203 Squadron RAF
Mediterranean
Theatre
At the outbreak of World War Two, the Squadron was based in Aden, and until its transfer to SEAC in November 1943, it served in the Red Sea and Mediterranean area.
The Squadron was based at the following bases during this period:
|
Base |
Dates |
|
Isthmus, detachment Kamaran |
August 1939 to December 1939 |
|
Sheikh Othman, detachment
Kamaran |
December 1939 to May
1940 |
|
Khormaksar |
May 1940 to April 1941 |
|
Kabrit |
April 1941 |
|
Heraklion |
April 1941 |
|
Kabrit |
April 1941 to May 1941 |
|
Lydda, detachment
Habbaniya, H.4 |
May 1941 |
|
Kabrit |
May 1941 to June 1941 |
|
Gambut (L.G.101) |
June 1941 to December
1941 |
|
LG.05 |
December 1941 to
January 1942 |
|
Buka |
January 1942 |
|
El Gubbi |
January 1942 to
February 1942 |
|
Sidi Barrani (LG.39) |
February 1942 to June
1942 |
|
Abu Sueir |
June 1942 to September
1942 |
|
Gianaclis |
September 1942 to March
1943 |
|
Berka No. 3 |
March 1943 to October
1943 |
|
LG.91 |
October 1943 to
November 1943 |
During this period it used the following aircraft types:
|
Aircraft |
Dates |
|
Short Singapore III |
September 1935 to
February 1940 |
|
Bristol Blenheim IV |
May 1940 to November
1942 |
|
Lockheed Hudson II/III |
February 1942 to March
1942 |
|
Martin Maryland II |
February 1942 to
November 1942 |
|
Martin Baltimore I, II,
III |
August 1942 to August
1943 |
|
Martin Baltimore IIIA,
V |
May 1943 to October
1943 |
Tony Tubbenhauer was a pilot in the RAAF, and served with 203 during the
"Baltimore" period.
He has kindly allowed his photos of Squadron personnel and scenes to be
displayed on this site.
Tony's Photos
Sam Wilson served as an Air Gunner on 203 Squadron in 1942
His son has generously provided some photos
Sam Wilson A/G
A note on the Martin Baltimore.
Very little has been
written about this aircraft and its service with the RAF. The only book I know
of on its RAF use was published in Greece (and is written in Greek). One reason
for so little information being published on it may the fact it never served
with the USAAF. Nearly 1500 Baltimores were supplied to the RAF under direct
purchase and Lend-Lease.
Last updated August 16, 2012