Formed:
Disbanded:
Squadron was
based at:
RAF Digby :: 24 Mar 1942 - 10 Apr 1942
RAF Luqa :: 20 Apr 1942 - Squadron
code: UF
Aircraft
operated:
Spitfire Mk VA :: 601 Sqn ground staff began to arrive at RAF Digby on 24 Mar 1942 and
were followed by their aircraft the following day. The Sqn would not
remain for long as on April 10th all 601 Squadron personnel were given
secret orders to embark on an eventful journey
which took them to RAF Luqa on Malta on April 20th.
All of 601 Sqn's Spitfires, including P7505, were left behind at RAF
Digby. This airframe was delivered on 10 Apr and likely handed straight
to 601 Sqn along with its other 16 aircraft.
So it now appears that 601 Squadron's pilots never had the chance to
use
P7505.
Two days after 601's departure began, OC 421 Sqn tried to
acquire the service of the ex-601 Sqn personnel who were on the strength
of SHQ
RAF
Digby to service his newly-acquired aircraft. By 18 Apr he had also managed
to secure 2 ex-601 Sqn pilots, Plt Off J H Murray and Sgt A R McDonald,
for 421 Sqn.
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