98 Squadron/1523 Flight Iceland 1941

[BrianC]

Hi guys

In June 1941, 98 Squadron flying obsolete Battles from Iceland, was disbanded, but was immediately ordered to re-equip with a dozen Hurricanes from storage, and take on the mantle of 1423 Flight under the command of Flt Lt Jack Bachmann. However, this order was almost immediately rescinded, the Flight disbanded, and all relevant aircrew returned to the UK.

What was the reasoning behind the thinking to make Hurricanes available but then withdraw them? I believe that only four Hurricanes were uncrated and air tested - Z4037, Z4042, Z4048 and Z4049.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Stay safe
Brian

[Col Bruggy]

Brian,

No.1423 FLIGHT.

Formed 10.6.41 from a flight of No.98 Sqn as No.1423 Fighter Flight at KALDADARNES (satt Reykjavik) with 10 Hurricane and 2 Battle for the defence of Reykjavik; 15.7.41 Reykjavik; 16.8.41 flew 12 sorties in escort for HMS Prince of Wales, which carried Winston Churchill; 19.12.41 retd to UK at OUSTON in No.13 Group and gradually reduced to number plate basis; officially considered disbanded wef 22.11.43. Aircraft: Hurricane I (Z4702); Battle (L5099).

Royal Air Force Flying Training and Supporting Units since 1912.
Strutivant,Ray (with John Hamlin).
Staplefield:Air-Britain(Historians),2007.
p.122

No.1423 Fighter Flight.

A new unit, No.1423 Fighter Flight, was formed at Kaldadarnes on 10 June 1941 with six Hurricanes for the defence of the Reykjavik area. Its operations were under the control of No.98 Squadron and three Battle pilots were transferred to the flight and trained on Hurricanes. The flight moved to Reyjkavik with No.98 Squadron on 15 July 1941, where it became self-operating. Two Battles, L5099 and L5628, were taken over from No.98 Squadron, the latter being a target tug. The sole remaining No.98 Squadron Battle, L5547, was transferred to No.1423 Flight in November 1941. L5547 and L5628 were then used by 269 Squadron. All three ended their days at Reykjavik; L5099 was SOC on 21 September 1943, L5547 was SOC on 21 October 1942 and L5628 was SOC on 30 April 1944. The unit ceased to be operational on 3 December 1941 and its personnel embarked for transfer to the UK on 31 December 1941. The Battles continued in use for some time, mainly for AA co-operation target-towing duties.

The Battle File.
Shail,Sidney.
Tunbridge:Air-Britain(Historians),1997.
p.87.

Col.

[BrianC]

Hi Col

Thanks once again!

I believe we have both suffered a minor typng finger glitch, however.

Yes, 1423 Flight not 1523 Flight!

And you mention 68 Squadron, and should of course be 98 Squadron!

But what was the purpose of 1423 Flt when it was disbanded within a month?

Cheers, stay safe
Brian

[Col Bruggy]

Brian,

Most humble apologies. Will edit, just to keep the record straight!

Col.

[Leendert]

Brian,

See https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA...-Guard-19.html
and search for Hurricane.

Short stay (also) had to do with being replaced by US forces.

Regards,
Leendert

[BrianC]

Many thanks once again, Leendert

It's obvious when one puts two and two together!

Stay safe
Brian