No. 577 Squadron (RAF): Second World War

Aircraft - Locations - Group and Duty - Books

No.577 Squadron was an anti-aircraft co-operation squadron that worked with the army and navy from its formation in December 1943 until being disbanded in June 1946.

The squadron was formed at Castle Bromwich on 1 December 1943, and this remained its main base for the rest of its existence, although it normally operated in small detachments based at a large number of bases spread across Wales and the Midlands. The squadron was formed from detachments from Nos.6, 7 and 8 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Units, and was mainly equipped with Spitfires and Oxfords.

The squadron was used to help anti-aircraft batteries calibrate their guns and radar equipment, sometimes by providing target aircraft flying on a known course and speed and sometimes by providing target tugs. After the war the Hurricanes were replaced by Spitfires, while the Vultee Vengeance arrived to carry out the target towing duties. The squadron was disbanded on 15 June 1946.

Aircraft
December 1943-July 1945: Hawker Hurricane IIC and IV
December 1943-June 1946: Oxford I and II
November 1944-July 1945: Bristol Beaufighter I and X
June 1945-July 1945: Supermarine Spitfire VB
June 1945-June 1945: Supermarine Spitfire IX and XVI
July 1945-June 1946: Vultee Vengeance IV

Location
December 1943-June 1946: Castle Bromwich

Squadron Codes: 3Y

Duty
December 1943-June 1946: Anti-aircraft co-operation

Books

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