247sq (China-British)

[spidge]

Any details on why it was called the above, without getting into that theatre?

This Aussie died in the squadron (any details?) Eight Aussies in total died in the squadron.

VAN ZUILECOM, HERBERT LANGTREE
Flying Officer
403774
247sq RAF China British
10/11/1943
33
Royal Australian Air Force
Australian
Panel 5.
WOKING (ST. JOHN'S) CREMATORIUM


I found a book which denotes the name but that is about all!

Rise from the East; The Story of 247sq (China-British) squadron RAF

On its original disbandment in January 1919, after less that one year as a flying boat unit based at Felixstowe, No.247 Squadron was not reformed until early in the Second World War, to become the only RAF squadron to fly Gloster Gladiator biplanes in the Battle of Britain.

Starting its new life as a Fighter Flight of No.152 Squadron based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Isles, it was moved south to Roborough, near Plymouth, when the new No.10 (Fighter) Group formed for the protection of that city, the south west ports, naval dockyards and Channel convoys. It was at this time that the flight became No.247 (Fighter) Squadron. The air war in this region was conducted mainly during the hours of darkness, and even when re-equipped with Hawker Hurricanes victories were few.


After the Blitz the squadron took on a more offensive role and in 1943 converted to Hawker Typhoons to become part of No.83 Group, the spearhead of the Normandy invasion, and transferred to the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Heavily involved in the drive across Europe, No.247 had a ground attack and army support role. After the European war the squadron returned to the United Kingdom and was re-equipped with Hawker Tempest IIs in preparation for intended service in the Far East but, with the surrender of Japan, No.247 remained with Fighter Command to become the first operational squadron to be equipped with de Havilland Vampire jet aircraft.


Gloster Meteors and Hawker Hunters later saw service with No.247, which was based at Odiham from 1946, but in a round of defence cuts a change in defence strategy saw the squadron disbanded for the second time late in 1957. Reformed in Yorkshire in 1960 as a Bloodhound ground-to-air missile unit, it finally ceased to exist at the end of 1963.


The front cover painting by Chris Thomas depicts No.247 Squadron Typhoons diving down to make a rocket attack.


176 pages, 165 photographs.

http://www.aviationmegastore.com/?sh...id=1&art=19832

[morse1001]

No. 247 Squadron RAF - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Royal Air Force - History Section

it was the "China" gift squadron during the war.

[spidge]

Originally Posted by morse1001

No. 247 Squadron RAF - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Royal Air Force - History Section

it was the "China" gift squadron during the war.

Thanks Morse.

Now clear as crystal.


Cheers

Geoff

[Kyt]

He was flying Typhoon JP544, which had just taken off for a mission to attack V1 launch sites, when one of the 500lb bombs fell off and he was killed in the explosion.