Wilhelm Mohr

PART I – The Contribution of the Norwegian Air Forces
The Catalinas
In accordance with Norwegian ambitions a unit of seaplanes was
desired to operate along the coastlines and in the fiords, transporting
personnel, picking up saboteurs, doing reconnaissance, and making
attacks on shipping and submarines. The idea was supported by Coastal
Command, but was initially held back by the Air Ministry until 8 February
1942 when the «Norwegian Detachment» of RAF 210 Squadron
was based at Woodhaven by the Firth of Tay near Dundee. The element
operated Catalina flying boats. After a year of operations and in recognition
of its valuable special operations, the detachment was singled out
on 1 january 1943 as a separate 1477 (Norwegian) Flight. It consisted
of 3 Catalinas with Norwegian aircrew and servicing personnel.
The Mosquitos
Ever since autumn 1940 the Norwegian Air Forces HQ had pressed for
the capability to attack targets along the Norwegian coast and inside
Norway. The opportunity came when Costal Command supported the
use of Norwegian aircrew for such tasks. In April 1943 five Mosquitos
were made available on loan, plus additional aircraft for training purposes.
On the addition of another Mosquito, a separate flight was
formed alongside that of the Catalina flight.
By 10 may 1943 the two flights became the 333 (Norwegian) Squadron,
operationally under No. 18 Group of Costal Command. The Mosquito
operating base was RAF Station Leuchars, while the Catalinas
remained at Woodhaven. The squadron strength was 30 officers, 70
quartermasters, and 150 rated personnel including 11 women.
Both flights were very active. The Catalinas provided a valuable
means of communications to and from Norway. They also carried
out anti-submarine operations, as did 330 and other Costal Command
squadrons, in the sea area between the Faeroe Islands and Iceland, called
«Rosengarten» by the Germans. Because of the performance of the
Mosquitos and the use of surprise, various new tasks were made possible.
It became evident, however, that the required training for conversion
to the Mosquito had been based rather too much on Norwegian
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