Thus We Keep Faith: The Operational History of 196 Squadron RAF 1942-1946

196 Squadron was formed in late 1942 as a night bomber squadron, in No. 4 GroupBomber Command. It was February 1943 before the squadron became operationalwith the first sorties being bombing raids on U Boat pens at Lorient, France flyingVickers Wellington aircraft. As well as the bombing raids the squadron also wasused for 'gardening' (minelaying) sorties.The unit was then transferred to No.3 Group and re-equipped with Mk III ShortStirlings. Soon afterwards, the Stirling was removed from front-line bombingoperations, in favour of the Lancaster and Halifax.Later in 1943 the squadron transferred once more, this time to 38 Group, AlliedExpeditionary Air Force (AEAF). Its new role included glider-towing, troopcarrying and secret operations for the S.O.E. and S.A.S. The squadron took part inall the main invasion operations on and after D-Day, including the ill-fatedArnhem operation and then the successful Rhine Crossings. Its operationaleffectiveness was at the cost of numerous aircraft and crews.When the war in Europe ended the squadron was used to repatriate troops and helpmisplaced refugees. Steve Holmes' book replicates the squadron's operational record, telling itsstory as it unfolded day by day. It is Steve's second book. His first, Sherlock'sSquadron, is a biographical novel of his father and his father's crew in 196Squadron during World War II. This prompted Steve to research and write thisbook on the squadron's history. Steve has been the squadron's historian for thepast 25 years. He is retired and lives in the south of Spain. He spends his timeresearching and writing and helping his good friend with his charity business.