550 Squadron RAF Bomber Command Profiles

1 Group embarked on an expansion programme in the autumn of 1943 just as ACM Harris was preparing to resume his offensive against Berlin, the seat and symbol of Nazi power and the key, in his eyes, to ultimate victory. 550 Squadron was one of four to be spawned by existing 1 Group units when it was formed at Grimsby from C Flight of 100 Squadron in November. It hit the ground running and was ever-present on major operations during the remainder of the Berlin/winter offensive. Thereafter it participated in the pre- and post-invasion campaigns in 1944 and those against oil, communications and V-weapons during the summer, the liberation of the Channel ports and the second Ruhr campaign in the autumn and winter. The squadron remained at the forefront of 1 Group operations and took part in one on the final day of the bombing war in April 1945. Chris Ward tells the definitive operational history of 550 Squadron during the Second World War.