The Squadron That Died Twice: The Story of No. 82 Squadron RAF

The Tragedy Unfolds: The Loss of No. 82 Squadron

In the tumultuous years of World War II, numerous heroic stories emerged from the battlefields, yet some tales remain unsung. One such forgotten story is that of the No. 82 Squadron RAF, a squadron that endured unimaginable tragedy and became known as "The Squadron That Died Twice."

In the early stages of the war, No. 82 Squadron played a crucial role in the defense of Britain against German forces. Based in various airfields across the country, the brave men of the squadron flew Bristol Blenheim bombers, engaged in strategic bombing missions, and provided essential air support.

However, on August 12, 1940, tragedy struck as a fleet of No. 82 Squadron's bombers, comprising six aircraft, set off for a daring mission deep into enemy territory. Their objective was to destroy a vital German airfield that posed a significant threat to the British forces.

The Squadron That Died Twice - The story of No. 82 Squadron RAF, which in 1940 lost 23 out of 24 aircraft in two bombing raids

by Gordon Thorburn(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages

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As the squadron flew over the target, they faced intense anti-aircraft fire and relentless attacks from enemy fighters. Despite the overwhelming odds, the brave RAF pilots pressed on, determined to complete their mission and protect their homeland.

Nevertheless, fate had a different plan in store. One by one, the bombers of No. 82 Squadron fell from the sky, as the German defenses took a devastating toll. By the end of the mission, not a single aircraft from the squadron returned to base. The brave crew members had made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Phoenix Rises: The Rebirth of No. 82 Squadron

The loss of an entire squadron was a heavy blow to the morale of the British war effort. However, even in the face of such tragedy, the spirit of resilience and determination prevailed.

Undeterred by their devastating loss, the Royal Air Force made a remarkable decision – they decided to reinstate No. 82 Squadron. This rebirth symbolized the indomitable spirit of the RAF and their dedication to the cause of freedom.

A new group of brave aviators joined the reformed No. 82 Squadron, ready to continue the mission and honor their fallen comrades. Equipped with the latest aircraft and driven by an unwavering sense of duty, they took to the skies, ready to confront the enemy once more.

A Legacy Remembered

The story of No. 82 Squadron RAF is a testament to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the brave men who fought in World War II. They risked their lives for a cause greater than themselves and paid the ultimate price.

Today, the memory of those who served in No. 82 Squadron lives on. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the extraordinary bravery displayed by RAF pilots and the sacrifices made to ensure the freedom we enjoy today.

As we remember the heroes of the past, let us honor their memory and never forget the sacrifices they made. The story of No. 82 Squadron serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure, even in the darkest of times.

The story of No. 82 Squadron RAF is an extraordinary chapter in the annals of World War II. Their tragic loss and subsequent resurrection are a testament to the indomitable spirit and determination of those who fought for freedom.

We must cherish and remember the stories of our unsung heroes, for their sacrifices shaped the world we live in today. No. 82 Squadron will forever remain a symbol of bravery and resilience, inspiring generations to come.

The Squadron That Died Twice - The story of No. 82 Squadron RAF, which in 1940 lost 23 out of 24 aircraft in two bombing raids

by Gordon Thorburn(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages

FREE

Apart from the quiet chatter of a few mechanics, who were checking that one aircraft was too badly damaged ever to fly again, there was a shocked silence over the aerodrome as everyone there tried to understand the impossible.Twelve twin-engined bombers of 82 Squadron RAF had set out on a fi ne May morning in 1940, from Watton, Norfolk, in a brave but hopeless attempt to slow down the German armour ripping through Belgium. Sergeant Thomas 'Jock' Morrison was the pilot of the only one to come home.Heavy losses in Bomber Command in the Second World War were common, normal, came with the territory, but this? Eleven out of twelve were shot down, by flak and fighters, and lay in burning fragments along the Belgium/ France border.It is said that history repeats itself. And so it was, almost exactly three months later, on a cloudy day in August 1940, that twelve more twin-engined Bristol Blenheim bombers, each with a crew of three men, set off from Watton, Norfolk, in a brave but hopeless attempt to destroy a Luftwaffe base in enemy-occupied Denmark. One aircraft had to turn for home before it reached the target. The other eleven pressed on as the clouds disappeared and, on a fi ne sunny morning, were all shot down, by flak and fighters, and lay in burning fragments on the shores of the Lymfjord.At the time, when the whole world was trying to understand the impossible, how Germany could conquer Denmark, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium and France in a few weeks, and Poland before that - and surely Great Britain next? - 82 Squadron's disasters were barely noticed.Based on the accounts of survivors and on squadron and other records, Gordon Thorburn's moving retelling of the story, of the events of it and the men in it, at last puts right that terrible omission.