National Experiences - British Commission for Military History

tr i a n ta f y L L i a ka i s a r o u-Pa n ta z o P o u L o u *
Royal Hellenic Air Force (RHAF) during
World War II. Organization and Operations
Warlike preparations
Grecia
On May 20, 1940, the Chief of Air Staff was asked to plan the air defence
which consisted of three divisions: Active Air Defence, Passive Air Defence
and Early Warning System. In order to ensure the air defence in the rear, the
country was divided into large geographical zones which corresponded to Athens,
Larissa, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupolis and Ioannina.
As far as the aerodromes were concerned until the outbreak of war, seven new
aerodromes had been constructed (Sedes, Larissa, Dekelia, Phaliro, Eleusis, New
Anchialos and Maleme, Crete) as well as 22 auxiliary airfields and 25 landing
grounds 1 .
According to the mobilization plan, the RHAF was organized into Army and
Naval Air Commands 2 .
The Army Air Command included the Bomber, Fighter and Army Co-operation
Commands.
The Bomber Command was formed on August 23, 1940, in Larissa and its aim
was to bomb enemy supply lines, routes of advance or retreat and other strategic
objectives. The Bomber Command had three squadrons at its disposal:
No. 31 Bomber Squadron had eight serviceable Potez 633 B2 and was stationed at
Niamata, Larissa. The Squadron’s flying personnel consisted of 23 officers and non
commissioned officers (NCOs).
No. 32 Bomber Squadron operated with 11 serviceable Bristol Blenheim Mk IV.
It was based at Kazaklar airfield in Larissa. Its flying personnel consisted of 19 officers
and 16 NCOs.
No. 33 Bomber Squadron had 10 serviceable Fairey Battle B.1 and was stationed
at New Anchialos, Volos. Twenty- five pilots and air gunners were assigned to this
Squadron.
*
Member of the HCMH.
1
Hellenic Wings: An Illustrated History of the HAF and its precursors,1908-1944, Vol. I, published
by the History Museum, HAF, Athens, December 1998, p. 82.
2
History of the Hellenic Air Force (1930- April 1941), Vol. III, published by the History Museum,
HAF, Athens 1990, pp. 128-141.