The story
when a formation of 5 Hampdens, including the aircraft of the squadron commander - Wing Commander J. C. Cunningham, was shot down.
Carried out most bombing raids in Hampden squadrons and suffered the most losses.
149 (EAST INDIA) SQUADRON
SERVICE
In 3 Group from the outbreak until the end of the war. Flew Wellingtons, Stirlings and Lancasters from Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Methwold.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Raids Flown
Wellingtons -213 bombing, 3 weather recce, 2 leaflet
Stirling - 244 bombing, 160 minelaying, 6 leaflet
Lancasters - no bombing
Total - 567 bombing, 160 minelaying, 8 leaflet, 3 recce = 738 raids
Sorties and Losses
Wellingtons - 1,647 sorties, 40 aircraft lost (2.4 percent)
Stirlings - 2,628 sorties, 87 aircraft lost (3.3 percent)
Lancasters - 1,630 sorties, 4 aircraft lost (0.2 percent)
Total - 5,905 sorties, 131 aircraft lost (2-2 percent)
40 Stirlings and 1 Lancaster were destroyed in crashes.
POINTS OF INTEREST
An original squadron on the outbreak of war; flew operations over the North Sea on the first day.
Continuous service in Bomber Command throughout the war, one of only two squadrons to claim this honour (see 44 Squadron).
Victoria Cross: Flight Sergeant R. H. Middleton, posthumously, Turin,
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.