No. 524 Squadron (RAF): Second World War

Aircraft - Locations - Group and Duty - Books

No.524 Squadron went through two incarnations during the Second World War, first testing the Martin Mariner flying boat and then operating against E-boats off the French coast.

The squadron was formed for the first time at Oban on 20 October 1943. It was used to test out the Martin mariner flying boat, but it was quickly decided not to order the type, and the squadron was disbanded on 7 December 1943 (or on 29 January 1944).

The squadron was formed for the second time on 7 April 1944, this time in the south of England. This time the squadron was equipped with Wellingtons, and was used for reconnaissance off the French coast. Its role was to find German E-Boats and guide strike aircraft onto them. The squadron was also used for anti-shipping bombing missions.

The squadron performed the anti E-boat role until the end of the war. In July 1944, as the E-boats retreated from France, the squadron moved to East Anglia, from where it operated against E-boats based in the Low Countries. At the same time the squadron absorbed No.415 Squadron. During this period the squadron operated alongside the North Coates strike wing. During 1945 the squadron also cooperated directly with the navy, guiding surface forces onto enemy targets. The squadron was disbanded on 25 May 1945.

Aircraft
October-December 1943: Martin Mariner I

April-December 1944: Vickers Wellington XIII
December 1944-May 1945: Vickers Wellington XIV

Location
October-December 1943: Oban

April-July 1944: Davidstowe Moor
July 1944: Docking
July-November 1944: Bircham Newton
November 1944-May 1945: Langham

Squadron Codes: 7R (Wellington)

Duty
1943: Martin Mariner test squadron
April 1944-May 1945: Anti E-Boat operations

Books

Help - F.A.Q. - Contact Us - Search - Recent - About Us - Privacy