RAF strength reports

[Milosh]

https://www.scribd.com/collections/3561207/RAF-strength-reports-1939-45

 

[Kryten]

very interesting, thanks for posting!

 

[GregP]

Great link. Thanks, Milosh.

 

[Greyman]

Does anyone have information on what aircraft were available to the RAF/RAAF during the fighting in Malaya/Singapore?

 

[buffnut453]

Does anyone have information on what aircraft were available to the RAF/RAAF during the fighting in Malaya/Singapore?

Do you just want a list of aircraft types or a day-by-day listing of availability by type?

 

[Greyman]

If possible a list of types and number just before hostilities - as well as any notable reinforcements/resupply during the fighting.

 

[GregP]

This thread could turn into some great information. Good thread, Milosh.

 

[buffnut453]

RAF Far East Command ORBAT for 7 Dec 41 (the day before the Japanese attacked):

Northern Malaya

Sungei Patani
21 Sqn RAAF - 12 Buffalos
27 Sqn - 12 Blenheim MkIfs

Alor Star
62 Sqn - 18 Blenheim MkIs

Kota Bharu
1 Sqn RAAF - 10 Hudsons
243 Sqn - 2 Buffalos on detachment from Singapore

Gong Kedah
36 Sqn - 7 Vildebeests on detachment from Singapore


Central Southern Malaya

Kuantan
8 Sqn RAAF - 8 Hudsons
60 Sqn - 8 Blenheim MkIs on detachment from Mingaladon, Burma
4 AACU - 2 Swordfish on detachment from Singapore

Kluang
Y Sqn - 2 Blenheim MkIs, 2 Tiger Moths and 1 Tutor
W Flt - 6 Wirraways

Kuala Lumpur (aka Sungei Besi
C Flt, MVAF - 2 Tiger Moths, 1 Leopard Moth, 1 Hawk Moth, 1 Falcon

Ipoh
D Flt, MVAF - 2 Avro Cadets, 1 Gypsy Avro

Penang
E Flt, MVAF - 5 Moth Majors, 1 BA Eagle


Singapore

Kallang
243 Sqn - 15 Buffalos
488 Sqn - 17 Buffalos
4 PRU - 1 Buffalo with second in preparation
A Flt MVAF - 3 Avro Cadets, 3 Tiger Moths, 1 Moth Minor, 1 Hornet Moth, 1 Whitney Straight
B Flt MVAF - 2 Dragon Rapides, 1 Dragonfly
Govt Flying Trg School - 6 Moth Majors

Sembawang
453 Sqn - 15 Buffalos
8 Sqn RAAF - 4 Hudsons

Tengah
34 Sqn - 17 Blenheim MkIVs
4 AACU - 6 Swordfish, 6 Sharks and 2 Queen Bees

Seletar
36 Sqn - 5 Vildebeests
100 Sqn - 14 Vildebeests and 6 Beauforts (one Beaufort converted for PR missions)
205 Sqn - 5 Catalinas
RN Comms Flt - 1 Walrus
RN Fleet Requirements Unit - 5 Albacores in storage


Burma

Mingaladon
67 Sqn - 18 Buffalos
60 Sqn - 4 Blenheim MkIs


With the exception of the Burma numbers, the data are taken from "Bloody Shambles Volume I". The listing probably originates from AHQFE weekly force totals which did not include reserve aircraft. For example, 21 Sqn RAAF had 18 Buffalos at Sungei Patani but probably only had 12 operational on 7 Dec 41. Similarly, some 32 Buffalos had been sent to Mingaladon to afford 67 Sqn a 100% reserve complement of airframes.

Hope this helps as a starting point.

Cheers,
B-N

 

[Greyman]

Very nice - just what I was looking for, thanks.