No. 570 Squadron RAF explained

Unit Name:No. 570 Squadron RAF
Dates:15 November 1943 – 8 January 1946
Country: United Kingdom
Branch: Royal Air Force
Role:Airborne squadron
Bomber support
Special operations
Command Structure:No. 38 Group RAF
Motto:Latin

Impetum deducimus
(Translation: "We launch the spearhead")

Identification Symbol:A winged chariot
Identification Symbol Label:Squadron Badge heraldry
Identification Symbol 2:V8 (Nov 1943 – Jan 1946)
E7 (May 1944 – Jan 1946)
Identification Symbol 2 Label:Squadron Codes

No. 570 Squadron RAF was a bomber unit active within No. 38 Group RAF as an airborne, bomber support and special operations squadron during World War II.

History

No. 570 Squadron was formed at RAF Hurn on 15 November 1943, equipped with Armstrong Whitworth Albemarles. It was part of No. 38 Group RAF and was engaged in supply dropping missions to French resistance units when it was not training paratroops and glider-towing.

In July 1944 the squadron re-equipped with Short Stirlings, and in September 1944 participated in Operation Market Garden, the ill-fated attempt by the allies to capture the Arnhem bridge, during which time the squadron was engaged in glider towing and supply drops. The squadron also took part in Operation Varsity in March 1945, a major allied airborne offensive across the Rhine.

When the war finished, the squadron transported troops to Norway, and was then assigned to various overseas mail routes prior to disbanding at RAF Rivenhall on 8 January 1946.

Aircraft operated

Aircraft operated by No. 570 Squadron RAF
From To Aircraft Variant
November 1943 August 1944 Mks.I & II
May 1944 August 1944 Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Mk.V
July 1944 January 1946 Mk.IV

Squadron bases

Airfields used by No. 570 Squadron RAF! From !! To !! Base !! Remark
15 November 1943 14 March 1944 Det. at RAF Stoney Cross, Hampshire
14 March 1944 7 October 1944 Det. at RAF Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
7 October 1944 8 January 1946 Det. at RAF East Fortune, East Lothian, Scotland

Commanding officers

Officers commanding No. 570 Squadron RAF[1] !From !! To !! Name
15 November 1943 17 June 1945 W/Cdr. R.J.M. Bangay
17 June 1945 August 1945 W/Cdr. K.R. Slater
August 1945 15 December 1945 W/Cdr. R.E. Young, DSO, DFC
15 December 1945 8 January 1946 W/Cdr. J. Blackburn, DSO, DFC

See also

References

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://raf38group.org/570squadron/ 570 squadron history on 38 Group site