Introduction

Preserving the history of No. 35 Squadron (From Thetford to Scampton)

Dedicated to all who served with the squadron (1916 – 1982)

The aim of this site is:

  • to preserve the history of No. 35 Squadron
  • to ensure that all who served with the squadron, from its earliest beginnings during World War I, through to its disbandment in 1982, are always remembered.

It remembers:

… those that served during World War I, flying flimsy aircraft over hostile terrain, observing and photographing enemy defences, troop movements and the effects of artillery fire

…. those that served between the two world wars, flying the Fairey Gordon, the Vickers Wellesley, the Fairey Battle and the Bristol Blenheim

….. those that served during World War II, flying the Halifax and the Lancaster over Europe, night after night

…. and those that served in the post war years, flying the Lancaster, the Lincoln, the Washington, the Canberra and the Vulcan

It remembers the ground trades, such as the tinsmiths, sailmakers and riggers from World War I, and the latter day trades such as the flight line mechanics and technicians, working in all weathers to ensure that each aircraft was repaired, serviced, refuelled and armed, ready for the next flight.

…… and those that worked away in the background, ensuring that equipment, kit and information was always available.

And finally, whilst we honour those that lost their life in conflict, we should not forget the survivors, the injured, the escapers and the prisoners of war who returned to civil life, some with physical scars and all with memories of what they had experienced

Information has been added to this “repository” site over a 10-year period; original documents, such as the Operations Record Book, Aircraft Movement Cards and Bomber Command Loss Cards, have been used as the primary source, wherever possible . 

However, these documents are known to be prone to transcription errors and we therefore ask that you use the material on the site in conjunction with other sources to ensure that we do not perpetuate historical inaccuracy.

It is worth adding that forenames (where available) and surnames of personnel who served with the squadron are recorded and no attempt has been made to include their ranks, awards etc. This approach has been adopted to “humanise” the site rather than make it into a formalised “service” site