Greg and Ginny's Bomber Command Pages

 

Below are some links to various other pages within our site that all have one common theme - Bomber Command. As you may well have noticed by now, Ginny and Greg have a particular interest in the Bombers, Bombing Campaign, and the men who flew them during the Second World War. Greg's interest began at quite an early age, and comes from his Grandfather's time as a Bomb Aimer with 100 Squadron. Ginny's interest in the Bombers came along a little later. She has always had an interest in the poets and tales of the First World War trenches, but when she met Greg it was a case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em"!! Whilst Greg tends to deal more with the hardware of Bomber Command, Ginny focuses more on the human interest element. Anyway, we hope that you enjoy the pages found in the links below. Please check back regularly, as more information will be added as and when we have the time to add pages to the site.

  • The History of 100 Squadron - A page dealing with the first squadron formed for the specific purpose of night bombing - 100 Squadron. From the bombing raids above the German trenches of World War One, to virtual annihilation in Singapore in the earlier part of World War Two, to the part the Squadron played in the Bomber Offensive, right up to the modern day and their Hawk aircraft, this page will give you a substantial history of "The Hornet's Nest."
  • Lancaster Squadrons of World War Two - A definitive list of all the front line Lancaster squadrons that operated in the Second World War, along with a list of all the training units and various research establishments that used the Lancaster at some point between 1941 and 1945. Dates of operation, squadron and unit codes, Marks operated, and bases flown from are all included.
  • Lancaster Squadrons Post World War Two - A definitive list, similar to that above, but detailing all of those squadrons and units that operated the Lancaster after the end of hostilities in Europe. Many were used in the Air Sea Rescue and Aerial Photographic and Reconnaisance role, and this page will give all of the details as for the wartime squadrons, as well as the role in which each particular squadron or unit used them.
  • Halifax Squadrons of World War Two - Often taking second place to it's more famous sister, the Lancaster, the Halifax performed inumerable tasks during the Second World War, and operated in far more Commands and in many more roles than the Lancaster. With a complete list of squadrons equipped, dates of operation, Bases flown from, and Marks operated.
  • Halifax Squadrons Post World War Two - It is not always well known that the Halifax continued in service with the RAF after the end of the Second World War, in a variety of roles. Again offering the same information as for those categories listed above.
  • Stirling Squadrons of World War Two - The oft forgotten Stirling is listed here with a list of all the squadrons and units that operated it, together with Marks operated, unit codes, bases flown from, etc. The Stirling was the first four engined "heavy" to enter service with Bomber Command, but sadly tends to be the first forgotten as well, falling in the shadow of her more famous sisters the Lancaster and the Halifax. It is one of the greatest travesties of our time that no Stirling was saved from the cutters torch for preservation; indeed, before even a replica could be rebuilt, the manufacturers plans would have to be re-drawn, as not even they survived.
  • Stirling Squadrons and Units Post World War Two - Although superseded by the Lancaster and the Halifax as a Bomber before the end of the Second World War, the Stirling carried on in a variety of roles, and perhaps surprisingly, continued to serve in small numbers with the RAF after the end of the War.
  • Hampden Squadrons of World War Two - The ubiquitous Hampden was responsible, along with the other twin engined Bombers of the time, for the early bombing attacks on Germany, and the German Navy. Slow in comparison to the German fighters, they were picked off mercilessly on the early daylight raids against shipping, and pioneered the practice of night bombing before the four engined "heavies" came on stream.
  • A chronological history of the Avro Lancaster - Undeniably the most famous of the World War Two Bombers, this page gives a potted hsitory of this most famous aircraft from the Avro stable, from its origins in the 1930's, right up to the present day with PA474's continued operation with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
  • A chronological history of the Short Stirling - The "forgotten heacy" of World War Two, the Stirling was the first of the four-engined bombers to enter service with the RAF in the war. Much maligned, she was condemned, even more than her sister the Halifax, to obscurity, almost before the war was out. In this article we try and re-dress the balace a little, with a short chronological history of the Stirling.
  • Bases and squadrons of Bomber Command - A list of all of the bomber stations that at one part of the war or another came under the control of Bomber Command, and the squadrons that flew from them.
THE PAGES LISTED ABOVE DEALING WITH SOME OF THE MANY BOMBER TYPES THAT OPERATED WITH BOMBER COMMAND DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR ARE THE FIRST THAT WE WILL BE BRINGING ONLINE. PAGES DEALING WITH SOME OF THE OTHER TYPES WILL BE BOUGHT ONLINE DURING 2000 AS AND WHEN WE HAVE THE TIME TO RESEARCH THEM AND TYPE THEM OUT.
  • Mining Codes - As well as pounding the German heartland, Bomber Command also carried out the laying of mines in the bays and sea lanes used by the German Navy. Referred to as "Gardening" in Bomber Command parlance, the areas mined were also known by code names, generally following a horticultural theme. Click here for a list of the code words used, and the areas to which they referred.
  • Operation Glimmer - During the War there were a small selection of squadrons that seemed to enjoy the majority of the limelight whilst others quietely carried out the business of Bomber Command, without attracting the attention of the press or the adoration of the public. One such squadron was 218 (Gold Coast) squadron, who on D-Day carried out Operation Glimmer. Click on the link to discover what Operation Glimmer was all about, how it was vital to the D-Day landings, and how 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron managed to outshine and out-perform 617 Squadron, of famous Dambusters fame, on perhaps the most important day of the war.
  • The Help Page - Tackling a thorny problem and just can't seem to find the answer? Or perhaps you think that you might be able to help someone else out. Have a glance at our researchers noticeboard, where we have listed problems and questions that people hope to find the answer to. If you have a problem of your own which you would like us to post on the help page, just email us with the details and we'll take care of the rest!!
  • RAF Station Downham Market - Downham Market played host to a variety of squadrons during the war, and can claim itself as home to two airmen who were awarded the VC. There is still a lot to see at Downham, especially when you compare it to ex-Bomber Command airfields like Skellingthorpe, where virtually nothing remains today, and we have posted some photos on this page which describes what is left. We will be adding to it soon with a chronological history of the airfield, and details of the squadrons that flew from it.
  • Sir Arthur Harris - A short biography detailing the life of Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris, famous wartime leader of Bomber Command. Includes a sound file of the legendary man himself, taken from a recording he made for the BBC during the Second World War.
  • The Bomber Command Chain of Command and Orders of Battle - The breakdown of how the Chain of Command was structured, and also the Orders of Battle for the start and end of the war, as well as one from the middle in March 1943, which show all of the front-line operational squadrons available at the time each was drawn up.
  • Some famous "Hellzapoppins"!!! Photos of World War Two bombers that carried the name Hellzapoppin.
MORE PAGES DEALING WITH VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BOMBER COMMAND WILL APPEAR AT A LATER DATE, WHEN WE HAVE THE TIME AND RESOURCES TO COMPLETE THEM. PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON TO SEE WHAT'S NEW. THANKS!!

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