No. 41 Wing RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 41 Wing RAF |
|
|---|---|
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Size | Wing |
No. 41 Wing was a special group of airplanes and pilots. They were part of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and later the Royal Air Force (RAF). Their main job was to fly long-distance bombing missions. These missions were against Germany during World War I.
The Story of No. 41 Wing
How it Started
No. 41 Wing was created on October 11, 1917. Its first leader was Lieutenant-Colonel Cyril Newall. The Wing was based in Ochey, a town in France.
When it first started, No. 41 Wing had three main squadrons (groups of planes):
- No. 55 Squadron flew DH.4 planes.
- No. 100 Squadron flew F.E.2b planes.
- No. 16 (Naval) Squadron flew O/100 planes.
Later, two more squadrons joined the Wing:
- No. 99 Squadron also flew DH4s.
- No. 104 Squadron also flew DH4s.
First Missions
The pilots and planes quickly got ready for their missions. Just six days after the Wing was formed, they flew their first long-range bombing mission. This was a big moment for the Royal Flying Corps.
De Havilland planes attacked the Burbach iron foundry. They also hit other buildings and railway lines. A week later, Handley Page planes from the 41st Wing flew the first long-range night mission. Bombing continued into November. However, the missions stopped when winter weather made flying too difficult.
Becoming Part of the RAF
On December 28, 1917, No. 41 Wing became a larger group called the VIII Brigade of the RFC. This change became official on February 1, 1918. No. 41 Wing still existed, but it was now part of the VIII Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel J E A Baldwin became its new commanding officer.
A few months later, on April 1, 1918, the RFC joined with the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Together, they formed the Royal Air Force (RAF). So, No. 41 Wing became part of the new RAF.
On June 6, 1918, the Wing joined the RAF's Independent Air Force. This was a special group that flew missions on its own. After World War I ended, No. 41 Wing was likely moved back to the main Royal Air Force. It was officially disbanded, or closed down, on February 15, 1919.
See also
- List of Wings of the Royal Air Force
