Norwegians in the RAF

[Stein Meum]

I have no idea as to why there were so many Norwegians on 85 Sqn. Could be that night fighting was regarded as very "high tech" and that the Norwegian H.Q. regarded it as desirable to gain experience with this technology which could come in very handy with the generally poor weather conditions prevalent in Norway.
Many of the 85 Sqn Norwegians had previously served with 604 Sqn on Beaufighters.
Stein

[King Cobra]

Gentlemen, John Cunningham was the Sqn Cdr of 85 Sqn when most of the Norwegians were posted in. He was also a Flt Cdr on 604 when there were several Norwegians on that sqn. This could be the link.

KC

[King Cobra]

John Cunningham was in fact the Sqn Cdr of 604 Sqn (Beaufighters) which had several Norwegian aircrew. He had a great admiration for them and when he became the Cdr of 85 Sqn he specifically sought out his old Norwegian crews who were completing their rest tours (Jimmy Rawnsley in his book "Night Fighter")

Ed Durham (King Cobra)