Operating with the R.A.F.’s 2nd Tactical Air Force for the invasion of Normandy, No. 1 R.A.F. Beach Squadron, consisting of Nos. 101 and 102 Beach Flights, was assigned to the SWORD assault area where the 3rd Division Group of 1st Corps led the assault in the ‘Queen’ sector.

In the final plans for Operation “OVERLORD” it was established  that virtually all R.A.F. units, stores and supplies would be handled through the JUNO and GOLD assault areas (and the Mulberry harbour to be established at Arromanches), The need for an R.A.F. beach unit in the SWORD area was therefore called into question. However, it was decided that No. 1 R.A.F.Beach Squadron, which had trained for months to work with the Army beach groups in 101 Beach Sub Area, should still be ‘put across’.

In the event the men of No. 1 R.A.F. Beach Squadron distinguished themselves by the way in which they assisted their Army and Navy colleagues in the difficult conditions in the SWORD area.

Look out for more information about No. 1 R.A.F. Beach Squadron being added here, but in the meantime see the page about F/Lt Glen McBride.

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