5-11 November 1943

Overview

626 Sqn were formed on 7th November, to consist of two flights of eight aircraft, with four spares. The initial ‘A’ flight was formed by taking ‘C’ flight aircraft, aircrews and groundcrews from 12 Sqn with the remainder comprising crews straight from training and a few more experienced crews from other squadrons. A list of the first crews is in the Station Diary extract below. The commanding officer was Wing Commander P Haynes. Their first mission was to Modane in the French Alps on 10th November, which was a successful attack on the railway line and tunnels of the main line from France to Italy. There were no casualties.

I’ve included an account from Flying Officer Bill Newman about how the 626 Sqn badge and motto was developed and designed.