By: SADSACK - 30th November 2011 at 00:45
re;
I always assumed codes were changed and units moved around to deter spies, especially in the case of 617 when you read the operational log book they changed personnel very quickly, probably airmen sent to another unit in total secrecy.
As Gibson said “if anyone asks what you are training for, tell them to mind their own business”
By: Edgar Brooks - 29th November 2011 at 21:04
According to an article in “Scale Models,” about 40 years ago, in a talk with a 617 Squadron pilot, the Tallboy carriers were supposed to act as protection(!!) for the Grand Slam aircraft, which were painted in different colours, and had yellow codes outlined in red, instead of the usual other-way-round. Maybe the different codes were another recognition aid?
By: Peter - 21st November 2011 at 16:28
Excellent guys, thanks!
By: Wokka Bob - 21st November 2011 at 16:20
Source: Squadron Codes 1937-56 by Michael Bowyer & John Rawlings. (1979) ISBN 0 85059 3646
617 Sqn
AJ – First used in March 1943 by the Dambusters when stationed at Scampton. The letters were carried on aircraft in training and used for the dams raid.
KC – Replaced AJ soon after the Dams raid, possibly for security reasons. Letters used in 1945 on Lancaster VII. Used on Lincolns from Sep 46 – Apr 51.
YZ – Used by C Flight during 1945 for the very large bomb – Lancaster B 1 (Specials), Grand Slam etc.
Air Britain Lancaster File gives credence to the above but as usual it all comes with a standard health warning.
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November 21, 2011 at 12:30 am