WIX Archives
Re: lancaster squadron code help...
Posted by Alan Hulme on Thu Jan 10, 2002 03:06:04 PM
In reply top lancaster squadron code help... posted by peter on Tue Jan 08, 2002 08:25:22 PM
I thought 5 Group introduced the idea in August 1944, to assist in identifying their aircraft during daylight operations? I 've often wondered why the other Groups never adopted it so it became standard practice. Both 4 and 6 Groups seem to have dabbled with the idea - you will see photos of Halifaxes in some Squadrons with their codes painted in this way, but again, only at the very end of the war. Regarding 6 Group Lancs, if you study the many photos of newly returned Canadian aircraft back home in the summer of 1945, you will see that only some Squadrons seem to have adopted the idea. 420 Squadron comes to mind but you will also find their Halifaxes were similarly treated and they flew these right up to May '45 so perhaps Canadian Lancs never actually flew on ops with yellow codes after all? Not a definitive answer but hope it helps!