No. 242 Squadron RAF

Hurricane being refueled with pilot still at controls for quick turnaround

Brief History

Re-activated on 30 Oct 1939 at RAF Church Fenton, originally with all Canadian personnel, with Bristol Blenheims and Fairey Battles. In February 1940 these aircraft were replaced by Hawker Hurricanes.

In May 1940 the squadron moved to RAF Biggen Hill and during operations over France suffered heavy casualties. Douglas Bader was sent in to command and rebuild the Squadron. In June 1940 they moved to RAF Coltishall and was involved in the Battle of Britain, both there and when based at RAF Duxford. With the Battle of Britain over, in 1941 it commenced offensive sweeps, convoy protection and bomber escorts.

In January 1942 the squadron's ground staff relocated to RAF Seletar in Singapore, but within days had to retreat to Palembang on Sumatra. (The pilots had journeyed via Malta, where they were absorbed into No. 126 Squadron. In Singapore the squadron collapsed from a lack of spares and the unit collapsed and was evacuated first to Sumatra and then Java where it was dispersed on 10 Mar 1942. A month later on 10 Apr 1942 the squadron was re-formed at RAF Turnhose in Scotland and was equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire for maritime patrolling. However, it was soon on the move, first to North Africa to defend Algiers and then into Tunisia before they re-located to Malta to cover the invasion of Sicily.

In 1944 the squadron was withdrawn to Syria for a rest period before moving to Corsica to participate in the invasion of southern France, and attacks on targets in northern Italy. The squadron was disbanded as a fighter squadron in Italy on 4 Nov 1944. It was reformed again on 15 Nov 1944 at RAF Stoney Cross as a transport squadron, training on Vickers Wellingtons, before being given Short Stirlings for operation use. Following the completion of hostilities in Europe it ran scheduled freight flights to India and the Azores before in 1948 becoming involved in the Berlin Airlift. It was again disbanded on 1 May 1950. Four Australian's lost their lives while posted to No. 242 Squadron.

Squadron Members

• Gerard Henzell Straughan Hemy Feb - Nov 1942

Individual Honours (Australian Servicemen)

• 3 x Distinguished Flying Crosses