Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

82 Squadron RAF is listed on the RSLVWM because it was one of the many units in which RAAF personnel served, fought and died during WW 2.

No. 82 Squadron, RFC, was formed at Doncaster, Yorkshire, on 7th January 1917, and from November 1917, until the Armistice served as an army co-operation unit on the Western Front flying Armstrong Whitworth FK8 aircraft.  It was disbanced shortly after the end of the War.

It re-formed as a light bomber unit in 1937 and during the early part of the Second World War, flying Bristol Blenheims, played a prominent part in No. 2 Group's offensive against shipping in the English Channel and the North Sea, and "fringe" targets on the Continent.

On two occasions during the summer of 1940 it was almost wiped out, but each time-thanks to the exceptional determination of the CO, Wing Commander the Earl of Bandon - it was re-formed within 48 hours to fight again.

The squadron left Bomber Command and moved to India in the early part of 1942 to join the effort against the Japanese as part of SE Asia Command. The Squadron arrived in the Far East in May, and received Vultee Vengeance dive-bombers in August. Anti-submarine patrols began on 17 November but it was in June 1943 before bombing raids began against Japanese targets in Burma. These continued for a year before the Squadron was withdrawn to re-equip with Mosquitoes. Ground attack sorties began in December and continued until 12 May 1945 after which No. 82 was moved to India disbanding on 15 March 1946.

The units post war history can be found by referring to the links in the side bar.