Wilhelm Mohr

I–The Contribution
of the Norwegian
Air Forces
SummaryPART
From a small nucleus of Servicemen that arrived in the UK after the
war in Norway, the Navy and Army elements were soon enabled to
establish a recruitment and training centre in Canada. Through this
organisation flowed an increasing stream of aircrew and technicians to
man newly-created Norwegian fighting units under the control of the
Royal Air Force:
330 (N) and 333 (N) Squadrons in Costal Command
331 (N) and 332 (N) Squadrons in Fighter Command
(later as 132 (N) Wing in the Second Tactical Air Force)
R(No)AF / 45 Group of Transportation Command.
In addition individual aircrew served in RAF squadrons of all commands,
as well as in training elements and even staff assignments. A
special unit alongside British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC)
provided transport for Norwegian personnel to and from Sweden.
In May 1945 the numbers totalled 505 officers and 2,133 NCOs OR. In
addition there were 63 Norwegian WAAFs. The Norwegian Air Forces
represented the second largest of the Allied Air Forces after Poland, established
outside their own occupied country. Only after North Africa
had been liberated did the French Air Force exceed that of Norway.
Total losses amounted to 278 aircrew members, which of combating
strength represents: 33 per cent of the pilots, 24 per cent of the
navigators, 15 per cent of the wireless operators, 15 per cent of the air
gunners and 13 per cent of the flight engineers. In addition some were
wounded.
British decorations bestowed include 1 Knight Commander of The
Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KCB), 1 Companion of The Most
Honourable Order of the Bath (CB), 11 The Most Excellent Order of
the British Empire – Officer (OBE), 12 The Most Excellent Order of
the British Empire – Member (MBE), 7 Distinguished Service Order,
3 Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), 74 Distinguished Flying Cross
(DFC), 15 Distinguished Flying Cross’ with Bar, 1 Distinguished Fly-
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