Wellingtons and Halifaxes in Asia

JCFalkenbergIII · #1 (**permalink**) February 29th, 2008, 04:46 AM

"225 Group RAF was formed in mid January 1942 in India. 215 Sqn with Wellington joined 225 Group arrived in April and started operations on 23rd April 1942 to be joined shortly afterwards by 99Sqn, both of which were equipped with Mk 1C's. In April 1943 the first Mk X's were received, plus a few Mk III's with 99Sqn, which served principly as night bombers for another year until both Squadrons re-equipped with Liberator Mk VI's in Summer 1944.

1577 Flight RAF was a Trials & Transport Flight, which carried out transport and glider towing tests from 5th October 1943 until disbandment 1st June 1946. The Unit also had a few Lancasters.

A second Halifax unit, 1341 Special Duties Flight RAF was sent out to India in January 1945 to investigate Japenese Radar but it was not until May 1945 that the Flight was ready at Digri to commence Ops.. It then became 1341 Radio Countermeasures Flight in July 1945."

Found this information on another discussion group a few years back. Any other info out there?

TA152 · #2 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2008, 12:52 AM

I would hazard a guess that the Wellington's did not fare well in humid, hot areas since they are mostly wood and fabric. However I don't know much about the China-Burma-India theater other than it was at the bottom of the pecking order as far as supplies and importance go.

JCFalkenbergIII · #3 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 07:20 PM

Well I was surprised to hear that there were Halifaxs and Lancs there too.

TA152 · #4 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 07:29 PM

If the war in the Pacific lasted longer the RAF were going to produce a Lancaster with a huge fuel tank on it's back so it would have extra range. It made the plane look bad and I am sure made it more difficult to fly.