Anyone know much about WWII RAF Squadrons

I'm trying to research, on behalf of a friend, RAF Squadron 504 from WWII. I have a log book of the friends spitfire flights from 1941 to 1945 and would love to be able to find some further info and photos for him, any ideas ?

 

504 Sqn was formed at RAF Hucknall, Nottingham on 26th March 1928 asa Special Reserve Squadron. During the pre-war years it flew a varietyof aircraft types, such as the Horsley shown in the photograph, beforebeing equipped in 1939 with the Hawker Hurricane. The Sqn became partof the AAF in 1936 and on 26th August 1939 it was included into the RAFfor active service in Fighter Command and transferred to RAF Digby.

During the war years 504 Sqn operated from over 30 differentairfields both home and abroad. Spitfires replaced Hurricanes in 1942.Sqn roles were varied including heavy bomber escort, fighter sweepsover the channel, the Battle of Britain, and providing top cover at theArnhem landings. One of the Sqns pilots, Flight Lieutenant W. B. Royce,became the first AAF pilot to be awarded the D.F.C. Another pilot,Sergeant Ray Holmes, in his first aerial combat during the Battle ofBritain was watched by thousands of Londoners as he shot down theGerman Dornier aircraft that had attacked Buckingham Palace.</p>

InMarch 1945 the Sqn was again re-equipped, this time with Gloster MeteorJets. Disbanded on the 10th August 1945 the Sqn reformed at Syerston asan AAF on 10th May 1946. Post-war service continued until disbandmenton 9th March 1957; the Sqn Standard presented on 3rd March 1957 waslaid up in St Mary's church, Wymeswold, the Sqns last operational base.</p>On 1st January 1998 the Offensive Support Role Support Squadron(OSRSS) formed at RAF Cottesmore. It was renamed 504 Sqn on 1st October1999 and on 1st October 2000 the official reformation was celebratedwith a parade and march past in Nottingham. The Squadron Motto Vindicatin ventis means 'It avenges in the wind'.

 

Cheers, his log book is a fascinating read

For example:


Year Aircraft Duty

1943
May 3 Spitfire VB Circus Anti Rhubard, Alderney and
Cherbourg. Tangle with +8 FW109s. Big Scrap. Recall Welcome. Some flak from Islands

 

RE: Cheers, his log book is a fascinating read

Bit humbling really stuff like that.

 

It is, he's 86

And can't remember what he had for breakfast, but talks about 1943 like it was yesterday. Still calling them 'The Hun Barstewards'

As you say, its very humbling.

On a lighter note, his grandaughter has a lovely bottom

 

RE: It is, he's 86

That's why we fought a war.

 

RE: It is, he's 86

for lovely bottoms?

 

RE: It is, he's 86

Yes. Better than the Nazi arses.

 

I'm not a Nazi

But I bet Hitler wouldn't have put up with a shoddy arse.

So you might be wrong

 

Good point. All that goose stepping

works those glutes. I shall watch re-runs of The World at War with more interest.</p>



As a comedic aside.... used to do domiciliary visits to Residential Homes at my old place. One chap flew Lancaster bombers in WWII when he was 19 yrs old - room was full of photos of him and his crew etc. The poor old sod couldn't walk more than 3 steps but ask him about his flying days and he would liven up quickly. Just makes you think. </p>

 

Interesting you say that

Because this chap is at our place, which is a residential style home. And we have another who is ex Squadron Leader on the Lancasters. Together with two ex naval commanders.

Nearly every day they reminisce for an hour or so, and then within another day they've forgotten so do it all over again