Comments: 6
diversdream [2010-06-28 14:39:35 +0000 UTC]
Based on the Markings this would be Whitley K7277 ZA-W for William belonging to 10 RAF Sqd based at RAF Dishforth in Yorkshire from Jan 1937 to July 1940 whereupon they were then transferred to RAF Leeming.
They Operated the Whitley from March 1937 through to December 1941 whereupon they converted to the Halifax Bomber.
The Sqd Commanders in 1939-1940 were -
W/C W Staton Jun 1938 - April 1940
W/C NC Singer April 1940 - July 1940
W/C S.O (Sid) Bufton July 1940 - April 1941.
Future Commanders included W/C JB Willy Tait May 1942 - June 1942 and the future head of the Pathfinders the Australian W/C DCT (Don) Bennett June - July 1942 (Shot down and evaded capture).
The Squadron served as part of 4 RAF Group, and sent detachments to North Africa and also to RAF Coastal Command.
This Squadrons Whitleys flew 15 Leaflet and 208 Bombing Ops (excluding detachment duties), resulting in a total of 1430 Sorties taking place from which 47 Aircrews or a loss rate of 3.3% was suffered by the Squadron on this type of aircraft only.
On the night of 1//2 Oct 1939 this Sqd flew the first ops over Berlin of the war when the 'cities toilet paper supply was helpfully increased by the RAF'.
The squadrons first casualty of the war took place on the same night when F/L JL Allsop and aircrew FTR from the Berlin Operation with no trace of the aircraft or aircrew ever located.
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hylajaponica In reply to diversdream [2010-08-01 13:42:14 +0000 UTC]
Thank you for the detailed text!
I can imagine Whitley K7277 more vivid.
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