The Squadron was formed from 'B' Flight, 57 Squadron, at East Kirkby near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, on 15 November 1943 andequipped with Lancaster Mk.I bombers as part of No. 5 Group. The Squadron re-equipped with Lancaster Mk.III bombers the same month, carrying out strategic bombing roles. Between 18/19 November 1943 and 25 April 1945, the squadron took part in many major raids, including each of the 16 big raids made by Bomber Command on the German capital during what became known as the "Battle of Berlin". The Squadron’s final WWII operation was flown on 25/26 April 1945 when four Lancasters laid mines in the Onions area (Oslo fjord off Horten) of Norway.
From April 1945 the Squadron was tasked with ferrying POWs back to Britain, and finally disbanded on 15 July 1945. Although only in existence for 22 months, 630 Squadron had earned its place in the history of the RAF. Seventy members of the Squadron won gallantry awards, but at a terrible cost - 59 Lancasters had been lost in action (and another 11 had crashed).
If you have any queries about the Squadron's history, please contact the 57 & 630 Squadrons' Association Information Officer at InfoOfficer@57-630sqnassoc.org
