454
Squadron RAF (RAAF)
454 was another squadron which used the Martin Baltimore in the Middle East.
There is also a link between this squadron and both 159 and 160 Squadrons which served in SEAC.
The aircraft of these squadron were "held" be Middle East Command when they were in transit to India. Ground Crews from 454 Squadron provided servicing for the Liberators of these two squadrons from Aug. 27th, 1942 until Oct. 11, 1942.
454 Squadron had an interesting early history. Initially ground crews were formed in May, 1941 but disbanded and absorbed by 458 Squadron in July, 1941. In April 1942 the ground echelon was reformed, and set to the Middle East. Here they serviced Liberators (as noted above) and Halifaxes until the air crews arrived. The Squadron was disbanded August 20, 1945.
The Squadron was at the following bases in the Mediterranean Theatre:
|
Base |
Date |
|
Aqir |
September 30, 1942 |
|
Qaiyara |
October 19, 1942 |
|
LG.227 |
January 24, 1942 |
|
LG. 91 |
February 16, 1943 |
|
Gambut 3 |
April 13, 1943 |
|
LG. 91 |
August 7, 1943 |
|
St. Jean |
October 21, 1943 |
|
Berka III |
November 4, 1943 |
|
Pescara |
July 27, 1944 |
|
Falconara |
August 18, 1944 |
|
Cesenatico |
December 8, 1944 |
|
Villa Orba |
May 16, 1945 |
The Squadron used the following aircraft types:
|
Aircraft |
Dates |
|
Blenheim Mk. V |
November 1942 to January 1943 |
|
Baltimore Mk. III |
February 1943 to December 1944 |
|
Baltimore Mk. IV |
January 1943 to December 1944 |
|
Baltimore Mk. V |
December 1944 to August 1945 |
A history of 454 Squadron in the Mediterranean Theatre, called “Alamein to the Alps” has been written by Air Commodore Mark Lax CSM.
The book is available directly from the author:
Mark Lax,
26 Maltby Circuit,
Wanniassa, ACT, 2903,
Australia.
Cost is Aus$ 29.95 plus shipping.
Further details on this book can be found at the 454/459 Squadrons
Association web site:
http://www.454-459squadrons.org.au/
(This site also contains a wealth of information on the squadron,
including personal stories by ex-members of the squadron – well worth a visit)
Last update: May 21, 2010