Ward, Chris RAF Bomber Command Profiles. 61 Squadron

At the outbreak of the Second World War, the 61st Squadron was one of six frontline squadrons serving in the 5th Bomber Command and operating two-engine Handley Page Hampdens. The squadron was stationed at Hemswell in Lincolnshire alongside the 144 Squadron and remained largely inactive until the end of 1939 and the first quarter of 1940, apart from leaflet drops in February and an attack on a seaplane base in March. It was not until Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April that the squadron began operating regularly against ships and airfields in southern Norway and took part in the very first mine-laying operation of the war. The squadron remained at the forefront of 5th Bomber Command operations, but was seconded to Coastal Command for two short periods in the summer of 1942, distinguishing itself on its very first convoy patrol by sinking a German submarine. The squadron took part in all major Bomber Command offensives, including the Ruhr campaign from March to July 1943, the Battle of Hamburg in July 1943, the Battle of Berlin (Winter Campaign) between August 1943 and March 1944, attacks on railway lines and coastal defences prior to the invasion, the campaigns against the V-weapons and the oil industry in the summer of 1944, and tactical support for ground forces. The squadron was involved when the 5th Group led attacks on the German oil industry from autumn 1944 until the end of the bombing war, becoming the command's Channel destroyers during this period. The 61st Squadron conducted operational trials with the Hercules-powered Mk II Lancaster between October 1942 and March 1943 and ended the war with more Lancaster bombing missions than any other squadron.