Service History

A training squadron at the outbreak of war, it lost its identity when it was absorbed into an Operational Training Unit (OTU). Reformed within No. 5 Group during November 1940, for the purpose of introducing the Manchester bomber into operational service. Flew its first sorties in February 1941. Converted to Lancaster’s in March 1942 and remained with No. 5 Group for the duration of the war

Squadron Identity Letters

Stations

EM

Waddington, Bottesford, Langer, Spilsby

Logistics

Operational Performance

Operational Sorties And Losses

Group

Aircraft

Bombing Targets Tasked

Mine Laying Areas Tasked

Leaflets

Total Sorties

Flown

Aircraft Lost

Percent

5 GP

Manchester

76

15

4

360

17

4.70

5 GP

Lancaster

350

35

1

4203

131

3.10

Totals

426

50

5

4563

148

3.20

Of Note:

Introduced the Manchester to Bomber Command operations

Flew more raids, more sorties and suffered more losses than any other Manchester Squadron

Suffered the fourth highest overall percentage losses in Bomber Command and the highest percentage losses in No. 5 Group

Memorial

Unknown