Indian Air Force Site

[spidge]

Great site here and start off with 409sq:

Read more at the link:

RCAF.com : Squadrons : No. 409 Squadron

The War Years

No. 409 Nighthawk Squadron formed at Digby in June 1941 for night operations with Boulton-Paul Defiants, moving in July to Coleby Grange, where in August Beaufighter IIf's arrived, allowing detachments to be maintained elsewhere. Two victories were claimed during the early days of the Squadron's existence, but in June 1942 Beaufighter Mk VI's were received and a greater degree of success was achieved. In February 1943 a move was made to Acklington, with detachments maintained in at least four other locations. In December a return to Coleby Grange was made, with the various detachments continuing their separate existences. Little was seen during the year, but in March 1944 the Squadron moved to Hunsdon, converting to the Mosquito Mk XII and joined No. 85 Group of the 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force). Intruder and offensive patrols commenced and much action was seen over the Normandy beachhead in June, 11 victories were claimed during this month. After some action against V-1 Flying Bombs, operations over Europe re-commenced, and late in August the unit moved to Carpiquet in France. The first night fighters to be based on the mainland. By mid-October the Squadron had settled in the Lille area, where it was to remain until April 1945. On April 19 a move was made to the Rhine in Germany, and from here the unit was able to claim six victories in a single night. Shortly after this the war ended with the total victories at 61 1/2 claimed. The squadrons code letters during this period were KP.

• Defiant NFI (July 1941 - September 1941)
• Beaufighter II (August 1941 - June 1942)
• Beaufighter VIF (June 1942 - August 1944)
• Mosquito XIII (April 1944 - June 1945)

[David Layne]

Jagan's Indian Air Force Web Site

[spidge]

Good site David.

Have moved it to War in the Air!