3 Squadron
From Uxbridge Sergeant Scott was posted to RAF Fighter Command and commenced advanced training at RAF Sutton Bridge as a Hurricane pilot. After a week flying Miles Masters and North American Harvards Scott was allowed to fly a Hurricane:
| “ | Flight Lieutenant Sing climbed onto the port wing and gave me my final instructions - brief and very much to the point. 'Good luck Scott. She's all yours. Break it and I'll break your ruddy fingers.'
Such was my introduction to one of the nicest and most versatile aircraft I ever had the pleasure to fly. |
” |
| — Desmond J. Scott, "One More Hour" |
In January 1941 Scott and E.L "Nipper" Joyce, another New Zealander from Scott's Wigram course, were posted to 3 Squadron, which was then based at Skeabrae in the Orkney Islands, defending the nearby naval base at Scapa Flow. On 3 April 1941 3 Squadron was transferred to Martlesham Heath near Ipswich and became part of 11 Group. On 9 April they were joined by 71("Eagle") Squadron and both units settled down to a quiet period of convoy patrols. Both units were equipped with Hurricane Mks. IIA and IIB, armed with eight and 12 .303-inch Browning machine guns respectively, although these were being changed for the improved Mk IIC, which was armed with four 20 mm Hispano cannon. It became apparent that 3 Squadron was expected to operate both by day and by night in a wide range of roles:
| “ | The reason for our shift south soon became obvious. Instead of waiting for the Luftwaffe to visit Britain, the hierarchy of the RAF had decided to take the air war into the enemy's domain. Not only were we expected to carry out attacks on enemy shipping and targets in Belgium and France, we were also expected to do night fighter patrols over London - a dual role that was versatile but very exhausting. We could cover most operations from Martlesham Heath, but fighter nights over London had to be carried out from Debden on account of its runways and better night-flying facilities. Thus we could be attacking shipping in the morning (Roadsteads), escorting Blenheim or Stirling bombers over France in the afternoon (Circuses) and flying defensive patrols over London on the same night.(NB Italics added) | ” |
| — Desmond J. Scott, "One More Hour" |
Read more about this topic: Desmond J. Scott
Famous quotes containing the word squadron:
“Well gentlemen, this is it. This is what we’ve been waiting for. Tonight your target is Tokyo. And you’re gonna play ‘em the Star Spangled Banner with two-ton bombs. All you’ve got to do is to remember what you’ve learned and follow your squadron leaders. They’ll get you in, and they’ll get you out. Any questions? All right that’s all. Good luck to you. Give ‘em hell.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)