A Short War: The History of 623 Squadron RAF

623 Squadron was one of many units that operated for a brief period as part of Bomber Command in the Second World War. Formed with seven crews from 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron in August 1943 its service life was only five months but its contribution, and the sacrifice of its crews, was considerable. Over the course of 139 sorties its Short Stirlings dropped 120 tons of bombs along with 65 tons of mines at a cost of nine aircraft lost in action and a further two in accidents or crashing on return to base. 46 members of the squadron gave their lives in the cause of our freedom before the squadron was disbanded in December the same year. Falling victim to the withdrawal of the Short Stirling from bombing operations over Germany, the life of the unit was so short that there was not even time for a squadron badge to be granted. A Short War combines the operational history of the unit with the personal stories of many who served with the unit. It is illustrated with contemporary photographs, many of which have never previously been published. This is the definitive history of 623 Squadron, its people and aircraft.