44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF
“Fulmina regis iusta”
Memorial Locations
Memorials (2)
Brocklesby Lancaster Memorial
Southrepps X.3023 Memorial
Aircraft Types
Lancaster, Hampden X.3023
Squadron History
No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF was based at RAF Waddington from 1937, flying Hampden bombers before becoming one of the first squadrons to receive the Avro Lancaster in late 1941. The squadron moved to RAF Dunholme Lodge in May 1943 and flew through the Battle of Berlin and D-Day operations until disbandment in September 1944. During its time at Dunholme Lodge alone, 498 aircrew were killed. The squadron's most celebrated operation was the 1,000-bomber Augsburg raid of April 1942, for which Squadron Leader John Nettleton was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Commanding Officers
Notable Personnel
Awarded the Victoria Cross for leading the low-level daylight raid on the MAN diesel engine factory at Augsburg on 17 April 1942. Flying one of two surviving aircraft from his formation, Nettleton pressed home the attack through intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. He was later killed on operations on 12/13 July 1943.