No. 274 Squadron RAF

Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Template:Template otherTemplate:Short description No. 274 Squadron RAF existed briefly in 1918 and 1919 as a patrol and bomber squadron, and served in World War II as a fighter squadron.

History

The squadron began to form as a patrol squadron, intended to fly Vickers Vimys, at Seaton Carew in November 1918 a few days before the end of World War I. The squadron formation was then cancelled.

No. 5 (Communication) Squadron formed at Bircham Newton, in 1919, but then became No. 274 Squadron on 15 June 1919.Template:Sfn It was a bomber squadron, flying Handley Page V/1500s, but then disbanded after six months, on 30 January 1920.

File:Maintenance of 274 Sqn RAF Hurricane Gerawala 1941.jpg

Groundcrew of No. 274 Squadron overhaul a Hawker Hurricane Mark I during the siege of Tobruk.

It was back in action by 1940, equipped with Hawker Hurricanes. For Operation Overlord (the Allied invasion of Normandy) it was equipped with the Spitfire IX F operating from RAF Detling in Air Defence of Great Britain, though under the operational control of RAF Second Tactical Air Force.Template:Sfn

In August 1944, the squadron converted to the Hawker Tempest Mk V fighter, which were used to patrol against V-1s. Once the V-1 threat ended, the squadron moved to the continent in September.

See also

• List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons

References

Further reading

• Rawlings, John D.R. Fighter Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London: Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd., 1969 (second edition 1976). Template:ISBN.

External links

• 274 Squadron Official history
• History of No.'s 271–275 Squadrons Air of Authority