Patch WWII Nº 11 GROUP RAF Spitfire Royal Air Force
First World WarNo.
11 Group was first formed on 1 April 1918 in No. 2 Area as No. 11(Equipment) Group, and was transferred to South-Western Area the next month on 8 May. 11 Group’s short first existence came to an end on 17 May 1918, when it was disbanded.
Inter-war years
The next incarnation of the Group was later the same year when it was formed in North-Western Area on 22 August. On 6 February 1920 Group Captain I M Bonham-Carter took command. Three months later, in May 1920, No. 11 Group was reduced to No. 11 Wing.
It was reformed on 1 May 1936 as No. 11 (Fighter) Group byrenaming Fighting Area. On 14 July 1936, 11 Group became the first RAF Fighter Command group formed, with the responsibility for the air defence of southern England, including London.
Second World War
11 Group was organised using the Dowding System of fighter control. Group Headquarters was at Hillingdon Housewithin RAF Uxbridge.
The Group operations room was underground inwhat is now known as the Battle of Britain Bunker. Commands were passed to the sector airfields, each of which was incharge of several airfields and fighter squadrons.
The sector airfields were:
11 Group’s most famous period was during the Battle of Britain when, due to its position, 11 Group bore thebrunt of the German aerial assault. Pilots posted to squadrons in11 Group knew that they would be sent into certain action while pilots and squadrons transferring out of 11 Group knew that they were going to comparatively safer duty.