Bomber Squadrons at War

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{detailed description}Bomber Squadrons at War is the story of No. 57 Squadron, and of its sister squadron, No. 630, told through a wide selection of official and private documentary sources. Much emphasis is placed on the two squadrons' service with Bomber Command during the Second World War when between them they flew more than 7,600 sorties for the loss of 231 aircraft.
Formed in 1916, No. 57 Squadron is one of the few units in RAF history to have seen almost continuous service since its formation in the First World War.
During the First World War No. 57 Squadron served with distinction on the Western Front both as a fighter and bomber-reconnaissance squadron with FE2 and DH4 aircraft, netted a score of 166 enemy aircraft destroyed, and saw action against the infamous Red Baron. Disbanded in 1919 it reformed in 1931 as a day-bomber squadron and soon became caught up in preparations for another world war.
Joining Bomber Command in 1941, the squadron served throughout the Second World War flying Blenheims, Wellingtons and Lancasters, and suffered one of the highest casualty rates in the command. From 1943, No. 57's sister squadron, No. 630, flew alongside it from East Kirkby until the end of the war whereupon the latter was disbanded.
The post-war years saw No. 57 Squadron continue in its bombing role, flying Lincolns, Washingtons and Canberras until in 1959 it re-equipped with Victors as part of the nuclear V-force. Britain's nuclear capability passed to the Royal Navy in 1965 and No. 57 Squadron and its Victors were converted to the airborne tanker role. The squadron and its fleet of Victor tankers played a key part in the Falklands campaign in 1982 but was disbanded four years later. Reformed in 1992 as No. 57 (Reserve) Squadron, it is currently the RAF's C-130 Hercules conversion unit.
With the change in role over nearly eighty years from fighter-reconnaissance, to bomber, to airborne tanker, No. 57 Squadron's motto — 'I change my body not my spirit' — could not be more appropriate.
{Author / Publisher / Date}by Geoff D. Copeman
Published by Sutton 1997 1st edition. 149pp profusely illustrated, index, appendix, bibliography 17x25
{condition}mint, including d/j.
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