Wilhelm Mohr

PART II –The Ground Crews’ Participation
War
the Continent
1944/45
The Air Force’s participation in the fighting on the Continent 1944/45
132 (N) Wing consisting of fighter Squadrons 331 (N) and 332 (N),
had found its place and rhythm at the North Weald airbase just northeast
of London. This base had become a home for the personnel, and
they thrived there. Within the British Air Force [RAF] and the Fighter
Command to whom they belonged for their operational efforts,
the squadrons were renowned for the professional standards of their
technical personnel, and their ability to adjust and show initiative. The
Norwegian authorities therefore considered it an honour when the
British Air Force [RAF] wanted the Norwegian squadrons as participants
during the invasion. However, there were a number of issues to
take into consideration, partly due to the established military agreement
with regard to Norwegian military efforts outside Norway. In
Article One of the Agreement, it is stated: ’The Norwegian forces …
shall be used either to defend the United Kingdom or to re-conquer
Norway’. Another consideration was of a somewhat more practical and
pressing nature. In order to maintain the squadrons’ fighting ability
as far as pilots were concerned, there was the question of whether the
Norwegians would be able to replace their personnel in accordance
with what allied calculations deemed necessary. For pilots, the British
Air Force [RAF] anticipated significantly higher losses than operations
thus far had caused. Yet also with regard to the ground crews, losses
had to be faced, and due to the insecurity of war such losses might have
resulted in a sudden and drastic reduction of the force. For this reason,
it was decided to drop the planned third Norwegian fighter squadron.
This was unfortunate, but the Government’s decision to allow the Norwegian
Wing to participate in the invasion was met with enthusiasm
and anticipation by the personnel.
For the two Squadrons, still at North Weald, it became a very busy
period. The air operations continued and amounted primarily to participation
in the collective air offensive aimed at destroying the German
Air Force [Luftwaffe]. However, at the same time, the Squadrons
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