305 Squadron and the B-25 Mitchell: A Brief but Significant Chapter in RAF Operations 🇬🇧🇵🇱🇺🇸
In September 1943, 305 Polish Bomber Squadron “Ziemia Wielkopolska,” operating as part of the RAF’s 2nd Tactical Air Force, re-equipped with the North American B-25 Mitchell Mk II at RAF Swanton Morley.
This transition from Vickers Wellingtons marked the squadron’s shift from night bombing with Bomber Command to daylight tactical operations in preparation for the Allied invasion of Europe.
The squadron flew a limited number of Mitchell operations between September and December 1943. These included Ramrod missions targeting V-1 launch sites such as Mimoyecques and coastal fortifications along the Pas de Calais. In total, only around 15 operational sorties were recorded with the type, reflecting a short evaluation and familiarisation period.
On 3 December 1943, the squadron was instructed to cease Mitchell operations and begin conversion to the de Havilland Mosquito FBVI By late December 1943, the Mosquito had fully replaced the B-25, becoming the aircraft with which 305 Squadron conducted the majority of its remaining wartime operations, including extensive close air support and interdiction during the Battle of Normandy and the campaign in North-West Europe.
This brief use of the B-25 Mitchell by Polish crews exemplifies the rapid evolution of Allied tactical air power in 1943–44 and the adaptability of the Polish Air Force in exile.
📷 FV948/SM-Q was one of the last Mitchell MkIl (B-25D) delivered to 305 Squadron who were the first front-line unit in the RAF that used FV948.
The aeroplane took part in three Operations and It later served with 226 Squadron and non-operational units, and was finally scrapped in June 1947.
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