| The
Mildenhall No 3 Group Squadrons.
These images and further information
links are Crown Copyright: Reproduced by kind permission of
HMSO
XV Squadron. For further Information see XV
Sqn History and Research and Information
page.
This squadron was reformed in 1934 at Abingdon with Hawker
Harts. It was shortly after this, that on the insistence of
its Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader TW Elmhirst DFC, that
the Squadron became known as XV Squadron. During 1938, the Squadron
was one of the first to receive Fairey Battles, and it was with
these that XV Squadron flew to France in September 1939. In
early 1940, the Squadron returned to the UK and re-equipped
with Blenheims flown in the ground attack role. By the turn
of the year, these had been traded in for Wellingtons, and shortly
after that XV Squadron became one of the first Stirling heavy-bomber
units. One famous aircraft flown by XV Squadron was named 'MacRobert's
Reply', an aircraft donated by Lady MacRobert in memory of her
three sons killed in RAF service. Lancasters arrived during
1943, and the Squadron remained part of No. 1 Group's main force
for the remainder of the war.
 90
Sqn History. For further Information see
90 Sqn History and Research and Information
page.
The squadron was re-formed in November 1942, as a heavy-bomber
squadron equipped with Stirlings, and subsequently made a significant
contribution to the Battle of the Ruhr, the devastation of Hamburg
and the famous raid on Peenemunde. It also did a great deal
of minelaying. In May/June 1944, No. 90 exchanged its Stirlings
for Lancasters and with these continued to play a prominent
part in Bomber Command's offensive until late April 1945. Between
8/9th January 1943 (when it began operations with Stirlings)
and 22nd April 1945, members of No. 90 Squadron earned 6 DSOs
123 DFCs, one bar to a DFC, 1 CGM, 1 AFC and 33 DFMs.
 149
Sqn History. For further Information see
149 Sqn History and Research and Information
page.
The squadron, after having re-equipped with Stirlings,
took part in the first 1,000-bomber raids. In 1943 it made a
significant contribution to the Battle of the Ruhr, and also
took part in the Battle of Hamburg and the famous raid against
the German V-weapons experimental station at Peenemunde. Between
February and July 1944the squadron helped supply the French
Maquis with supplies, arms and ammunition by parachute. Towards
the end of 1944 the Stirlings were replaced by Lancasters and
with these the squadron continued its offensive until late April
1945. It then dropped food to the starving people of Holland
and later, after the German surrender, ferried many ex-POWs
back to England from the Continent. Among the many decorations
won by its members was a Victoria Cross awarded posthumously
to Flight Sergeant RH Middleton, RAAF, for his part in a raid
on Turin on the night of 28/29th November 1942.
 622
Sqn History. For further Information see
622 Sqn History and Research and Information
page.
No 622 Squadron was formed on 10 August 1943 at
Mildenhall from C Flight of No.15 Squadron. Equipped with Stirlings,
it began operations on the same night as forming, converting
to Lancasters in December. It formed part of the main force
of Bomber Command and took part in attacks on German industry
until the end of the war. After a short period of trooping to
Italy, the squadron disbanded on 15 August 1945.
These images and further information
links are Crown Copyright: Reproduced by kind permission of
HMSO
|
THE
MILDENHALL REGISTER 
