No. 40 Squadron RAF

Wellington with crew in Italy preparing for a mission - Imperial War Museum CNA 3539

Brief History

Raised during WW1, it was one of the first squadrons sent t France during WW2 with Fairey Battle aircraft. These suffered very heavy losses during the Battle of France after which the No. 40 Squadron operated Bristol Blenheim light bombers from RAF Wyton between December 1939 and November 1940, when it converted to Vickers Wellingtons in the night bombing role. In October 1941 the squadron's aircraft were flown to Malta from where they against targets in Italy and north Africa. In February 1942, the remaining UK-based element was renumbered as No. 156 Squadron RAF.

The squadron was to later move to Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia, operating in support of the 8th Army before, in December 1943, moving to Italy. They participated in the successful Allied invasion of Sicily, concluding in August 1943. The Squadron re-equipped with Consolidated B-24 Liberators in March 1945 and focused on targets in northern Italy and the Balkans. Forty Australians serving with the squadron lost their lives during the war.

Squadron Members

• † Maxwell Wellman Marsh 10 Mar - 7 Jul 1944 KIA in flying battle over Austria

Individual Honours

• 10 x Distinguished Flying Crosses
• 2 x Distinguished Flying Medals