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RAF DESERT AIR FORCE & NAVAL AIR SQUADRONS
This web
information concentrates on the Front Line Fleet Air Arm squadrons which
operated with RAF Desert Air Force 1941-1945.
The Desert Air Force first
formally came into existence in late 1941 as the Western Desert Air Force
(WDAF), although it had been previously used to describe the Allied
air forces in the Middle
East.
The RFC, which gave birth to the RAF, was formed in 1912. It comprised a
Military Wing, a Naval Wing, The Royal Aircraft Factory and the Central
Flying School.
Eighteen months after its formation, the Naval Wing of the RFC was reformed
into the Royal Naval Air Service.
In 1941, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham took over command of RAF
No.202 Group and began the first steps to the creation of the DAF proper.
During July 1941, No.253 wing was formed for experiments in close support
over the front lines and included two squadrons of Hurricanes and one of
Blenheims. Shortly after this, Nos. 258 and 269 wings were formed for
operations over the front line and No.262 wing was formed for the defence of
the Nile Delta Zone. No.258 and 269 Wings formed the nucleus of the Western
Desert Air Force when it formed in October 1941.
In November 1941, the Allied forces carried out Operation Crusader, which
was launched on 18 November 1941.
In support of the offensive were No 28 RAF squadron, 258 wing of four
Hurricane and two Tomahawk squadrons, 262 wing of three Tomahawk and two
hurricane Squadrons and 80 squadron which was equipped with the first
hurri-bombers. 269 Wing defended the rear areas with two RAF Hurricane
Squadrons and a composite unit of Fleet Air Arm and RAF Hurricane and Grumman
Martlet aircraft.
On 18 February 1943,
the north-West African Allied Air Force was formed by the reorganization of
all Allied air forces in the Mediterranean area including the WDAF, RAF Middle
East,, Malta, Tunisia
and Algeria.
Beneath its banner was the North West African Allied Tactical Air Force,
commanded by the WDAFs Air Marshal Coningham. Contained within this were four
subordinate formation, one of which was the Desert Air Force as the WDAF had
been retitled, under the command of Vice-Marshal Harry Broadhurst.
The War in Africa ended on 13th May 1943, and flying from Malta,
the DAF subsequently supported the Allied landings on Sicily.
The Italian winter of 1943/1944 saw the Eighth Army cross the Trigno and
Sangro rivers, the DAF introducing a new form of close support, the Rover
David and Cab Rank systems, where formations of patrolling fighter-bombers
were maintained over the front lines to be called down upon targets by RAF
liaison officer with the forward elements of the Army. In April 1945, the
Allied offensive covered by massive air support launched itself northwards.
An armistice was signed in Italy
on 24th April and all fighting in Italy
ended on 2nd May.
 Fleet Air Arm squadrons & the Desert
Air Force
A list of squadrons
operating in the Western Desert and in Italy under RAF command.
Website Directories and Databases
with RAF Fighter Command and FAA Squadron
information
 The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm. An inventory of
the Squadrons with an outline of their Battle honours.
http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/History/Squadrons.html
The RAF Commands
Desert
Air Force history
Robert Horsten's FAA Squadrons
http://website.lineone.net/%7Eroyalnavy/FAA-SQN.html
Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm squadrons of today with historic
profiles.
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/today/faa.htm
Created: 3-04-2001, Last Modified 3-06-2005
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