The Success of 550 Squadron

550 Squadron’s last raid took place on April 25, 1945 targeting Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden.  With the end of operations in Europe, 550 Squadron moved its focus to Operation Manna, dropping food to the Dutch and Operation Exodus, repatriating troops from Europe.

In the two years it operated at North Killingholme air field, 550 Squadron could claim many achievements:

Participation in 194 raids

3,485 take-offs

3,175 successful sorties

19,259 operational hours flown (14,271 hours at night)

16,195 tons of bombs dropped 

550 Squadron officially disbanded and the North Killingholme airfield was closed on October 31, 1945.  The airfield is now a large industrial estate.  A memorial to 550 Squadron is located at the main entrance on the road between South Killingholme and East Halton.

The RAF 550 Squadron and North Killingholme Association formed in 1991 and continues to hold annual reunions at North Killingholme for veterans and their friends and families.  A small, but growing museum to 550 Squadron can be found in the North Killingholme village hall.