No. 83 Group RAF

No. 83 Group RAF
Unit name	No. 83 Group
Dates	1943–1945
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Type	Tactical Air Group
Role	Close Air Support, Air Interdiction
Command structure	RAF Second Tactical Air Force
Notable commanders	Harry Broadhurst

No. 83 Group RAF. It was a major tactical air formation of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Established as a core component of the RAF Second Tactical Air Force, the group played a pivotal role in the Allied air campaign in North-West Europe from the Normandy landings to the final defeat of Nazi Germany. Comprising numerous squadrons of fighters, fighter-bombers, and tactical reconnaissance aircraft, it provided essential close air support for ground forces.

History

No. 83 Group was formally established on **1 June 1943** at RAF **Bovingdon** under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Harry Broadhurst. Its creation was a direct result of the reorganization of Allied air power for the planned invasion of Continental Europe, forming a key part of the newly activated RAF Second Tactical Air Force. The group was specifically designed to operate in direct support of the British Army, mirroring the function of the USAAF's IX Tactical Air Command which supported the United States Army. Throughout its existence, its operational history was inextricably linked to the campaigns of the 21st Army Group, commanded by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery.

Structure and organization

The group was a large, composite formation typically controlling several wings, each containing multiple operational squadrons. Its structure was fluid, with wings and squadrons rotating based on operational needs, but it consistently fielded a powerful mix of aircraft types. Key operational wings included the 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and 143 Wings. These wings controlled squadrons flying iconic aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Typhoon, and North American P-51 Mustang. The group also included dedicated Air Observation Post units flying Auster aircraft for artillery spotting.

Operational history

The group's most significant period began with the Normandy landings on **6 June 1944**, where its squadrons provided vital air superiority, close support, and interdiction missions over the beachheads. It operated from advanced landing grounds in Normandy such as Bény-sur-Mer and Carpiquet. The group was instrumental in the Battle of the Falaise Pocket, where its Typhoons decimated retreating German formations. It subsequently supported the advance into the Netherlands, the Battle of the Bulge, and the final push across the Rhine during Operation Plunder. Its aircraft conducted relentless armed reconnaissance and battlefield interdiction throughout the campaign in North-West Europe.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, No. 83 Group operated some of the most effective Allied fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the war. Its primary fighter and fighter-bomber was the formidable Hawker Typhoon, especially in the ground-attack role using RP-3 rockets. The Supermarine Spitfire, in various marks including the photographic reconnaissance Spitfire PR.XI, served in air superiority and tactical reconnaissance roles. Later in the campaign, the group also employed the long-range North American P-51 Mustang, particularly for escorting daylight raids by Bomber Command's Lancasters and Mosquitos. Light liaison and observation was performed by the Auster AOP.

Airfields and locations

The group's headquarters moved frequently to remain close to the front line. After forming at **RAF Bovingdon**, it relocated to **RAF Stansted Mountfitchet** in preparation for Operation Overlord. Upon the invasion, it established an Advanced Headquarters in Normandy at **Bény-sur-Mer (B3)**. As the Allied forces advanced, the group's HQ moved through a series of tactical airfields including **Amblie (B4)**, **Bretigny**, **Eindhoven**, and **Quackenbrück**. Its operational squadrons were dispersed across numerous Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) throughout France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and finally Germany.

Commanding officers

The group was commanded by several distinguished Royal Air Force officers. Its first and most notable commander was **Air Vice-Marshal Harry Broadhurst**, a celebrated fighter pilot and tactician who led the group from its formation through the critical battles in Normandy until January 1945. He was succeeded by **Air Vice-Marshal Cecil Bouchier**, who commanded during the final stages of the war in Europe. Following the end of hostilities, the group was commanded by **Air Commodore Freddie Rushmer** before it was disbanded.

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