The Tempsford Special Duties Squadrons

TEMPSFORD SPECIAL DUTIES SQUADRONS

Airfield In The 1940's

In creating this site I hope to bring a little known but vitally important part of history into the open. Tempsford Airfield was the base for some of the most secret squadrons of the war. Their mission was to deliver arms, ammunition, radios and other equipment to the resistance movements in German occupied countries. They also specialised in the delivery of agents either by parachute or by landing at night in a moonlit field, their landing lights and guidance usually being just three torches. These squadrons also conducted 'pick up' operations, again landing in the chosen fields to collect agents that needed to return to England.
These Squadrons, primarily 138 & 161 have been referred to as the Moonlight Squadrons, The Cloak and Dagger Squadrons and perhaps somewhat tongue in cheek The Tempsford Taxis! Now is the time to bring these moonlight squadrons into the daylight so that their efforts and sacrifices are recorded and acknowledged.

Now It Can Be Told - Evening Standard 1945

I anticpate, and hope, that this site will continue to grow and, to that end, suggestions for its improvement and areas which should be included are welcome. Also if you have a story to share or are looking for information please do not hesitate to make contact either by e-mail or by an entry in the Guestbook.