Squadron Code for 515 (BS) Sqn.

[Tom Semenza]

Every reference I have seen indicates that 515 Sqn. was issued the code 3P when it reequipped with the Mosquito FB.VI and joined 100 (BS) Group. However photographic evidence shows that the squadrons aircraft actually bore the code P3 at least to the end of October 1944 and possibly later. This was possibly an error made at squadron level since P3 was assigned to 692 Sqn. which was a Mosquito eqipped light bomber unit.

Can anyone tell me more precisely when the squadron code was corrected to 3P?

Thanks,
Tom

[Stig Jarlevik]

Tom

Any photo you can show us?

Cheers
Stig

[Tom Semenza]

Stig,

In Confounding the Reich: The Operational History of 100 Group (Bomber Support) RAF by Bowman & Cushing there are a number of photos:

Page 74 shows a lineup of P3 coded FB.VIs dated 11 Aug. 44.
Page 80 has a photo of NS993 P3-T from Sept. 44.
Page 116 shows PZ344 P3-E and PZ217 P3-K dated 29 Oct. 44.
Page 158 shows NS933 P3-G undated.

The first photo of a 3P coded Mossie (RS566) dated from around the end of Dec. 44. (Page 161)

Two photos also can be found in Birtles' Mosquito Fighter Squadrons in Focus. The same one of NS993 P3-T as noted above and also a 3P coded PZ338 in a photo dated 4 Nov. 44. So it would seem that, if these dates are correct, the change occured around the beginning of November.

Tom

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Tom

Have none of your references. I'll ask Andrew Thomas if he has any opinion.

Cheers
Stig