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by Hampdens of No
49 Squadron despite fierce opposition and Flt Lt R A B Learoyd received the Victoria Cross for his bravery during
the attack. Throughout 1941 many targets were attacked - ports, industrial
centres, shipping, marshalling yards and airfields. In March 1942 the Squadron took part in a particularly successful
raid on the Renault works at Billancourt,
Paris.
The Squadron began to re-equip with Manchester aircraft in April 1942; however, these
aircraft were not in use for long and by July 1942 were replaced by Lancasters which,
with their greater range and striking power, extended the scope of the Squadron's
operations. On 17 October 1942 the Squadron flew deep into France without
escort and attacked the Schneider works at Le Creusot; the Commanding Officer,
Wg Cdr L C Slee and his navigator PIt Off A C Grant, led the attack and both were
awarded the DSO. Italy could now be reached and No 49 Squadron's first operation in
that theatre was on the harbour at Genoa on 22 October 1942.
The Squadron stood down from 1-15 January 1943 during
which time a move was made to Fiskerton. Operations resumed on 16 January when the
Squadron attacked Berlin - the first of many such visits. For the remainder of the war
the squadron continued as a front-line bomber squadron and took part in most
major operations by Bomber Command. After moving to Fulbeck on 16
0ctober 1944 and Syerston on 22 April 1945, the Squadron made its last attack on 25 April when
Berchtesgaden was the target. In May the Squadron took part in operation 'EXODUS'
and ferried ex-prisoners of war back to this country.
Honours and awards gained by members of
No 49
Squadron during the Second World War include 1 Victoria Cross, 1 Empire Gallantry Medal (later
the George Cross), 7 Distinguished Service Orders, 131 Distinguished Flying Crosses,
2 Conspicuous Gallantry Medals and 105 Distinguished Flying Medals. No
49 Squadron remained in being as part of the post-war RAF. It moved to Mepal on
29 September 1945 and to Upwood on 30 July 1946. During this period it
carried out the routine peace-time training of Bomber Command.
In November 1949 the first Avro Lincoln B2
arrived and by April 1950 the Squadron was fully re-equipped. On 1 July
1952 the Squadron moved to Waddington where it remained until 1 August
1953 when it moved to Wittering. Soon after arriving at Wittering the
Squadron was detached to Kenya to carry out operations against Mau Mau
terrorists. On 22 February 1954 No 49 Squadron moved to Upwood and
remained there until disbanded on 1 August 1955.
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