BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
In October, AFA-SA joined with representatives of the 460SQN Friends and Family Group and a 462SQN aviator from RAAF Edinburgh at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, to acknowledge the 80th Anniversary of the disbandment of 460SQN and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with the squadron in World War 2.
AFA-SA was represented by GPCAPT Greg Weller (Vice President AFA-SA), Ms Gaynor Harrison (Secretary AFA-SA), and Dr Robert Black (AFA-SA State Councillor). Unfortunately, 102-year-old Howard Hendrick, South Australia’s last 460SQN veteran, could not attend but 460SQN Families and Friends representatives including his daughters, Joan and Margaret, as well as Jeff Davies, and Barbara Barker attended. SQNLDR Alan Hall, Executive Officer, No 462 Squadron (a former Bomber Command unit itself), represented the Royal Australian Air Force and the serving aviators in former Bomber Command units currently active in the RAAF (eg 460SQN, 462SQN and 464SQN).
GPCAPT Weller provided introductory words on 460SQN and its aviators noting the distinguish service and sacrifice of the unit and its aviators and invited Dr Robert Black to lay a wreath on behalf of AFA-SA. SQNLDR Hall then laid a wreath on behalf of the RAAF. Ms Gaynor Harrison then recited the Ode with a minute silence honouring the 460SQN aviators who did not return.
No 460 Squadron (RAAF), one of the most famous RAAF squadrons of World War 2, was formed at Molesworth, England, on 12 November 1941. The bulk of the squadron’s missions formed part of the strategic bombing offensive against Germany, although prior to, and during, the D-Day landings in June 1944, it was employed in support of Allied ground operations. The squadron flew its last raid, against Berchtesgarden, on ANZAC Day 1945. Following the end of hostilities in Europe, the squadron participated in Operation MANNA, the air-dropping of food to Dutch civilians during early May 1945. The squadron then assisted in the air lift of liberated Commonwealth prisoners of war to Britain. 460 Squadron was selected to form part of “Tiger Force”, Bomber Command’s intended contribution to the strategic bombing of Japan but the war ended before “Tiger Force” was deployed.
On 2 October 1945, Wing Commander Swan, CO 460SQN, took a select crew and one passenger on 460 SQN’s last official flight, in Lancaster RF 191 to The Australian Imperial Force in Amiens, to salute all the Australians who were lost in WWII. It was a Farewell to 460 Sqn Lancasters and the brave 460SQN aviators who were lost serving in the Squadron during the war.
On 4 October 1945, the whole Squadron paraded at 1200hrs for the Station Farewell Parade for the unit, in front of Air Vice Marshal Wrigley OC RAAF Overseas HQ as the Reviewing Officer. On 10 October, 460 SQN was disbanded at RAF East Kirkby, with only the CO and Adjutant remaining on site. On 20 October 1945, the Squadron Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Keith Giles RAAF departed the base as the final posting out of a unit member completing the disbandment of No 460 Squadron RAAF.
The squadron maintained consistently higher serviceability rates among its aircraft, set numerous operational records within Bomber Command, flew the most bombing raids of any Australian squadron (6,234 operations; 30,526 operational hours) and was credited with the greatest tonnage of bombs dropped – 24,856 tons. It was the most decorated Australian unit of the war.
The squadron, however, suffered heavily losing 181 aircraft on operations and suffering 1,019 fatal casualties (589 Australian) – the highest number of any of the Australian squadrons. In effect, the squadron lost its entire strength five times during the war. It suffered the highest casualty rate of any unit in the history of the RAAF.
In October, AFA-SA remembered them. Lest we Forget.
Image Captions:
- Image 1: Margaret Davies, daughter of 460SQN South Australian veteran Howard Hendrick, and SQNLDR Alan Hall, Executive officer No 462 Squadron, look at the 360SQN plaque on the Air Force Memorial at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide.
- Image 2: AFA-SA representative (GPCAPT Greg Weller (AFA-SA Vice President), Ms Gaynor Harrison (AFA-SA Secretary) and Dr Robert Black (AFA-SA State Councillor) with 462SQN Executive Officer, SQNLDR Alan Hall, and members of the 460SQN Friends and Family Group at the Air Force Memorial, Adelaide, to mark the 80th anniversary of the disbanding of No 460 Squadron in October 1945.
- Image 3: Joan and Margaret, daughters of South Australian 460SQN Veteran Howard Hendrick look at a splendid hand woven 460SQN banner in front of the 460SQN plaque at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide.
- Image 4: Poppies on the 460 SQN plaque at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide.
