504 Squadron came into being on
the 14th March 1926 based at Hucknell as part of the Special Reserve
Squadron in the light bomber role. The squadron was equipped with Horsleys,
Wallaces and Hinds before becoming a fighter squadron equipped with
Gloster Gauntlets on 31st October 1938. By the beginning of World War II,
504 had been re-equipped with Hawker Hurricanes. The squadron's first
victory was a Ju88 shot down over France on May 14th 1940 where it had
been sent as a BEF reinforcement. After suffering heavy losses in France,
504 was sent back to Wick in the UK and began to build itself back to
operational strength. On 5th September 1940 504 flew to Hendon and began
intensive operations attacking German formations over London and the South
East of England during the Battle of Britain. During 1941, 504 was
re-equipped with Mk IIb Hurricanes and then divided. A flight joining
No.81 squadron to go to Russian and a new 504 squadron being built up from
B flight. 504 squadron saw action throughout World War II, taking part in
offensive fighter sweeps over occupied Europe, escorting transport
aircraft to Arnhem and bomber escort duties. During January 1945, six
pilots were posted to Glosters for conversion to the Meteor, but the war
ended in Europe before they could be used in combat. On 16th December 1947
King George VI gave permission for the use of the Royal prefix for all
Auxiliary Air Force squadrons. On 12th February 1957 504 squadron Royal
Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Wyneswold was disbanded.
Defending the Line by Stephen Brown During the long summer of 1940 southern England formed the battle line
upon which the future of the free world hung in the balance. Hurricane
Mk1s of 504 Squadron power into the dawn sky for the first of what will
probably be several scrambles in a typical day during the Battle of
Britain. During the course of the war the Hurricane flew in every combat
theatre and in virtually every role conceivable for a fighter.
Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear Hawker Hurricane MkI P2725 TM-B.
Aircraft History: The Hawker
Hurricane MkI was part of the first production batch of 500 built by
Gloster Aircraft Co. Ltd, Brockworth during 1939/140 under contract
number 962371/38/C.23A/ Delivered to 504 squadron, P2725 brought down the
first enemy aircraft over London on 15th September 1940, piloted by Flight
Sergeant R. T. Holmes. Ammunition exhausted he deliberately rammed a
Dornier causing it to crash on Victoria Station, P2725 was badly damaged
as a result of this action and Flight Sergeant Holmes had to leave the
stricken aircraft by parachute. The Hurricane crashed in the vicinity of
Victoria Station.
Flight Lieutenant Raymond T Holmes: Born
and raised on the Wirral Peninsula, Ray Holmes was the 55th volunteer for
the RAFVR on its formation in 1936. As a sergeant pilot he was credited
with being the first to bring down an enemy aircraft over London during
the Battle of Britain whilst with 504 County of Nottingham Squadron flying
Hawker Hurricane P2725. After flying convoy protection duties he was
posted to Murmansk with 81 Fighter Squadron, escorting Russian Bombers
over Finland. Upon his return to Britain he qualified as a flying
instructor and spent two years at the Central Flying School. This was
followed by a move to 541 Squadron at Benson, flying PR Spitfires,
photographing targets such as Berlin, the Ruhr and Hitler's hideout at
Berchtesgaden. At the end of the war he was appointed King's Messenger
flying mail for Winston Churchill. Ray was demobilized in October
1945 to return to the Wirral and his pre-war career of journalism. Motto: "Vindicat in Ventis"
("It Avenges in the Wind").
