No. 299 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 299 Squadron RAF |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 4 Nov 1943 – 15 Feb 1946 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Role | Special Operations Transport |
| Part of | No. 38 Group RAF |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge heraldry | No badge authorised |
| Squadron Codes | X9 (Jan 1944 – Feb 1946) 5G (Jan 1944 – Feb 1946) |
No. 299 Squadron was a special group of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. They were part of No. 38 Group and played an important role in secret missions and transporting supplies. The squadron was active from November 1943 until February 1946.
Contents
Squadron History and Missions
No. 299 Squadron started on November 4, 1943. It was formed from a part of 297 Squadron at RAF Stoney Cross in Hampshire. This squadron was created for "special operations." This meant they would fly secret missions, often behind enemy lines.
The squadron became ready for missions in April 1944. They began by dropping agents for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). These agents helped resistance movements in countries occupied by the enemy.
Role in D-Day and Major Operations
During the Normandy landings (also known as D-Day) in June 1944, the squadron had a big job. First, they dropped paratroopers into France. These soldiers jumped from planes to secure important areas. After that, the squadron returned to tow 16 Airspeed Horsa gliders across the English Channel. Gliders are like planes without engines. They carried more soldiers and equipment.
The squadron continued to drop supplies to resistance fighters. This went on until June 10, when they went back to their SOE duties.
No. 299 Squadron also helped in other major operations. They towed Horsa gliders for the Arnhem landing, which was part of Operation Market Garden. They also helped with the Rhine crossing, called Operation Varsity. These were important battles during the war.
Later Missions and Disbandment
Towards the end of the war, the squadron dropped supplies to resistance groups in Norway. On October 7, 1945, a sad event happened. Five members of the squadron died when their Short Stirling IV plane crashed in Rennes, Brittany.
After World War II ended, No. 299 Squadron was no longer needed. It was officially closed down on February 15, 1946, at RAF Shepherds Grove in Suffolk.
Aircraft Used by the Squadron
This table shows the different types of aircraft No. 299 Squadron used during its time.
| From | To | Aircraft | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 1943 | January 1944 | Lockheed Ventura | Mks.I and II |
| January 1944 | February 1946 | Short Stirling | Mk.IV |
| January 1945 | February 1946 | Short Stirling | Mk.V |
Squadron Bases and Locations
The squadron moved to different airfields during the war. Here are the places where No. 299 Squadron was based.
| From | To | Base |
|---|---|---|
| 4 November 1943 | 15 March 1944 | RAF Stoney Cross, Hampshire |
| 15 March 1944 | 9 October 1944 | RAF Keevil, Wiltshire |
| 9 October 1944 | 25 January 1945 | RAF Wethersfield, Essex |
| 25 January 1945 | 15 February 1946 | RAF Shepherds Grove, Suffolk |
Squadron Leaders
These are the officers who commanded No. 299 Squadron during its operations.
| From | To | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 4 November 1943 | 28 December 1943 | W/Cdr. R.W.G. Kitley |
| 28 December 1943 | 19 September 1944 | W/Cdr. P.B.N. Davis, DSO |
| 19 September 1944 | 1 November 1944 | W/Cdr. P.N. Jennings (acting after W/Cdr. Davis was killed in action over Arnhem) |
| 1 November 1944 | 31 December 1944 | W/Cdr. C.B.R. Colenso, DFC |
| 31 December 1944 | September 1945 | W/Cdr. P.N. Jennings |
| September 1945 | 15 February 1946 | W/Cdr. R.N. Stidolph |
See also
- No. 38 Group RAF
- List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons
