |
| Reformed out of 'B' Flt, No 17 Sqn, Kenley | 3 Sep 1936. |
| RAF Kenley | Sep 1936 - Nov 1937 |
| RAF Digby | Nov 1937 - Nov 1939 |
| RAF Acklington[42] | Nov 1939 - Jan 1940 |
| Digby | Jan 1940 - May 1940 |
| HMS Glorious | May 1940 - May 1940 |
| Skaanland | May 1940 - May 1940 |
| Bardufoss | May 1940 - Jun 1940 |
| HMS Glorious | Jun 1940 - Jun 1940 |
| RAF Digby | Jun 1940 - Sep 1940 |
| Stapleford Aerodrome | Sep 1940 - Nov 1940 |
| RAF North Weald[43] | Nov 1940 - Dec 1940 |
| RAF Digby | Dec 1940 - Feb 1941 |
| RAF Church Fenton | Feb 1941 - Mar 1941 |
| Sherburn in Elmet | Mar 1941 - May 1941 |
| En-route Egypt | May 1941 - Jul 1941 |
| Abu Sueir[44] | Jul 1941 - Sep 1941 |
| Kilo 40 | 17 Sep 1941 - May 1942 |
| Idku | May 1942 - Dec 1944 |
| Stoney Cross[45] | Jan 1945 - Oct 1946 |
| RAF Manston | Oct 1946 - Dec 1946 |
| RAF Abingdon | Dec 1946 - Aug 1949 |
| RAF Oakington | Aug 1949 - Feb 1950 (disbanded) |
| RAF Odiham | Aug 1954 - Jul 1959 |
| RAF Waterbeach | Jul 1959 - Jun 1961 (disbanded) |
| RAF Abingdon | Sep 1966 - Sep 1970 |
| Thorney Island | Sep 1970 - Aug 1975 (disbanded) |
[edit] Squadron Commanding Officers
| Rank | Name | Date of Command |
|---|---|---|
| Major | G. E. Todd | April 1916 |
| Major | E. L. Conran | May 1916 |
| Major | L. Dawes | May 1916 |
| Major | P. Babington | July 1916 |
| Major | R. H. S. Mealing | December 1917 |
| Major | A. H. O'Hara-Wood | July 1918 |
| Major | G. Allen | October 1918 |
| Squadron Leader | M. F. Calder | September 1936 |
| Squadron Leader | P. R. Barwell | June 1937 |
| Squadron Leader | K. B. B. Cross | October 1939 |
| Squadron Leader | J. R. Maclachlan[46] | June 1940 |
| Squadron Leader | A. R. Collins | October 1940 |
| Squadron Leader | L. M. Gaunce[47] | October 1940 |
| Squadron Leader | A. C. Rabagliati[48][49] | December 1940 |
| Wing Commander | G. A. Reid | May 1942 |
| Wing Commander | T. P. K. Scade | October 1943 |
| Wing Commander | R. W. Dennison | June 1944 |
| Squadron Leader | G. E. Robertson | August - November 1944 (Temp Command) |
| Wing Commander | B. A. Coventry | January 1945 |
| Wing Commander | S. G. Baggott | December 1945 |
| Wing Commander | G. Dutton[50] | March 1946 |
| Wing Commander | G. Burges | July 1946 |
| Squadron Leader | E. Moody | October 1947 |
| Squadron Leader | A. G. Salter[51] | April 1948 |
| Squadron Leader | A. Reece | August 1949 |
| Squadron Leader | D. F. C. Ross[52] | August 1954 (on re-forming) |
| Wing Commander | F. E. W. Birchfield | March 1955 |
| Wing Commander | H. E. White | June 1956 |
| Wing Commander | F. B. Sowrey[53] | May 1958 |
| Wing Commander | D. B. Wills | June 1960 |
| Squadron Leader | M. T. Rayson | September 1966 (on re-forming) |
| Squadron Leader | J. B. Gratton | December 1967 |
| Squadron Leader | D. O. Crwys-Williams[54] | January 1970 |
| Wing Commander | F. A. Mallett | February 1971 |
| Wing Commander | J. A. Scambler | April 1973 |
| Wing Commander | S Hitchen | March 1975 |
[edit] External links
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/09/05/db0501.xml Wg Cdr "Rusty" MacKenzie]
- [55]
- Sqn ldr Ron Wambeek
