RAF Lysander squadrons flew mission withs in support of the British Army

**Alain12** · 9th November 2020, 07:04

Helo ,

Can someone help me with with he number of the Lysander squadrion who flew missions in support of the British Army in the early days of WWII.

Regards

Alain12

**phasselgren** · 12th November 2020, 19:22

Hello Alain,

I had a quick look in Fledgling Eagles for squadrons in support of the British Expeditionary Force. Initially there were 4 and 13 Squadrons in 50 (Army Co-operation) Wing plus 2 and 26 Squadrons in 51 (Army Co-operation) Wing. 16 Squadron was added in the end of April 1940.

Regards
Peter

**ColFord** · 13th November 2020, 06:10

No.613 Squadron also flew in support of the other Lysander Squadrons in France, ferrying over replacement aircraft, urgent spares, etc. Then they conducted sorties in support of the British Army garrison at Calais using both their Hectors and Lysanders on dive bombing and supply dropping operations in late May 1940.

Regards,

**Greg Bloomfield** · 17th November 2020, 03:56

Many years ago I knew an air gunner on 26 Sqn. I forget his ground trade but he flew part time as an AC and had the old brass bullet badge along with his medal group. He told me the story of when he was shot down by a Heinkel 111 near (I think) Louvain shortly after the German offensive began, I think it may have been 14th May. The plane managed to make a rough landing but caught fire and he had to help the injured pilot out.

He later re-mustered as an air gunner and did five ops on Whitleys with 51 Sqn before being taking off ops for medical reasons and being discharged. His name was Jim Brown, I'd be interested if anyone has any details of his shooting down as unfortunately his memory at the time wasn't too good.

Regards

Greg

**COL BRUGGY** · 17th November 2020, 05:24

Hello,

Peter Cornwell, in his "The Battle of France - Then and Now, records:

BRITISH AIR FORCES IN FRANCE .
26 Squadron, Dieppe.
Tuesday, May 14 (1940).

Lysander II L4777 - Shot down at Arras during reconnaissance sortie 6.25 p.m. Pilot Officer Walker wounded in hand. LAC Brown unhurt.

See:
The Battle of France - Then and Now.
Cornwell,Peter D.
Old Harlow:Battle of Britain International.2007.
p.267

Col.