196 Squadron was formed in late 1942 as a night bomber squadron, in No. 4 Group Bomber Command. It was February 1943 before the squadron became operational with the first sorties being bombing raids on U Boat pens at Lorient, France flying Vickers Wellington aircraft. As well as the bombing raids the squadron also was used for ‘gardening’ (minelaying) sorties. The unit was then transferred to No.3 Group and re-equipped with Mk III Short Stirlings. Soon afterwards, the Stirling was removed from front-line bombing operations, in favour of the Lancaster and Halifax. Later in 1943 the squadron transferred once more, this time to 38 Group, Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF). Its new role included glider-towing, troop carrying and secret operations for the S.O.E. and S.A.S. The squadron took part in all the main invasion operations on and after D-Day, including the ill-fated Arnhem operation and then the successful Rhine Crossings. Its operational effectiveness was at the cost of numerous aircraft and crews. When the war in Europe ended the squadron was used to repatriate troops and help misplaced refugees.

Steve Holmes’ book replicates the squadron’s operational record, telling its story as it unfolded day by day. It is Steve’s second book. His first, Sherlock’s Squadron, is a biographical novel of his father and his father’s crew in 196 Squadron during World War II. This prompted Steve to research and write this book on the squadron’s history. Steve has been the squadron’s historian for the past 25 years. He is retired and lives in the south of Spain. He spends his time researching and writing and helping his good friend with his charity business.