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{{short description|Royal Australian Air Force squadron}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=No. 43 Squadron RAAF
|unit_name=No. 43 Squadron RAAF
|image=[[Image:43 sqn (AWM 128022).jpg|300px]]
|image=43 sqn (AWM 128022).jpg
|image_size=300px
|caption=A No. 43 Squadron Catalina
|caption=A No. 43 Squadron [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]]
|dates= 1 May 1943 – 11 March 1946
|dates= 1 May 1943 – 11 March 1946
|country={{flag|Australia}}
|country=Australia
|branch=[[Royal Australian Air Force]]
|branch=[[Royal Australian Air Force]]
|type=
|type=
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|patron=
|patron=
|motto=
|motto=
|battles=[[World War II]]
|battles=World War II
|aircraft_patrol=[[PBY Catalina|Catalina]]
|aircraft_patrol=[[Consolidated PBY Catalina]]
}}
}}


'''No. 43 Squadron''' was a [[Royal Australian Air Force]] maritime patrol and mine laying squadron of World War II. Raised in early 1943, the squadron flew [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] aircraft from bases in Queensland and the Northern Territory, flying mine laying, convoy protection and bombing sorties against Japanese targets in [[Pacific theatre of World War II|Pacific theatre]]. These operations saw the squadron operate as far north as the Chinese coast. After the conclusion of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded in mid-1946.
'''No. 43 Squadron''' was a [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) maritime patrol and mine-laying squadron that operated during World War II. Raised in early 1943, the squadron flew [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] aircraft from bases in Queensland and the Northern Territory, flying mine-laying, convoy-protection and bombing sorties against Japanese targets in the [[Pacific theatre of World War II|Pacific theatre]]. These operations saw it operate as far north as the Chinese coast. After the conclusion of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded in mid-1946.


==History==
==History==
No. 43 Squadron was formed at [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]] in [[Queensland]] on 1 May 1943, initially under the command of Flight Lieutenant I.L. Addison.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=80}} It subsequently moved to [[Karumba, Queensland|Karumba]] in August.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}} The squadron's first commanding officer was Squadron Leader Charles Thompson, who took over soon after.<ref name=museum>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/units/43sqn.htm |title=No. 43 Squadron |publisher=Royal Australian Air Force |work=RAAF Museum |accessdate=16 November 2014}}</ref> Equipped with [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] aircraft, the squadron flew its first operational patrols on 8 September, with four aircraft conducted strikes against targets in [[Ambon Island|Ambon]].{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}}
No. 43 Squadron was formed at [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]] in [[Queensland]] on 1 May 1943, initially under the command of Flight Lieutenant I.L. Addison.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=80}} It subsequently moved to [[Karumba, Queensland|Karumba]] in August.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}} The squadron's first commanding officer was Squadron Leader Charles Thompson, who took over soon after.<ref name=museum>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/units/43sqn.htm |title=No. 43 Squadron |publisher=Royal Australian Air Force |work=RAAF Museum |access-date=16 November 2014}}</ref> Equipped with [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] aircraft, the squadron flew its first operational patrols on 8 September, with four aircraft conducting strikes against targets in [[Ambon Island|Ambon]].{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}}


The squadron was initially allocated a general reconnaissance role; however, like all the RAAF's Catalina squadrons the squadron also operated in the mine laying and bombing roles.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}} In addition to flying convoy protection and anti-submarine patrols along the Australian east coast the squadron conducted offensive operations against Japanese shipping in the [[Solomon Islands]] and the eastern islands of the [[Netherlands East Indies]],<ref name=museum/> with a detachment maintained at Bowen during this time.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}}
The squadron was initially allocated a general reconnaissance role; however, like all the RAAF's Catalina units the squadron also operated in mine-laying, bombing and supply-dropping roles.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}} As well as flying convoy protection and anti-submarine patrols along the Australian east coast the squadron conducted offensive operations against Japanese shipping in the [[Solomon Islands]] and the eastern islands of the [[Netherlands East Indies]],<ref name=museum/> with a detachment maintained at Bowen during this time.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}}


After moving to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] in the [[Northern Territory]] in April 1944 the squadron became part of [[No. 76 Wing RAAF]] along with [[No. 20 Squadron RAAF|Nos. 20]] and [[No. 42 Squadron RAAF|42 Squadrons]].{{sfn|Odgers|1968|pp=362–365}} After this, they operated almost exclusively in the mine laying role. Operating alongside the other Catalina squadrons, No. 43 Squadron conducted mine laying operations throughout South East Asia, venturing as far as the Philippines, Hong Kong and the Chinese coast.<ref name=museum/>{{sfn|Odgers|1968|pp=365&ndash;375}} Aircraft from the squadron flew up to 25 hours on such missions, often staging through airfields as far away as [[Morotai]].{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}}
After moving to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] in the [[Northern Territory]] in April 1944 the squadron became part of [[No. 76 Wing RAAF]] along with [[No. 20 Squadron RAAF|Nos. 20]] and [[No. 42 Squadron RAAF|42 Squadrons]].{{sfn|Odgers|1968|pp=362–365}} On 10 May 1944, Squadron Leader L.M. Hurt took over as commanding officer, but was soon replaced by Squadron Leader P.J. McMahon in July.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=82}} After this, they operated almost exclusively in the mine laying role. Operating alongside the other Catalina squadrons, No. 43 Squadron conducted mine laying operations throughout South East Asia, venturing as far as the Philippines, Hong Kong and the Chinese coast.<ref name=museum/>{{sfn|Odgers|1968|pp=365–375}} Aircraft from the squadron flew up to 25 hours on such missions, often staging through airfields as far away as [[Morotai]].{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}}


The squadron also undertook [[air-sea rescue]] operations, supporting long-range Allied bombing missions in the Netherlands East Indies from early 1944.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}}{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}} It also undertook harassing operations against Japanese installations and conducted anti-shipping missons.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}} A number of aircraft were lost during these operations.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}} One of its most significant actions came on the night of 5/6 April 1945, three 43 Squadron Catalinas shadowed the [[Japanese cruiser Isuzu|Japanese cruiser ''Isuzu'']], which was subsequently sunk by Allied bombers and submarines.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}}
The squadron also undertook [[air-sea rescue]] operations, supporting long-range Allied bombing missions in the Netherlands East Indies from early 1944.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}}{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}} It also undertook harassing operations against Japanese installations and conducted anti-shipping missions.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=81}} A number of aircraft were lost during these and other operations. One of its most significant actions came on the night of 5/6 April 1945, when three No. 43 Squadron Catalinas shadowed the [[Japanese cruiser Isuzu|Japanese cruiser ''Isuzu'']], which was subsequently sunk by Allied bombers and submarines.{{sfn|Eather|1995|p=80}} Hurt was replaced as commanding officer by Squadron Leader R.M. Seymour on 19 May 1945.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=82}}


Following the end of the war No. 43 Squadron performed routine patrol and transport flights until moving to [[RAAF Base Rathmines]] in November 1945.<ref name=museum/> No. 43 Squadron was disbanded at Rathmines on 11 March 1946.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=82}}
Following the end of the war No. 43 Squadron performed routine patrol and transport flights until moving to [[RAAF Base Rathmines]] in November 1945.<ref name=museum/> On 31 January 1946, Squadron Leader A.R. Emslie was appointed commanding officer.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=82}} No. 43 Squadron was disbanded at Rathmines on 11 March 1946.{{sfn|RAAF Historical Section|1995|p=82}}

==Aircraft operated==
* [[Consolidated Catalina]] (May 1943 – April 1946)


==References==
==References==
⚫
{{Commonscat|No. 43 Squadron RAAF}}
;Citations
;Citations
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|30em}}


;Bibliography
;Bibliography
⚫
*{{cite book|last=Eather|first=Steve|year=1995|title=Flying Squadrons of the Australian Defence Force|publisher=Aerospace Publications|location=Weston Creek, Australian Capital Territory |isbn=1-875671-15-3}}
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last=Odgers|first=George|author-link=George Odgers|title=Air War Against Japan 1943–1945 |url=https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1070210/|series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 3&nbsp;– Air|volume=2|orig-year=1957|year=1968|edition=reprint |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra|oclc=246580191}}
⚫
*{{cite book|last=Eather|first=Steve|authorlink=|year=1995|title=Flying Squadrons of the Australian Defence Force|publisher=Aerospace Publications|location=Weston Creek, Australian Capital Territory |isbn=1-875671-15-3|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Odgers | first=George |authorlink=George Odgers|origyear=1957| year=1968| series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945: Series Three (Air) Volume II |title=Air War Against Japan, 1943–1945 | location=Canberra| publisher=Australian War Memorial| url=http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/second_world_war/volume.asp?levelID=67913| isbn= |ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|author=RAAF Historical Section|year=1995|title=Units of the Royal Australian Air Force: A Concise History. Volume 4: Maritime and Transport Units|location=Canberra| publisher=Australian Government Publishing Service|isbn=0-644-42796-5}}
*{{cite book|author=RAAF Historical Section|year=1995|title=Units of the Royal Australian Air Force: A Concise History. Volume 4: Maritime and Transport Units|location=Canberra| publisher=Australian Government Publishing Service|isbn=0-644-42796-5|ref=harv}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
⚫
{{Commonscat|No. 43 Squadron RAAF}}


{{List of RAAF Squadrons}}
{{List of RAAF Squadrons}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:No. 43 Squadron Raaf}}
[[Category:RAAF squadrons|43]]
[[Category:RAAF squadrons|43]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1943]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1943]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1946]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1946]]
[[Category:1946 disestablishments in Australia]]

Latest revision as of 05:28, 15 September 2021

No. 43 Squadron RAAF
A No. 43 Squadron Catalina
Active1 May 1943 – 11 March 1946
CountryAustralia
BranchRoyal Australian Air Force
RoleMaritime patrol
EngagementsWorld War II
Aircraft flown
PatrolConsolidated PBY Catalina

No. 43 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) maritime patrol and mine-laying squadron that operated during World War II. Raised in early 1943, the squadron flew Catalina aircraft from bases in Queensland and the Northern Territory, flying mine-laying, convoy-protection and bombing sorties against Japanese targets in the Pacific theatre. These operations saw it operate as far north as the Chinese coast. After the conclusion of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded in mid-1946.

History

[edit]

No. 43 Squadron was formed at Bowen in Queensland on 1 May 1943, initially under the command of Flight Lieutenant I.L. Addison.[1] It subsequently moved to Karumba in August.[2] The squadron's first commanding officer was Squadron Leader Charles Thompson, who took over soon after.[3] Equipped with Catalina aircraft, the squadron flew its first operational patrols on 8 September, with four aircraft conducting strikes against targets in Ambon.[2]

The squadron was initially allocated a general reconnaissance role; however, like all the RAAF's Catalina units the squadron also operated in mine-laying, bombing and supply-dropping roles.[2] As well as flying convoy protection and anti-submarine patrols along the Australian east coast the squadron conducted offensive operations against Japanese shipping in the Solomon Islands and the eastern islands of the Netherlands East Indies,[3] with a detachment maintained at Bowen during this time.[4]

After moving to Darwin in the Northern Territory in April 1944 the squadron became part of No. 76 Wing RAAF along with Nos. 20 and 42 Squadrons.[5] On 10 May 1944, Squadron Leader L.M. Hurt took over as commanding officer, but was soon replaced by Squadron Leader P.J. McMahon in July.[6] After this, they operated almost exclusively in the mine laying role. Operating alongside the other Catalina squadrons, No. 43 Squadron conducted mine laying operations throughout South East Asia, venturing as far as the Philippines, Hong Kong and the Chinese coast.[3][7] Aircraft from the squadron flew up to 25 hours on such missions, often staging through airfields as far away as Morotai.[4]

The squadron also undertook air-sea rescue operations, supporting long-range Allied bombing missions in the Netherlands East Indies from early 1944.[2][4] It also undertook harassing operations against Japanese installations and conducted anti-shipping missions.[4] A number of aircraft were lost during these and other operations. One of its most significant actions came on the night of 5/6 April 1945, when three No. 43 Squadron Catalinas shadowed the Japanese cruiser Isuzu, which was subsequently sunk by Allied bombers and submarines.[2] Hurt was replaced as commanding officer by Squadron Leader R.M. Seymour on 19 May 1945.[6]

Following the end of the war No. 43 Squadron performed routine patrol and transport flights until moving to RAAF Base Rathmines in November 1945.[3] On 31 January 1946, Squadron Leader A.R. Emslie was appointed commanding officer.[6] No. 43 Squadron was disbanded at Rathmines on 11 March 1946.[6]

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to No. 43 Squadron RAAF.
Citations
  1. ^ RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 80.
  2. ^ a b c d e Eather 1995, p. 80.
  3. ^ a b c d "No. 43 Squadron". RAAF Museum. Royal Australian Air Force. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 81.
  5. ^ Odgers 1968, pp. 362–365.
  6. ^ a b c d RAAF Historical Section 1995, p. 82.
  7. ^ Odgers 1968, pp. 365–375.
Bibliography
  • Eather, Steve (1995). Flying Squadrons of the Australian Defence Force. Weston Creek, Australian Capital Territory: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-15-3.
  • Odgers, George (1968) [1957]. Air War Against Japan 1943–1945. Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 3 – Air. Vol. 2 (reprint ed.). Canberra: Australian War Memorial. OCLC 246580191.
  • RAAF Historical Section (1995). Units of the Royal Australian Air Force: A Concise History. Volume 4: Maritime and Transport Units. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. ISBN 0-644-42796-5.
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