1946

Administrator

The squadron operated as a heavy bomber squadron throughout 1946, representing the RAF at various events, including the Goodwill Tour of America

Stationed at:

  • RAF Graveley (Huntingdonshire)
  • 08/07/1946 to 29/08/1946: Operation Lancaster (Goodwill Tour of USA)
  • 18/09/1946: Moved to RAF Stradishall (Suffolk)


RAF STRADISHALL
– read more –

Role

  • Heavy Bomber Squadron, tasked with providing aircraft and crews capable of assisting with (a) the defence of the UK (b) the maintenance of law and order in overseas territories, in times of emergency (c) Air Sea Rescue.

Command

  • No 3 (Bomber) Group, Bomber Command

Diagram showing the structure of the RAF Home Commands

Squadron Command

  • Commanding Officer
    • Wing Commander AJL Craig DSO DFC
    • 24/10/1946: Handed over to Wing Commander JND Chapple
AJL Craig
JND Chapple

Strength

35 Squadron [February 1946]

Events affecting the squadron

In January, the squadron was advised that it would be posted to Egypt during February, but this was cancelled for political reasons just before the squadron was due to leave.

In May 1946. it was announced that the squadron would represent the RAF on a two month goodwill tour of the USA (Operation Lancaster). As such, the squadron’s training was focussed on formation flying and a number of displays were carried out in the UK and in Europe prior to, and on return from, the tour

In October 1946, the squadron was designated as one of the Air Sea Rescue (ASR) squadrons. The role required the squadron to have one aircraft on immediate readiness and one on stand-by for one week each month.

Activities

Air Crew

  • Ground Training (on station and off station)
    • Lectures / Courses
    • Emergency, Escape, Dinghy and Survival Drills
    • “Trade” related Refresher Courses
  • Flying Training
    • Including: Circuits and Landings, 2/3 Engine Flying, Homing, Cross Country, Bullseye, Bombing (visual and blind), Fighter Affiliation, Air to Sea Firing, Formation Flying
  • Exercises and Detachments (Crew / Squadron / Station / Group / Command)
  • Displays / Flypasts
  • Air Sea Rescue (from October)
    • One aircraft on immediate readiness and one on stand-by for one week each month.

Ground Trades

  • First Line Servicing
  • Administrative Support

Extract from RC Weeden’s Log Book March 1946 [Courtesy of Scott Weeden]

DELFT POTTERY PLAQUE (OPERATIONA MANNA)

On 30th April 1946, No. 35 Squadron’s Operations Record Book shows “A delft pottery plaque, which has been prepared in commemoration of the liberation of Holland, has been presented by the Dutch to the Squadron. It depicts in colour, a Dutch field being showered with foodstuffs from Lancaster aircraft, the latter being welcomed by two waving members of the population. The inscription at the bottom reads “Food, Peace, Freedom 29th April to 5th May 1945”

OPERATION LANCASTER (GOODWILL TOUR OF USA)

On 27th May 1946 it was announced that the squadron would take part in a goodwill visit to the USA during July and August 1946.

– read more –

BoB Flypast Web Photo

BATTLE OF BRITAIN FLYPAST

Twelve No. 35 Squadron aircraft in the Battle of Britain flypast on 14th September 1946

Victory Day Flypast 8th June 1946 [Photographs courtesy of Michael Bullen]

Aircraft

The squadron was equipped with the following aircraft types (from its own establishment):

AVRO LANCASTER B.I and B.III

Profile © Malcolm Barrass

AVRO LANCASTER B.I (FE)

Profile © Malcolm Barrass

The following links provide more details about the aircraft that were on charge of the squadron, along with information on known losses and incidents: