No. 666 Squadron (RAF): Second World War

Aircraft - Locations - Group and Duty - Books

No.666 Squadron was a third Canadian-manned Air Observation Post squadron but it was formed too late to see action and didn't reach the continent until after the German surrender.

Air Observation Post squadrons were created to provide airborne observers for the artillery (see No.651 Squadron for more details). Most of their aircrews came from the army, and they used light aircraft (most Austers) which flew above their own guns using the altitude to spot targets over the horizon.

The first two Canadian OP squadrons (Nos.664 and 665) had been formed in December 1944 and January 1945 respectively. Both squadrons took three months to prepare for combat and both reached Europe in time to take part in the final battles of the war. No.666 Squadron was formed on 5 March 1945. While it was preparing for combat the war in Europe came to an end. The squadron moved to the continent towards the end of May 1946. After a couple of moves it settled at Apeldoorn in the Netherlands (June 1945) where it remained until it was disbanded in September 1946.

Aircraft
March-August 1945: British Taylorcraft Auster V

Location
March-April 1945: Andover
April-May 1945: Friston
May-June 1945: Gilze-Rijen
June 1945: Hilversum
June 1945-September 1946: Apeldoorn

Squadron Codes: -

Duty
March-May 1945: Canadian Air Observation Post squadron, UK
May 1945-September 1946: Canadian Air Observation Post squadron, north-western Europe

Books

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