The Greatest Squadron of Them All

by Ross, David; Blanche, Bruce; Simpson, Bill

• ISBN13: 9781904010494
• ISBN10: 1904010490
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-09-01
• Publisher: Grub Street

Summary

Formed as a light bomber unit of the Auxiliary Air Force in October 1925, it was at the height of the Battle of Britain that the CO of RAF Hornchurch, Group Captain'Boy' Bouchier described 603 as 'perhaps the greatest squadron of them all'. And indeed, the Squadron has enjoyed prestigious and distinguished service second to none. This extensive history details the 603 story through the early years with its colourful characters, through the Phoney War and into the Battle of Britain. Here pen portraits and narrative tell of acts of incredible bravery, heroism and loyalty to the cause by pilots and ground crew alike. It was a tight-knit Squadron and the loss of personnel was felt deeply as the authors document. Following the Battle, the reader is led through 1941 and on to 603's part in the siege of Malta, through the anti-shipping strikes by the Beaufighters of the unit, to its return to England for re-equipping with Spitfires for operations in support of bombers and against V2 launch sites. Postwar 603 was returned to Auxiliary status, re-equipped again with Spi