No. 297 Squadron RAF

No. 297 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force squadron active during the Second World War, primarily operating as an Airborne forces and Special duties unit. Formed in early 1942, it played a crucial role in towing military gliders and dropping paratroops for major Allied operations across Western Europe. The squadron was also involved in clandestine missions for the Special Operations Executive, supporting resistance movements in Occupied Europe.

History

No. 297 Squadron was officially formed on 22 January 1942 at RAF Netheravon in Wiltshire as part of the expanding RAF Army Co-operation Command. Initially equipped with the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle, its primary purpose was to train for and execute airborne assault operations. The squadron was subsequently transferred to No. 38 Wing RAF, which specialized in Airborne forces and Special duties, and later became part of the RAF Second Tactical Air Force. Throughout its service, the squadron participated in some of the most significant airborne campaigns of the war, including Operation Overlord and Operation Market Garden. Following the end of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded on 15 October 1946 at RAF Brize Norton.

Aircraft operated

The squadron operated a mix of transport and heavy bomber aircraft adapted for airborne roles. Its initial equipment was the twin-engine Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle, used for paratroop dropping and glider towing. From mid-1943, it began re-equipping with the four-engine Handley Page Halifax, specifically the Halifax Mk.V variant, which became its primary workhorse for heavy glider towing and long-range special operations. For the largest gliders, such as the General Aircraft Hamilcar, the squadron also utilized the Short Stirling from late 1944. The principal gliders towed were the Airspeed Horsa and the Hamilcar, which carried troops, vehicles, and heavy equipment like the Tetrarch tank.

Bases and deployments

The squadron was formed at RAF Netheravon before moving to RAF Hurn in Dorset for intensive training. Its first operational deployment was from RAF Stoney Cross in the New Forest. In preparation for D-Day, the squadron relocated to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, a major hub for Airborne forces. For the Normandy landings, it operated from advanced landing grounds in Southern England, including RAF Tarrant Rushton. During Operation Market Garden, it flew from bases in East Anglia such as RAF Keevil. Post-war, the squadron was briefly based at RAF Broadwell before its final disbandment at RAF Brize Norton.

Notable operations and missions

The squadron's first major operation was Operation Freshman in November 1942, an unsuccessful attempt to sabotage the Vemork heavy water plant in German-occupied Norway. Its most significant contributions came during the Invasion of Normandy, where it towed gliders for the British 6th Airborne Division during Operation Tonga on D-Day. In September 1944, it played a vital role in Operation Market Garden, towing gliders for the 1st Airborne Division to landing zones near Arnhem. The squadron also conducted numerous clandestine sorties for the Special Operations Executive and the MI9 escape network, dropping agents and supplies into Occupied France, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Squadron insignia and markings

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1944, featured a lion passant guardant in front of a sword point downwards, symbolizing strength and readiness for airborne assault. The Latin motto Silentium Post Clamores ("Silence After the Clamour") reflected its special duties role, often involving covert night operations following the noise of conventional warfare. Aircraft were typically painted in standard RAF Bomber Command night camouflage for nocturnal missions. While not carrying individual nose art to the extent of bomber squadrons, the aircraft did bear the squadron code letters within the standard Royal Air Force roundel and serial number system.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Airborne units and formations of the Royal Air Force in World War II Category:Military units and formations established in 1942 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1946