Wilhelm Mohr

PART I – The Contribution of the Norwegian Air Forces
Statistics pertaining to the Norwegian Wing in 11 Group are satisfying.
From a total of 69 fighter squadrons in South England at the time
they show:
– The best record of serviceable aircraft
– The highest number of flying hours, both in operations and training
– The lowest number of accidents per month and pr flying hour.
In addition, soon after their arrival, the Norwegians were placed best
or among the best in numbers of German aircraft shot down and damaged
per month. 30
The RAF expressed its recognition by placing the squadrons among
the first to receive upgraded aircraft and equipment as such became
available, for example the fitting of giro gun sights.
Naturally the success of the squadrons was given due recognition
by the Norwegian military and political authorities in London. But it
was also recognised that the present operations, apart from air defence,
standing patrols and convoy protection i.e. all the offensive tasks, did
not conform to the Governmental Agreement of 28 May 1941, referred
to earlier.
This divergency in employment became all the more evident when
the RAF urged that the fighter squadrons be included in the Tactical
Air Force, which was in preparation prior to the invasion of the Continent
(Operation Overlord). The Tactical Air Force was to comprise
the major part of Fighter Command squadrons together with squadrons
30 For instance, when summing up 1943, 331 Squadron was placed at the top of the list
among the 69 squadrons within 11 Group, Fighter Command when it came to approved
`claims’, with their 68 downed enemy aircraft, 15 probably downed, and 42 damaged.
They were also at the top when the fewest own losses in relation to number of downed
enemy aircraft were counted. 332 Squadron was listed sixth, with their 36 downed enemy
aircraft, 10 ½ probably downed, and 33 damaged. Vera Henriksen (1996) The History of
the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Volume 2. Five Years Abroad (June 1940 – May 1945), Oslo:
H. Ascehoug & Co (W. Nygaard) (In Norwegian: Luftforsvarets Historie. Bind 2. Fem år i
utlegd (juni 1940 – mai 1945), p. 248.
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