The squadron ground crews. Their hard work in all weathers was pivotal in the success of the squadron. This Stirling would complete 23 operations with the squadron. First formed on the 24 th of April as a light bomber unit, Squadron moved to France in late May, and conducted daylight operations against enemy bases in Belgium and France until the end of hostilities. The inter-war years. The squadron departed France on the 7 th of February, but would return to this battle-torn land a little under twenty-one years hence to face the same enemy, although under far less favourable circumstances.
The end of the Great War had left Britain with a massive Air Force boasting some 22, aircraft, most of which were now superfluous to requirements. The savage cutbacks were to see the service contract to a fraction of its former size, and many battle-honoured squadrons fell victim to the cull. Among them was Squadron, upon whose neck the axe fell on the 24 th of June It was destined to remain as just a number on the shelf until the 16 th of March By this time, Hitler had been chancellor in Germany for three years, and alarm bells had been ringing all over Europe ever since his accession to power.
Even so, Britain was slow to re-arm, and the development of new military aircraft types had been stifled by a false sense of security created by adhering to a ten year plan. This was a rolling period in which peace could be assumed, and should war be considered a possibility many years hence, the plan would allow sufficient time to re-arm.
By , Germany was seen to have expansionist ambitions, and the mounting tension of the period persuaded some of the need to reappraise the situation with regard to the armed services. Cary was appointed as acting commanding officer, but the unit effectively remained part of 57 Squadron, and it would be some time yet before the umbilical cord was severed. The squadron was equipped with the sleek and admittedly beautiful Hawker Hind biplane, a type representing the pinnacle of bomber design in Britain.
Never-the-less, it harked back to the Great War, and the question was; would the new monoplane designs currently on the drawing board or under development be ready in time? With Squadron in tow, 57 Squadron departed Upper Heyford on the 27 th of March to undergo annual armament training at North Coates Fitties in Norfolk, and this lasted until the 25 th of April. Restrictions were immediately placed on the diving of Hinds, and when strong winds prevented any prospect of further useful flying training, the squadron returned to Upper Heyford on the 20 th , four days earlier than intended.
