does anyone know where I can find information on 19 Squadron RAF during WW2?

Question

looking for unit diary or any information on a large number of Aussies that served with 19 Squadron RAF during WW2.

Answer 1

No. XIX Squadron RAF was founded in 1915 being deployed to France that year flying BE12s before re-equipping with French-built Spads. In 1918 the squadron was re-equipped with Sopwith Dolphins, flying escort duties.

The Squadron was disbanded after the First World War, to be reformed again at RAF Duxford in 1924. They then flew a number of different fighters, and were the first squadron to be equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire in 1938.

The Squadron was stationed in the UK after the outbreak of war, and was part of No. 12 Group, Fighter Command, during the Battle of Britain. Later versions of Spitfires were flown until the arrival of Mustangs for close-support duties in early 1944. After D-Day, No. 19 briefly went across the English Channel before starting long-range escort duties with Coastal Command off the coast of Norway.

In the post-war period the squadron flew a variety of jet fighter aircraft, before being disbanded in 1992. Their final location before being dispanded was RAF Wildenrath in Germany near Geilenkirchen.

The numberplate was then assigned to one of the Hawk squadrons at RAF Chivenor in September 1992. Following the closure of Chivenor to jet flying the squadron was moved to RAF Valley in September 1994. The Squadron now provides fast jet training on the BAE Hawk.

That is the best I can do for you.

Answer 2

Do a Google search, using the squadron name. Try going to the RAF's official website and look for individual unit pages. Look for veteran's organizations.

Answer 3

I would start with an online search and then possibly ebay (you never know). Your library and then if none of those. Contact your local military base and see if they can put you in the right direction.