No. 615 Squadron

No. 615 Squadron. It was a squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, originally formed in 1937. The squadron saw extensive service during the Second World War, participating in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, before transitioning to night fighter and ground attack roles. Post-war, it was reformed as a fighter squadron before final disbandment in 1957.

History

No. 615 Squadron was formed on 1 June 1937 at RAF Kenley as a day bomber unit within the Auxiliary Air Force. Initially equipped with the Hawker Hart and later the Hawker Hind, it transitioned to the fighter role with Gloster Gauntlet biplanes just before the outbreak of the Second World War. The squadron was mobilized in August 1939 and, after converting to Gloster Gladiators, was dispatched to France in November as part of the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force. It engaged in intense air combat during the Battle of France, suffering heavy losses before evacuating via Cherbourg in June 1940. Re-equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, the squadron fought in the Battle of Britain from bases including RAF Kenley and RAF Northolt, claiming numerous enemy aircraft destroyed. In late 1940, it began transitioning to the night fighter role, operating the Boulton Paul Defiant and later the Bristol Beaufighter, flying defensive patrols from airfields like RAF Valley. In 1943, the squadron moved to RAF Bradwell Bay and converted to the Hawker Typhoon for ground attack and anti-shipping duties over the English Channel and North Sea, supporting the Normandy landings. Following the war, the squadron was disbanded on 10 March 1947 at RAF Biggin Hill. It was subsequently reformed on 10 July 1949 at RAF Biggin Hill as a day fighter unit within the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, operating the Supermarine Spitfire and later the de Havilland Vampire. The squadron was mobilized during the Malayan Emergency, with personnel serving in other units, before its final disbandment on 10 March 1957.

Aircraft operated

The squadron operated a wide variety of aircraft throughout its history. Its initial equipment included biplanes like the Hawker Hart and the Hawker Hind. As a fighter unit, it successively flew the Gloster Gauntlet, the Gloster Gladiator, and the Hawker Hurricane during the early war years. For night fighting, it used the Boulton Paul Defiant and the Bristol Beaufighter. In its ground attack role, it was equipped with the Hawker Typhoon and the Hawker Tempest. Post-war, it operated the Supermarine Spitfire Mark 22 and 24, before transitioning to jet aircraft with the de Havilland Vampire FB.5 and FB.9.

Notable personnel

Several distinguished individuals served with the squadron. Its first commanding officer was Squadron Leader J. G. B. Keily. Perhaps its most famous member was Acting Squadron Leader Sir Douglas Bader, who commanded the squadron for a period in 1941, prior to his capture. Other notable commanders included Wing Commander J. R. Kayll, an ace who led the unit during the Battle of Britain. Distinguished pilots who served with the squadron included Flying Officer W. L. McKnight, a Canadian ace, and Pilot Officer A. G. Malan, who later became a legendary wing commander. The squadron also counted Sir Archibald Hope among its early commanders.

Bases and deployments

The squadron was formed and initially based at RAF Kenley in Surrey. During the Second World War, it operated from numerous stations across Britain and France. Its early war deployments included Vitry-en-Artois and Merville in France. After the evacuation, it fought from RAF Kenley, RAF Northolt, and RAF Prestwick. For night fighter duties, it was stationed at RAF Valley in Anglesey and RAF Ayr in Scotland. Its ground attack operations were conducted from RAF Bradwell Bay in Essex and later from RAF Manston in Kent. Post-war, it was reformed at RAF Biggin Hill in Kent, which remained its primary base until disbandment, with detachments also operating from RAF West Malling.

Battle honours

The squadron was awarded the following battle honours, emblazoned on its standard: *France and Flanders 1940, *Britain 1940, *Home Defence 1940–1944, *Channel and North Sea 1943–1945, *Normandy 1944, and *Malaya 1949–1952. These honours reflect its service in critical air campaigns, from the desperate early battles over Europe to its post-war commitments in Southeast Asia.

Category:Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1937 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1957