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After severe losses in the Malayan and Singapore campaigns flying outclassed Brewster Buffalos, the first formation of No.453 squadron is disbanded.
Official RAAF minutes listing the disposal of the first formation of 453 Squadron. Source: NAA
Pilots of No. 453 Squadron RAAF run to their Brewster Buffalo aircraft in Sembawang, Singapore.
Source: AWM
Numerous decisions are made during the disbandment process including the following order which ensures the naming of the 453 Squadron in Europe:
“We do not wish No.453 to retain it’s identity. We will place the number “on the shelf” and will re-form the Squadron at a later date”
After the bombing of Darwin, the Australian Government requests assistance in aircraft numbers and manpower to reinforce the RAAF in the defence of Australia. On the 28th of May, Winston Churchill agrees to release three operational Spitfire squadrons from RAF Fighter Command to the RAAF.
A newspaper article announcing the RAAF’s reinforcement Spitfire Squadrons arrival in Australia.
Source: Trove
Two of the squadrons released from Fighter Command are 452 and 457 RAAF. Both Australian squadrons are Article XV Squadrons, created under the Empire Air Training Scheme as part of Australia's commitment to the defence of Britain
With a gap left in the RAF Fighter Command. The RAAF raises a third Spitfire squadron to fulfil its commitment to the Empire Air Training Scheme.
The new squadron takes the now free "453" number off the shelf, marking the beginning of 453 Squadron in Europe.
Official RAAF orders for the creation of a new 453 Squadron in RAF Fighter command.
Source: NAA
Story
Formed at RAF Drem, 453 Squadron banded together brand new Australian pilots with little to no experience. The hard training to become operational bought them together. But was not without it’s mishaps, culture clashes and visit from the Luftwaffe.
Read the Drem story
After becoming operational in the quiet sectors of No.13 Group, 453 Squadron receives it’s movement orders to join the air war in the hotly contested arena of No.11 group.
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After a year of operations, 453 Squadron receives orders to move to the Orkney Islands for a period of operational rest.
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© Michael Ferguson-Kang