No. 246 Squadron RAF

No. 246 Squadron RAF
Active18 August 1918 – 24 March 1919
1 September 1942 – 30 April 1943
11 October 1944 – 15 October 1946
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
Insignia
Squadron CodesVU (Dec 1944 – Oct 1946)

No. 246 Squadron RAF was a squadron of the Royal Air Force.

History

First World War

The squadron was formed at the former Royal Naval Air Station Seaton Carew, England on 18 August 1918 to provide coastal patrols. It was the only RAF squadron to operate the Blackburn Kangaroo. The base closed and the squadron was disbanded, in May 1919 as some sources claim,[1] while others have 15 March 1919[2] or 24 March 1919.[3]

Second World War

The squadron reformed on 1 September 1942 at Bowmore on Islay to operate Short Sunderland flying boats. It began patrols in December 1942 but was disbanded on 30 April 1943.[3]

Post-war

On 11 October 1944 it reformed at RAF Lyneham as a transport squadron flying the Consolidated Liberator, moving to RAF Holmsley South in December. The Handley Page Halifax was also used for experimental and conversion duties. In December 1944 the squadron began to convert to the Avro York. In February 1945 the squadron absorbed the VVIP Flight and the Metropolitan Communications Squadron RAF at RAF Northolt. In November 1945 the Halifax aircraft were retired and the Douglas Skymaster introduced. In 1945 the squadron standardised on the Avro York and operated scheduled services to India and the Middle East until it merged with 511 Squadron on 15 October 1946.[3]

Aircraft operated

From To Aircraft Version
Aug 1918 Mar 1919 Short 184
Aug 1918 Oct 1918 Sopwith Baby
Aug 1918 Oct 1918 Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 F.E.2b
Aug 1918 Nov 1918 Short 320
Aug 1918 Nov 1918 Blackburn Kangaroo
Oct 1942 Apr 1943 Short Sunderland Mks.II, III
Oct 1944 Nov 1945 Consolidated Liberator Mks.III, VI
Nov 1944 Feb 1945 Handley Page Halifax Mk.III
Dec 1944 Oct 1946 Avro York C.1
Apr 1945 Jul 1945 Douglas Skymaster Mk.I

[1][4][5]

See also

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b Rawlings 1982, p. 178.
  2. ^ Halley 1988, p. 314.
  3. ^ a b c Jefford 2001, p. 80.
  4. ^ Halley 1988, p. 315.
  5. ^ Jefford 2001, pp. 79–80.

Bibliography

  • Halley, J. J. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth, 1918–1988. Tonbridge, UK: Air Britain (Historians)., 1988. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
  • Jefford, C. G. RAF Squadrons: A Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of All RAF Squadrons and Their Antecedents Since 1912, Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. ISBN 1853100536. (second revised edition 2001. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.)
  • Rawlings, J. D. R. Coastal, Support and Special Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London, UK: Jane's Publishing Company., 1982. ISBN 0-7106-0187-5.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). Orbis Publishing.
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