The value of the Australian contribution to the success of Bomber Command cannot be overstated. The BCATP enabled thousands of Australian airmen to train in their homeland and in Canada before joining operational squadrons, and, while many served in RAF units, others were gathered together in those formed within the Royal Australian Air Force. 467 Squadron RAAF was the fourth to be formed in Bomber Command after 455, 458 and 460 Squadrons RAAF, and began life in 5 Group at the end of 1942, although it would be January 1943 before it was ready to go to war.

This was towards the end of the Ruhr offensive, in which it played its part, before becoming involved in the campaign against Hamburg, the attack on Peenemünde, the final push against Italy and the Battle of Berlin. Following the relentless winter offensive, which resulted in heavy losses for the Command at Berlin, Leipzig and Nuremberg, the squadron played a full part in the pre- and post-invasion campaigns against transportation, oil and V-Weapons in a largely independent 5 Group, while providing tactical support for the ground forces.

The squadron remained an integral part of 5 Group’s contribution to victory, participating in a second Ruhr offensive from October 1944 and in attacks on the Dortmund-Ems and Mittelland Canals, which severely inhibited the enemy’s ability to transport raw materials and finished goods to and from the Ruhr. Benefitting from the finest leadership from the front, demonstrated by the loss of four of its commanding officers, the squadron served with distinction right up to the final day of the bombing war, and, its duty done, was disbanded at the end of September 1945.

Part of the series RAF Bomber Command profiles - #14.

Details: Non-fiction, published 2021.

Format: Soft cover, illustrations (photographs), 355 pages.

Dimensions: 28.0 cm (h) x 21.5 cm (w) x 2.1 cm (d) / 1,025 grams.