Pathfinder Squadrons...

[Lucky13]

On both sides, which were the pathfinder squadrons, or was it just one or few aircrafts within a squadron the flew as pathfinders? What was the bombload of the pathfinders, was it just markers or did they carry normal bombs with them as well?

 

[Gnomey]

In the RAF it was specific squadrons (an example would be 617) that were formed (from the best bomber squadrons) to lead the raids and mark the targets. This started in 1942 and so they were the elite of the bomber force and as such got the best aircraft as they came online (such as the Mosquito - originally had the same equipment as everyone else).

Pathfinder (RAF - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
156 Squadron RAF - 8 Group Pathfinder Force

Don't have any details on any of the other countries Pathfinders but some of the Luftwaffe guys will surely give you something.

 

[Lucky13]

Cheers Gnomey!

 

[Erich]

check here for the RAF, great guys by the way .........

Johnny Clifford, Museum Currator

Royal Air Force Wyton
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE28 2EA

details in their archives of the 20 squadrons making the Pathfinders

 

[pbfoot]

405 Squadron was the RCAF pathfinder sqn attached to 8gp