56(R) Squadron History 2

No 56 Squadron's introduction to the war came on 6 Sep 1939. The squadron, then based at North Weald, flying Hawker Hurricanes, became the unwitting victims of a friendly fire incident now known as “the Battle of Barking Creek”. Two pilots of the squadron were shot down by aircraft of 74 Sqn and one, Montague Hulton-Harrop, was killed, becoming the RAF's first casualty in the defence of the UK – and the first ever Spitfire kill.

The squadron operated first during the Battle of France, and then as part of No. 11 Group RAF from North Weald throughout the Battle of Britain. On 1 September 1940 they were posted to RAF Boscombe Down to recuperate – having lost more than half the sqn strength. During 1940 the squadron claimed 100 aircraft shot down – again with considerable loss of pilots.

In 1941 the squadron was the first to receive the troublesome new Hawker Typhoons which they helped turn into a usable fighter. Throughout most of 1942 and 1943 the unit was based with No. 12 Group at RAF Matlaske in Norfolk. During this time 56 Squadron's role changed from that of low-medium level defence to becoming fighter bombers, attacking ground and sea targets.

56R Sqn