578 Squadron
“Accuracy”
Memorial Locations
Memorials (3)
Balkholme Halifax Mid-Air Collision Memorial
Farnsfield Halifax MZ519 Memorial
Handley Page Halifax LK794
Aircraft Types
Halifax III, Handley Page Halifax Mk.III, Halifax — Squadron code: LK-
Squadron History
578 Squadron was formed at the end of 1943, spawned from 51 Squadron at Snaith. Designated 578 Squadron and based at RAF Burn, 3 miles south of Selby, North Yorkshire, the squadron flew Halifax B Mk III bombers on operations from January 1944 until standing down on 15 March 1945. In fourteen months of operations, the squadron flew 2,722 sorties in 161 operations against 107 enemy targets, dropping 9,676 tons of bombs. 46 aircraft failed to return or crashed, and 219 airmen were killed, with at least 60 taken prisoner of war.
Commanding Officers
Notable Personnel
Only Halifax bomber pilot awarded the VC. On 30 March 1944, during a raid on Nuremberg, Barton's aircraft was attacked by Ju 88 and Me 210 fighters. His navigator, bomb aimer, and wireless operator bailed out in confusion. Barton pressed home the attack alone, flew 4.5 hours home on 3 engines, and crashed near Ryhope, Sunderland to avoid houses. Three crew survived; Barton did not. Age 22.
Founder and first CO of 578 Squadron. Led the squadron's first operation to Berlin on 20 January 1944. Killed 16 September 1944 in a Baltimore aircraft crash at RAF Rednal, Shropshire. Described by his crews as 'a prince among men' and 'the finest officer I had the privilege of serving under.' Age 27.