90 and 214 Squadron operating in Algeria and Italy ?

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

From, Ron James' "Avenging In The Shadows No.214 Squadron Royal Air Force":

The Squadron sent six crews to Tempsford in November (1943) to help No.161 Sqn drop supplies to the French Resistance; hazardous work entailing a long distance flight on a moonlit night to a small remote field. A reception committee would await them and signal with flashlights to indicate where the supplies were to be dropped. Fifteen supply drops were made between November 9 and 21, all aircraft returning safely; not a bad record considering that these flights were carried out at night, flying as low as 50 feet, and without previous experience in this type of operation. Whilst based at Tempsford, the crews were visited by the King and Queen, who inspected the personnel involved in the night's operations and took tea with the aircrew in the officers' mess. Harold Bidmead (Flight Engineer, later DFC), was there when an announcement was made that the King would make an informal presentation to one of the Station's officers. Harold relates: "This particular officer was none too popular, and when the King made the presentation there was deafening silence. The Queen, noticing the mood, turned to Harold and said 'Do you take two sugars in your tea, dear?' This broke the spell and conversation returned to normal." Like all who have been in her company, Harold and the entire assembly were greatly impressed by the Queen. Detachments were at Tempsford again in December when 24 drops were made, then the Squadron left Chedburgh to share residence for a short time with 218 Squadron at Downham Market.

See:
Avenging In The Shadows No.214 Squadron Royal Air Force.
James, Ron.
Preston:Compaid Graphics,2006 (rep.).
p.119.

Col.

[Steve Smith]

Thanks Col.