Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Hello,
Researching about PR activities I came around this Unit. I did try to find out more on the NET but my search was unsuccessful.
Please, could someone inform me where this Unit operated? ( England with the Spitfires VI? ). This was a Fighter Unit to intercept the Ju 86R or a Specialized Reconnaissance Unit of the RAF?
Thanks for ANY information about this unit ( OC´s, bases, etc...)
Yours
Adriano

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Hi Adriano,

I believe the unit you are interested in is the High Altitude Flight (also known as the Special Service Flight) (re-designated the Sub Stratosphere Flight in Sep42). Based at Northolt and specifically formed to counter high flying Ju 86s. Used Spitfire VI/VII/IXs.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Hello Andy!
Actually I do know about the Special Service Flight ( F/L Gallieni and the fight agains Erich Sommer, etc...)
I actually came around this designation: Strat Recce U
The pilots who flew with this Unit include:
1-Lt Henry Hugh Smithers, DFC ( RAFV 103243 )
2-F/O John Gower Martin Hooper, DFC ( RAFVR 89778 )
3-P/O Edward Charles Leonard Cordy, DFC ( RAFVR 102543 )

I really do not know IF they flew with the Sub Stratosphere Flight, or IF this was another unit ( in North Africa, maybe ? ). I do know they were both awarded the DFC on 12 May 1942...so perhaps from the High Altitude Flight, as you mentioned.

Do you ever heard about them? ( That unit could be the same known as X Flight Egypt ? )

Yours

Adriano

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Hi Adriano,

The only RAF unit I can find that goes by the name Strategic Reconnaissance Unit/Flight was formed in 1941 in the MTO and was re-designated 1437 Flt in 1942.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Hi Andy!
Yes, this is it! Do you know IF they operated Spitfires or simply Baltimores? Do you have or know where I could read more about this Flight? I already found about 1437 Flight from 1942 onwards, but the origin of this Squadron is unknown.
Thanks again for your gentle contribution and links!
Yours
Adriano

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Hi Adriano,

The SRU operated Maryland IIs and Baltimore IIs.

Cheers

Andy Fletcher

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

In July 1943 1437 Strategic Rece Flight " Borrowed " 6 A36A from USAAF stocks
These were 42-83829, 83898, 83906, 84018, 84019 and 84117.
They were flown in USAF Colours ie OD/NG, with RAF roundels , and intially with USAF serials with individual letters of A,B, C, D, E, F.
2838898 was B ,284018 was C , 284117 was F
Nose guns were removed and Dive brakes wired shut .
Later these A/C received local RAF serials HK944-47 and HK956-57.
A/C C formely 284018 wa re-serialed HK944 and was used latterly in Italy to convert Kittyhawk Pilots to Mustangs.
The History of 1437 Flights ops with the A36 can be found in the book "Straight Down " by Peter C Smith ISBN 0 947554 73 4 Crecy Publications

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Thanks Terry,

Does "Straight Down" only cover A-36A ops or is a history of 1437 Flt?

Cheers

Andy Fletcher

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

It covers A36 ops, but includes a chapter on 1437 Flight , and in appendices a 5 page list of the Flight's ops and a page listing the ground personel.

Re: Strat Recce Unit information please!
 

Thanks Terry