Full Description
610 (County of Chester) Squadron was formed in February 1936 as a bomber squadron. With personnel recruited from the local area for the expanding Auxiliary Air Force, these `weekend fliers' were moulded into a cohesive fighting unit at Hooton Park, Cheshire. However, as the Second World War loomed, 610 Squadron transferred to Fighter Command, ultimately operating the iconic Supermarine Spitfire. Flying from Gravesend, 610 Squadron suffered seven pilots killed and one wounded whilst desperately protecting the Dunkirk evacuation. The Squadron then played a key role in the Battle of Britain, claiming a heavy toll on the Luftwaffe whilst operating from Biggin Hill and Hawkinge. After further tragic losses, 610's veterans moved to Acklington, Northumberland, to train replacement pilots. Despite the famous photographs of its men and aircraft during 1940, 610's valiant history remains largely unknown. This detailed book recounts their heroic story for the first time, combining the Operations Record Book with Combat Reports, pilots' Log Books, ground crew and relatives' testimonies, plus a rare interview with Wing Commander Brian Smith, a founding Squadron member who fought during 1940. Finally, this fascinating story is brought to life with many unpublished photographs from the Squadron's Association, to recognise 610 Squadron's brave sacrifice.
Contents
Dedication; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1 1936: Alifero Tollitur Axe Ceres; 2 1937: Development of 610 Squadron at Hooton Park; 3 1938: From Harts to Hinds; 4 1 January-9 October 1939: Fighter Command and, Finally, the Spitfire!; 5 10 October-31 December 1939: New Home at Wittering; 6 1 January-9 May 1940: Convoy Patrols from Bircham Newton and Prestwick; 7 10-25 May 1940: Arrival at Biggin Hill; 8 26-31 May 1940: Move to Gravesend and `Operation Dynamo'; 9 June 1940: Rest, Recuperation and Replacements at Acklington and Gravesend; 10 1-13 July 1940: Return to Biggin Hill for the Start of The Battle of Britain; 11 14-25 July 1940: Channel Duels; 12 26-31 July 1940: New Pilots, Training and Fox Film Company at Hawkinge; 13 1-13 August 1940: Beware of the Hun in the Sun; 14 14-17 August 1940: `Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few' ; 15 18 August 1940: The Hardest Day; 16 19-24 August 1940: Weather's Respite and Sergeant's Success; 17 25-31 August 1940: Relentless Scrambles for `Dog Rose' Squadron; 18 September 1940: Out of the Firing Line at Acklington; 19 October 1940: Closing Stages of The Battle of Britain; 20 November-December 1940: `Who falls for love of God, shall rise a star'; In conclusion; Postscript; Endnotes; Glossary and abbreviations; Bibliography; Index.
