No. 156 Squadron RAF

Lancaster as flown by 156 Squadron while Jock Powell served with them.

Brief History

A Squadron originally formed at the very end of WW 1, it was reformed in February 1942 at RAF Alconbury, in the Huntingdonshire area of Cambridgeshire, equipped with Wellingtons. In August 1942 it became one of the original pathfinder squadrons, converting to Avro Lancasters in January 1943. It continued in the pathfinder role until the end of the war, being based at RAF Warboys, RAF Upwood and finally its original founding base, RAF Wyton, where it disbanded on 25 Sep 1945after a period of time flying troops and ex-POWs back to England. During the war, 86 Australian personnel serving with the Squadron lost their lives.

Squadron personnel

• † Leslie John (Jock) Powell DFC 23 Sep - 16 Dec 1943 - KIA aerial battle over Germany.

Individual Honours (Australian personnel)

• 57 x Distinguished Flying Cross & 8 x Bars
• 6 x Distinguished Flying Medals & 1 Bar
• 1 x Conspicious Gallantry Medal