Hi all,
This is an announcement that with the help of members of the 578 Squadron Association we have put together a web site dedicated to the memory of 578 squadron RAF Bomber Command.
http://www.578squadron.org.uk/
Although it was only operational for 14 months of WWII the squadron flew 2,722 sorties, suffering grievous losses of aircraft and 219 aircrew from its base at Burn in North Yorkshire.
Over 227 gallantry awards were made to the squadron including the Victoria Cross, awarded posthumously to Pilot Officer C J Barton, the only Halifax Bomber pilot to be so honoured. The President of the United States of America also ordered the posthumous award of the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action to the first Commanding Officer, Wing Commander DSS Wilkerson DSO, DFC
The squadron was equipped throughout its short existence with the mighty Halifax BIII. 578 squadron having three of the four known 100op Halifaxes on its squadron books.
It was set up and lead by an inspirational leader Wing Commander DSS Wilkerson whose leadership resulted in the squadron being ultimately christened 'The Aiming Point Squadron'
There are plenty of websites to the Lancaster but few dedicated to Yorkshires bomber the Halifax so I hope this goes a little way to redress the imbalance.
It is just a starting point so any feedback from you the historical aviation enthusiasts is welcome.
I do hope that I am able to expand the site while we do still have some of the brave veterans still with us and willing to do some "silver surfing".
Regards and Merry Christmas,
Paul Waites
webmaster@578squadron.org.uk
