No. 5 Group RAF

No. 5 Group RAF
Unit name	No. 5 Group
Dates	1937–1945, 1946–1963, 1996–2000
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Type	Bomber and Strike Group
Garrison	RAF Mildenhall, RAF Upwood, RAF Finningley
Notable commanders	Arthur Harris, Ralph Cochrane

No. 5 Group RAF was a prestigious and highly effective formation of Royal Air Force Bomber Command during the Second World War. Renowned for its precision and innovation, it operated primarily as a heavy bomber group, conducting major strategic raids against Nazi Germany. Under the leadership of influential commanders like Arthur Harris and later Ralph Cochrane, it developed specialized tactics and played a pivotal role in the Allied bombing offensive.

History

The group was first formed on 1 September 1937 within Bomber Command, initially controlling Handley Page Hampden and Bristol Blenheim squadrons. It was disbanded in 1945 following the end of the Second World War but was re-established in 1946 as part of the post-war RAF Bomber Command. During the Cold War, it controlled V bomber forces equipped with aircraft like the Avro Vulcan and Handley Page Victor from bases such as RAF Finningley. After another period of disbandment, it was briefly revived as a support helicopter group within RAF Strike Command from 1996 until its final disbandment in 2000.

Structure and aircraft

Throughout its wartime service, the group comprised numerous operational squadrons, including No. 9, No. 44, No. 49, No. 50, No. 57, No. 61, and No. 617 "Dambusters" Squadron. Its primary aircraft evolved from the Handley Page Hampden and Avro Manchester to the iconic four-engined Avro Lancaster, which became its mainstay. Post-war, its structure shifted to accommodate jet-powered strategic bombers like the English Electric Canberra, Avro Vulcan, and Handley Page Victor, reflecting the changing demands of the Cold War and nuclear deterrence.

Operational history

During the Second World War, the group was at the forefront of Bomber Command's night bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. It participated in all major bombing offensives, including the Battle of the Ruhr, the Battle of Berlin, and attacks on key industrial targets like Schweinfurt and Leipzig. The group was particularly noted for developing and executing low-level precision bombing techniques. In the post-war era, its role transitioned to nuclear deterrence as part of Western defence strategy, with its V bomber forces on constant alert during periods of heightened tension such as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Notable operations

The group executed some of the most famous and technically demanding raids of the war. Its most celebrated operation was the Dambusters Raid in May 1943, where No. 617 Squadron RAF used specially designed bouncing bombs to breach the Möhne and Eder Dams. Other significant missions included the precise sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz in 1944 using Tallboy bombs, and the devastating attack on the German aircraft carrier *Graf Zeppelin*. It also conducted the Operation Hurricane raid on Brunswick and a highly effective attack on the Bielefeld railway viaduct in 1945.

Airfields and bases

The group was headquartered at several stations throughout its existence, including RAF Mildenhall and RAF Upwood during the war. Its operational squadrons were dispersed across numerous bomber airfields in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, forming part of the so-called "Bomber County". Key wartime stations included RAF Scampton, home to No. 617 Squadron RAF, RAF Coningsby, RAF Waddington, and RAF Syerston. In the post-war period, its headquarters moved to RAF Finningley, with squadrons also operating from bases like RAF Wittering and RAF Cottesmore.

Commanders

Notable officers who commanded the group include Air Chief Marshal Arthur Harris (later Commander-in-Chief of Bomber Command) from 1939 to 1940, and Air Vice-Marshal Ralph Cochrane from 1943 to 1945, whose tenure oversaw its most famous precision operations. Other distinguished commanders were Air Vice-Marshal Alec Coryton and Air Vice-Marshal Hughie Constantine. Its final commander before the 2000 disbandment was Air Vice-Marshal Peter Squire, who later served as Chief of the Air Staff.

Category:Royal Air Force groups Category:Royal Air Force in World War II Category:Aviation in Lincolnshire