Back

#1580CU Prefect T1

Prefect T1
Purchased products will not feature the Squadron Prints watermark
£10.00 €11.99 $12.67
43.8 cm x 29.2 cm
Item added to bag. Click here to view bag.
Please select a size from above to proceed.
Print
Prefect T1
ZM300
57 Sqn
RAF Cranwell
UK - Air Force
Delivery and shipping information

Description

Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1580CU - ZM300 '00', Prefect T1, 57 Squadron, RAFC Cranwell.

No. 57 Squadron was formed at Copmanthorpe on 8 June 1916, initially operating the BE 2C and Avro 504K. The Squadron moved to France in December 1916 where it was engaged in fighter and reconnaissance duties. In May 1917 it re-equipped with DH 4s for high altitude and photo-reconnaissance operations. The Squadron suffered heavy losses between 1917 and 1918 and during one period, every member of the Squadron’s flying personnel had been killed or injured. Replacement crews were sourced from other units and 57 Squadron was able to remain in action. It was this period which inspired the Squadron’s phoenix badge and motto – “I change my body not my spirit”. In May 1919 DH 9As were received prior to returning to the UK where the Squadron disbanded on 31 December 1919. 57 Squadron reformed at Netheravon on 20 October 1931 operating Hawker Harts in the bomber role. A move to Upper Heyford followed in September 1932. It re-equipped with Hinds in May 1936 and these were replaced by Blenheims in March 1938. The Squadron moved to France in September 1939 but returned to the UK in May 1940. The following month it moved to Lossiemouth where it was attached to Coastal Command, undertaking shipping strikes off Norway. The Squadron returned to East Anglia in November 1940 where it re-equipped with Wellingtons and joined No. 3 Group for attacks on Germany. Lancasters were received in September 1942 and were operated by the Squadron for the remainder of the war. Lincoln B2s were operated from August 1945, replaced by Washington B1s in May 1951 followed by Canberra B2s in May 1953, remaining with the Squadron until disbandment on 9 December 1957. On 1 January 1959, 57 Squadron reformed at Honington as part of the “V” Bomber Force equipped with Victor B1s. A move to Marham in December 1965 signalled a new role for the Squadron, that of air-to-air refuelling with Victor K1 tankers. These were subsequently replaced by Victor K2s in 1976. The Squadron deployed to Ascension Island on 18 April 1982 and played a major role in the operation to recover South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Returning to the UK, the Squadron disbanded once again on 30 June 1986. It reformed at Lyneham as No. 57 (Reserve) Squadron on 1 June 1992, becoming the shadow unit for the Hercules OCU, responsible for the operational training of RAF Hercules air crew until 14 March 2002. On 1 October 2008, the Squadron again reformed, this time at Wyton replacing 2 Squadron of 1 EFTS as an Elementary Flying Training Squadron flying the Grob Tutor. On 16 December 2011, the Squadron became part of 3 FTS after it subsumed 1 EFTS following a re-organisation of flying training. The closure of Wyton saw the Squadron move to RAF Cranwell in September 2014. In 2018, the Squadron re-equipped with the Prefect T1 as part of the UK Military Flying Training System and continues to deliver Elementary Flying Training.

You may also like