No. 529 Squadron (RAF): Second World War

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No.529 Squadron was a radar calibration squadron that was formed in Cheshire, but later moved to Henley-on-Thames, where it would become the first RAF squadron to use a helicopter operationally.

The squadron was formed on 15 June 1943 from No.1448 Flight, a radar calibration unit that had been using Hornet Moths and Rota autogyros to fly calibration sorties for radar units in the north west.

The squadron spent the next year based at Halton, Cheshire, before moving to Henley-on-Thames (Oxfordshire) in August 1944. The radar calibration flights continued until the end of the war.

In May 1945 the squadron became the first RAF squadron to operate a helicopter, when it was given a single Sikorsky Hoverfly I (the British designation for the Sikorsky VS-316). The Hoverfly I was used in very small numbers by the RAF, with the King’s Flight the main user. No.529 Squadron kept its Hoverfly until the squadron disbanded on 20 October 1945.

Aircraft
June 1942-October 1945: Avro Rota I
June-October 1943: Hornet Moth
September 1944-October 1945: Oxford I and II
June 1943-July 1944: Cierva C.40
May-October 1945: Hoverfly I

Location
June 1943-August 1944: Halton
August 1944-October 1945: Henley-on-Thames

Squadron Codes: KX

Duty
1943-1945: Radar Calibration

Books

 

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (3 February 2012), No. 529 Squadron (RAF): Second World War, http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/529_wwII.html

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