No. 415 Squadron

Motto: A Swordfish. The Swordfish and motto symbolise the squadron's operational duties in attacking enemy shipping .
Badge: "Ad metam" ("To the mark")
Authority: King George VI, October 1942

No 415 Squadron was formed at Thorney Island, Hampshire, on 20th August 1941, and until the summer of 1944 had a torpedo-bomber role and served with Coastal Command. From its inception until November 1943, it flew Hampdens and during this period-operating, at different times, from Thorney Island, St. Eval, North Coates, Wick and Leuchars-made numerous bomb and torpedo attacks on enemy shipping, enemy-occupied ports and port installations. In October 1943, the squadron re-equipped with Wellingtons and Albacores. Operating from Bircham Newton, it soon became expert in tracking down E- and R-boats. Many E-boats were destroyed or damaged and, eventually, night patrols in connection with preparations for the invasion of Normandy were flown over the Channel. In the actual D-Day operations No.415 assisted by laying smoke screens for the Allied Naval Forces.

In July 1944, came a transfer to No.6 (RCAF) Group of Bomber Command and RCAF station East Moor. Equipped with Halifax IIIs, the squadron now assumed a heavy-bomber role and renewed operations on 28/29th July, attacking Hamburg. During the next nine months it regularly attacked both strategic and tactical targets ranging from the French coast to distant Chemnitz.

Bomber Command WWII Bases: Officially transferred from Coastal Command to Bomber Command 12.7.44 & in latter part of month established itself at

• East Moor : Jul 1944 onwards

Bomber Command WWII Aircraft:

• Handley Page Halifax B.III, B.VII : Jul 1944-May 1945

Code Letters:

• "6U"

First Operational Mission in WWII:

• 28/29th July 1944 : 15 Halifaxes despatched to bomb Hamburg 14 a/c bombed primary & the other a/c FTR.

Last Operational Mission in WWII:

• 25th April 1945 : 18 Halifaxes bombed gun batteries on island of Wangerooge.

 

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