Thay myay gyee shin shwe hti – Death or Glory
257 Squadron was formed on 18 August 1918 at Dundee and flew anti-submarine patrols along the east coast of Scotland. The squadron was disbanded on 30 June 1919.
On 17 May 1940, 257 Squadron was re-formed at Hendon. The Squadron was initially equipped with Spifires but was re-equipped with Hurricanes a few weeks later. It served throughout the Battle of Britain and was based at a number of airfields in the south, including Debden, Matlesham and North Weald. In 1944 the Squadron was part of 2nd Tactical Air Force which provided air support during the D-Day landings in northern France.
The Squadron was disbanded on 31 December 1963.
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August 9, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Geoff Nutter
I understand that my brother was one of the first two RAFVR pilots to join 257 when Stanford Tuck took over in May 1940. He flew as a Sgt Pilot throughout 1940 before being posted in Feb 1941, as a flight instructor, to the Empire training Scheme in Canada. He returned to England (Feb 1944), converted to Typhoons (175 sqn and 245 sqn) and saw action as part of the 2nd Tactical Air force supporting the landings and campaign to liberate Europe. After demobilization he and his Canadian wife and boy returned to Canada. She was disappointed at not being able to go to the Palace for the presentation of his DFC which took place in Canada.
At one time he wondered if he would ever celebrate his 21st birthday – he did. If fact he celebrated his 89th birthday in January of this year.
Of those who flew with Stanford Tuck he and one other pilot are still alive, both in Canada!
August 10, 2010 at 9:55 am
Tony Rudd
Many congratulations on your brother’s continued survival. Tony Rudd
November 20, 2012 at 1:10 am
Marg Cayne
Do you have the name of the other pilot in Canada? I think my father-in-law was one of the pilots with the 257. He has not been able to talk about the war. Just bits & pieces here & there.I believe I found a picture of him in one of the books on the Battle of Britain, but I’m not certain it is him. He was, also, a Japanese POW. We have been trying to piece together his history. He received the DFC & the Victoria Cross.Looking for people who can give names. Thanks for any info you can pass along.