274 Squadron History

274 Squadron is one of the lesser known units of the RAF. Nevertheless, its history is an interesting one.

The history of 274 Squadron goes back to the final days of World War 1, when it was planned as an anti-submarine unit to be based at Seaton Carew. The war ended before the squadron actually formed and the number was transferred to No 5 (Communications) Squadron at Bircham Newton. The squadron was equipped with the Handley Page V/1500 but following training, it was decided to concentrate on smaller twin engined bombers and the unit was disbanded on 30 January 1920. The remaining personnel formed the nucleus of 207 Squadron.

On 19 August 1940, 274 Squadron was reformed at El Amriya, Egypt and equipped with both Hurricanes ('A' Flight) and Gladiators ('B' Flight). Pilots were supplied by 80 Squadron and elements of 33 and 112 Squadrons. In addition, the unit also took over N°2 French Fighter Flight that was previously attached to 80 Squadron. The unit was quickly in action intercepting Italian bombers that were attempting to bomb warships in Alexandria harbour. In September the Free French attachment left and 'B' Flight was re-equipped with Hurricanes. During the first Libyan campaign, which commenced on 9 December 1940, the unit was heavily engaged as it gained the upper hand against the Italian units facing it. At the end of February 1941, after a period of constant activity, it withdrew to Amiriya for a rest. From here in March a flight was detached to Malta to reinforce 261 Squadron, this subsequently being absorbed by the latter unit.

As the Imperial forces were retreating back into Egypt in the face of the newly arrived Afrika Korps, 274 Squadron moved to Sidi Barrani in mid April 1941. It was here that the Me Bf109Es were first met, most notably from JG27 with its future ace Joachim Marseille, dubbed 'The Star of Africa'. May saw action over Crete during the withdrawal of Commonwealth forces from that island. The unit then became involved in defensive actions over the Nile Delta area until October, when it was re-equipped with Hurricane IIbs. Moving forward to the frontier area again, the unit was heavily involved in operations during the Crusader offensive of late 1941. Operations continued during the advance and subsequent retreat, and over the Gazala area, where the line stabilised. In May 1942 Hurricane IIc's were received and the squadron began ground attack operations in support of the 8th Army. Throughout this period, 274 Squadron was one of the most heavily engaged Hurricane units, suffering regular losses to the Bf109Fs and MC202s against which it had to fight. Nevertheless, after the Alamein victory in November 1942, 274 Squadron could claim a surprisingly large number of successes - 145 victories in all.

When the squadron reached Tunisia, it reverted to the air defence role and became involved in coastal patrols and defensive duties. These were to continue for the next year from various North African coastal airfields. In September 1943 the squadron moved to Cyprus and completed its re-equipment with Spitfires in October. These were taken to Italy in February 1944 and for the next two months the squadron carried out offensive operations over the Balkans.

This phase was to be short lived however, for on 10 April 1944 the squadron embarked for the UK and re-assembled on 24 April at Hornchurch, moving in May to Detling. Equipped with Spitfire IXs, it was now part of 2nd Tactical Air Force and carried out the usual round of offensive operations in connection with the forthcoming invasion and provided cover to the invasion forces themselves. In early August, a complete re-organisation occurred. Tempest Vs replaced the Spitfires, and 18 of the 29 pilots left, replaced by others from 501Sqn. A move to Manston followed, and the squadron commenced operations against the V-1 flying bombs being unleashed against Britain at that time. By the start of September, the squadron could claim 15 V-1s. With the V-1 threat abated the squadron made sweeps over the Dutch coastal area and moved to Coltishall on 20 September. Nine days later, the squadron moved to the Continent and was posted to Belgium rejoining 2 TAF in September, going to 125 Wing on 1 October. Based in the Low Countries the squadron commenced operations over the Arnhem and Nijmegen area. A week later a move was made to join the Tempest units in 122 Wing in the Netherlands, and here from December onwards, Luftwaffe aircraft were frequently to be met, the unit seeing much aerial fighting during the final months of the war. 171 victories had been claimed by 3 May 1945, by which time the unit was operating from German soil at Quackenbruck.

In September 1945 the aircrews returned to Warmwell to take part in an armament practice camp and whilst there it was disbanded by being re-numbered No 174.

During the first months after its formation, the squadron carried over the code letters YK from 80 Sqn. In October 1940 the code letters NH were issued, but these were soon replaced by a lightning flash marking on the fuselage side. It is not clear what markings were used on the Spitfire MkVs, though it is probable that these carried only the individual identification letter without the code letters. As the unit moved to the UK in 1944, the letters JJ were employed on the Spitfire MkIXs and later the Tempests.

Sources: Christopher Shores & Clive Williams, Aces High (http://www.rafweb.org)