Arrived at RAF Bradwell Bay 23/08/1943
Departed RAF Bradwell Bay 04/10/1943
Aircraft Flown at Bradwell Bay Typhoon lB
Squadron Code US
© (IWM FLM 1480)
Another squadron moving in with Typhoon 1B aircraft. The Typhoon was designed as a replacement for the Hurricane and was under design and development from the beginning of the war. There were many teething problems, especially with the development of the Sabre engine. Some of the Typhoon problems were fatal. It wasn’t until late in 1942 that the problems began to be rectified. In 1943 the ground attack role was recognised as the key use of the Typhoon.
56 Squadron came to Bradwell Bay late in August 1943 from Manston, they had been based at Martlesham and Manston for some time. While at Bradwell Bay the squadron carried out training and a few patrols. Including an air sea rescue patrol. One problem they did experience was tyres bursting both on take off and landing. No major injuries were incurred.
The squadron was destined to become part of 2 TAF and potentially go to Europe following the Normandy invasion. From Bradwell Bay they returned to RAF Martlesham.