December 15, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Does anyone happen to know please what pre-war civilian flying club became No.1 Camouflage Unit, or which aerodrome it was based at? The only info I have, is the following from the unit’s ORB:(AIR 29/33)
This unit was a civilian flying company and was taken over by the Home Office for the taking of photographs of factories and other Vulnerable Points (VP) or areas which were considered important to be concealed from the air. On the outbreak of hostilities, all civilian flying was stopped and the flight was taken over to Hendon and operated by 24 Squadron, by arrangement with Fighter Command. Subsequently it became No.1 Camouflage Unit and commenced operations at Baginton, Coventry on 9 October 1939. The unit co-operates with the Ministry of Home Security, Civil Defence Camouflage Establishment, Leamington Spa and RAF stations, for photographic, air observation, reconnaissance and camouflage work generally. As a Polish fighter squadron was to be based at Baginton, the unit moved to Cosford on 28 September 1940.
Aircraft used were eight Stinson Reliants with either Lycoming or Wright Whirlwind engines and, two Leopard Moth aircraft with Gipsy engines.
Thanks in anticipation,
Paul
By: David Thompson - 15th December 2011 at 18:56
Formed 3 November 1939 at Baginton then moved to Cosford in September 1940 and then Hendon in November 1940 .