Thus We Keep Faith: The Operational History of 196 Squadron RAF 1942-1946

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.