W/O E. Twigg of No. 274 Squadron recorded on his Combat Report of 27 December 1944:
Whilst flying as Blue 2, two Me.109's were sighted by S/L Mackie, Blue 1. flying line abreast, one thousand feet above, in the Aachen area and flying in an easterly direction. I was flying 100 yards back of Blue 1 who recognised the planes as Me.109s and announced the fact over the R/T. I closed to 300 yds and fired a short burst on the port e/a, a slight deflection shot, without success. The 109 weaved slightly and then straightened out. By this time I had closed to 200 yards. From dead astern I gave a 1-second burst and saw strikes on the engine and cockpit. White smoke poured out in a steady stream. The a/c turned port and I followed. Suddenly the white smoke ceased and the 109 began turning in an effort to get on to my tail. This continued for two turns. During the last turn I observed black smoke pouring from the a/c. The aircraft straightened out and whilst in this position I observed two black objects fall from the a/c. Almost immediately the a/c did a gentle turn port, losing height and dived vertically into the ground and exploded.
I claim one Me. 109 destroyed. 26
F/Lt. J Malloy of 274 Squadron recorded in his Combat Report for 27 December 1944:
While flying Blue 3 south towards Malmedy on patrol, I noticed considerable flak east of Malmedy and soon after saw 8 � 12 a/c on the deck flying approx. east. Blue 1 immediately turned 90° port, jettisoned tanks and went after a/c below, which I later identified as Me.109s. I closed in on two a/c but suddenly saw two others coming in from astern. I broke around and after a short dog-fight managed to get in two short strikes, two ring deflection, on one a/c, missing on first but getting strikes on or about cockpit and engine with second. Pieces flew off the a/c and as I overshot I noticed all the engine cowlings had blown off. The a/c continued in slight turn and appeared to attempt to force-land. Just before it landed it skidded sideways and crashed on the right wing into a field. As he did not break up on impact I went down and gave it a short burst, seeing strikes. I did not see pilot leave a/c. During this combat the second 109 climbed above me. However my starboard cannon had jammed; my port tank had failed to jettison, making it very difficult to turn and, as we were on the outskirts of the Ruhr getting quite a bit of flak, I did not �press on regardless� but returned to base.
I claim one Me.109 destroyed. 27
No 274 Squadron
Planned as an anti-submarine squadron to be based at Seaton Carew from November 1918, it never actually formed and the number was transferred to No 5 (Communications) Squadron at Bircham Newton. The squadron was equipped with the Handley Page V/1500 but following training, it was decided to concentrate on smaller twin engined bombers and the unit was disbanded on 30 January with its personnel forming the nucleus of No 207 Squadron.
Reformed at Amtiya in Egypt on 19 August 1940 it was equipped with both Hurricanes ('A' Flight) and Gladiators ('B' Flight). It also 6took over the Free French Flight previously attached to No 80 Squadron, however, this left in September and the following month 'B' Flight re-equipped with Hurricanes.
Between December 1940 and May 1942 the squadron was involved in fighter operations in the Western Desert interspersed with short periods of defensive duty back in Egypt. In May 1942 the squadron's aircraft were converted to the fighter-bomber role and it began ground attack operations in support of the 8th Army. When the squadron reached Tunisia the squadron reverted to the air defence role receiving some Spitfires in April 1943.
In September the squadron moved to Cyprus and completed its re-equipment with Spitfires in October. These were taken to Italy in February 1944 and for the next two months it carried out offensive operations over the Balkans. However, on 10 April 1944 the squadron embarked for the UK and re-assembled on 24 April at Hornchurch. It was now part of 2nd Tactical Air Force and carried out the usual round of offensive operations in connection with the forthcoming invasion and provided cover to the invasion forces themselves.
August brought conversion to the Hawker Tempest V and these were put to immediate use in combating the V-1 flying bombs being unleashed against Britain at that time. With the V-1 threat abated the squadron moved to the Continent rejoining 2 TAF in September. Based in the Low Countries the squadron continued to support the Allied armies as they moved closer to Germany. In September 1945 the aircrews returned to Warmwell to take part in an armament practice camp and whilst there it was disbanded by being re-numbered No 174.
Motto: Supero (I overcome)
Squadron Codes used: -
MU Allocated Apr - Sep 1939
YK Aug 1940 - Sep 1940
NH Allocated but no evidence of being carried
JJ Apr 1944 - Sep 1945
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RAF 274 squadron
Re: RAF 274 squadron
