From the Ruhr to the Rhine

No.196 Squadron was reformed at RAF Driffield, Yorkshire, on November 7th 1942, as a night bomber unit in No. 4 Group, RAF Bomber Command. The squadron was initially equipped with the sturdy and reliable Vickers Wellington Mk.X.

From the outset, the squadron was heavily committed to attacks on the German U-Boat pens on the French coast. Operating almost continuously during the Battle of the Ruhr, the squadron suffered grievous losses in men and aircraft.

In July 1943, the Squadron transferred to No.3 Group and started conversion to the Short Stirling Mk.III, operating from the newly opened RAF Witchford, and soon became heavily engaged in Bomber Commands' autumn and early winter campaigns.

With increased activity over German targets and revitalised German defences, the losses suffered by 196 Squadron, along with the Group's other Short Stirling equipped squadrons, steadily reached unacceptable levels.

In November 1943, despite having proved itself repeatedly, No.196 was unceremoniously transferred to No.38 Group, much against the aircrew's wishes.

This book recalls the achievements of a squadron that quietly fought a life-and-death battle over occupied Europe and Germany, almost unknown outside the parent group.