No. 635 Squadron RAF

Two of 635 Squadron's pathfinder aircraft on take off

Brief History

No.635 Squadron was formed as part of the pathfinder force of Bomber Command and carried out that role from its formation in March 1944 until the end of the Second World War. Its first day of business was at RAF Downham Market in Norfolk on 20 March 1944 where it was to remain until it was disbanded. The squadron was equipped with Lancaster Mk.I bombers, as part of No. 8 Group RAF in Bomber Command. It re-equipped with Lancaster Mk.III bombers the same month, then Lancaster Mk.VI bombers in July. The squadron took part in 189 raids, flying 2,225 sorties at a cost of 34 aircraft, a comparatively low 1.5%. After the end of the fighting the squadron performed transport duties for a few months before being disbanded at Downham Market on 1 September 1945.

19 Australians lost their lives while members of this squadron.

Squadron Personnel

• Colin Lindsay Ottaway DFC 17 Sep 1944 - // Jul 1945

Individual Honours (Australian personnel)

• 20 x Distinguished Flying Cross & 2 Bars (including Colin Lindsay Ottaway)
• 3 x Distinguished Service Order
• 1 x Distinguished Flying Medal