No. 242 Group RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 242 Group |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1942–1944 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Part of | Northwest African Tactical Air Force Northwest African Coastal Air Force |
| Engagements | World War II • Operation Husky |
No. 242 Group was a special unit of the British Royal Air Force (RAF). It was created on August 24, 1942, during World War II. Its first leader was Air Commodore George Lawson. This group played an important part in air operations in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
Contents
How the Group Was Formed
In February 1943, Air Commodore Kenneth Cross became the new commander of No. 242 Group. At this time, the group was part of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF). NATAF was led by Acting Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham.
Big Changes in Air Command
A major meeting happened in January 1943, called the Casablanca Conference. Leaders decided to make big changes to the Allied air forces. They wanted to improve how different air units worked together. Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder suggested a new plan. This plan was based on how well some RAF groups had worked together before.
Setting Up New Air Forces
The leaders liked Tedder's idea. They created the Mediterranean Air Command (MAC). Sir Arthur Tedder became the main air commander for all Allied air forces in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Under MAC, a new main command was formed: the Northwest African Air Forces (NAAF). It was led by Lieutenant General Carl Spaatz.
NAAF had three main parts, like a "tri-force" model:
- Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF), which used large bombers.
- Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF), which protected coastlines and ships.
- Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF), which supported ground troops.
Working Together in Battle
This new way of organizing air forces was used in several important battles. These included campaigns in Tunisia, Pantelleria, Sicily, and Italy. The idea was for these three air forces to work very closely. For example, during a tough time in the Tunisian campaign, strategic bombers were used to help ground troops.
No. 242 Group's Special Role
Most air force units stayed in one main command. But No. 242 Group was different. It was the largest air unit that worked with two different "tri-forces." It was part of both NATAF and NACAF. This showed how flexible and important the group was. During the Tunisian campaign, No. 242 Group flew over 1,000 missions in just five days. They attacked enemy targets on the ground.
Group Units for Operation Husky
Before the Allied invasion of Sicily (called Operation Husky), No. 242 Group moved from NATAF to NACAF. Here's what the group looked like on July 10, 1943:
No. 242 Group
Air Commodore Kenneth Cross,
Headquarters at La Marsa, Tunisia.
| No. 323 Wing | No. 328 Wing |
|---|---|
| No. 73 Squadron, Spitfire | No. 14 Squadron, B-26 Marauder |
| No. 255 Squadron, Beaufighter | No. 39 Squadron, Beaufort |
| No. II/5 Escadre (French), P-40 | No. 47 Squadron, Beaufort |
| No. II/7 Escadre (French), Spitfire | No. 52 Squadron, Baltimore |
| No. 283 Squadron (ASR), Walrus | No. 144 Squadron, Beaufighter |
| No. 284 Squadron (ASR), Walrus | No. 221 Squadron (Det.), Wellington |
| No. 458 Squadron RAAF, Wellington |
Notes:
ASR means Air Sea Rescue, which helps pilots who crash into the sea. RAAF means Royal Australian Air Force.
End of the Group
The Mediterranean Air Command (MAC) was closed on December 10, 1943. The Allied air forces in the Mediterranean were reorganized again. No. 242 Group was then assigned to the Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force, also led by Lloyd. Air Commodore G. Harcourt-Smith took command of No. 242 Group on February 24, 1944. The group was officially closed down on September 14, 1944.
