RAF in Combat has produced their next in a series of Study, History, and Statistics books on RAF, Dominion and Allied Squadrons at War. This latest edition covers 443 Squadron (RCAF) during its time in the war zone from early 1944 until it was disbanded after occupation duty in 1946.  Like many non-RAF units, this one did have mainly British ground crew, but most of the officers and pilots were from Canada having been flying for several years there as 1 squadron RCAF on what were basically patrol duties while flying Hurricanes. They were one of six squadrons chosen to go to Europe at the end of 1943 and were formed in the UK at 443 Squadron in early 1944 on Spitfire Vs. They quickly moved onto the Spit IX and prepared for D-Day, after which they were part of 144 (RCAF) Wing and later 127 (RCAF) Wing.  Their aircraft were coded 2I and they were chosen for occupation duty before being disbanded in early 1946.

The book opens with a history of the squadron and includes the specifics on the operation of Commonwealth units under Article XV. Basically, the RAF provided the planes and most of the ground crew while the home country provided pilots and training.

But what this book is really about is statistics. Those sections are; Squadron and Flight Commanders, Major Awards, Operational Diary (Sorties), Victory List (by aircraft type), Aircraft Losses on Operations (this is a rather complete section that includes the circumstances of the loss and other details), and Aircraft Losses in Accidents. Additional sections are a tie-in of known codes and aircraft serials, a listing of pilots and those who lost their life while with the unit.  There are a number of fine period photos of pilots and planes and the book ends with four pages and a dozen full color profiles of Spitfires flown by the unit.

In all, it makes for an excellent reference of the unit. New and updated information on the squadron will be posted on the RAF in Combat website as it becomes available, making this a constant in work effort. It is a book that is superbly researched and is a must for the enthusiast and modeler alike.

November 2012

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