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335 Squadron: Tigers’ 70th anniversary
October 14, 2011 | Filed under: Air Force,Featured News
70 years ago, on October 1941, the 335 Squadron with callsign “Tiger”, the oldest squadron currently in service with the Hellenic Air Force, was established at the Palestinian airport of Akir, a few months after Greece’s total occupation by the Germans. The first tale of a long history begins.
335 Squadron patch
70 years anniversary patch
World War II, the beginning
In April 1941, the German Wehrmacht overran Greece. The Greek government under King George II fled to Allied-controlled Egypt, were it began to establish expatriate Greek Armed Forces. These were formed out of personnel that had been evacuated from Greece or fled to the Middle East during the Occupation, and were equipped and organised along British lines, coming under British command.
The squadron was formed as the 335th Royal Hellenic Pursuit (along with the two other Greek units the 13th Light Bombing Squadron and the 336th Royal Hellenic Pursuit), designated within the British Royal Air Force as No 335 (Greek) Squadron, on 7 October 1941 at Aqir airfield in Palestine. The squadron was subordinated to the RAF 339 Combat Wing. Its first commander was Squadron Leader Xenophon Varvaressos, and the personnel was provided from a core of Greek pilots who were undergoing training in Iraq, augmented by others who had fled from Greece. The Greeks in Egypt warmly welcomed and supported the Greek personnel, but they offered more than that. The Egyptian Greeks engaged enthusiastically in the Greek Armed Forces. More than 1000 Greeks of Egypt served in the Air Force.
The unofficial Squadron Badge of No. 335 (Greek) Squadron RAF
Although the 335 Squadron was another allied unit belonging to the RAF but operated by foreign personnel (various other units were also formed by those who had fled from their countries because of the German occupation), had something different. Greek markings where applied to its planes. At that time, this was not the rule, but rather the exception. The privilege was won by Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, the Vice President of the exiled Greek government, during a meeting in Cairo. Note, that roundels on the upper surface of the wings remained RAF’s red & blue. And the reason is simple. If they were painted blue & white, they would be visible from distance. If they were painted only blue, it would be hard to distinguish them. Although there is still a controversy on the markings of these aircraft it is generally accepted that the aforementioned ‘exception’ certainly concerns at least the first aircraft.
First Sq Leader Xenophon Varvaressos in front of a Hurricane. Note, the spinner painted with the blue-white Greek national colors and the two Greek flags painted on the fuselage.
Initially the squadron was equipped with 8 Hurricane Mk I (a modern aircraft at that time), and employed while training in defensive duties until January 1942.
During the second half of 1941, following the actions of the Greek Government the training of flight personnel of the squadron was ensured in training centers in South Africa and RAF’s training centers in Rhodesia. The operational training was performed in RAF’s Operational Training Units in Sudan and Ismailia.
The squadron stayed in Aqir until December 6, 1941, and then it was redeployed to nearby St Jean d ‘Acre. It stayed there for a few days, until October 20, 1942. Up to that time the squadron had 18 aircraft.
Egypt
Subsequently, while Rommel and his Afrikan Korp was moving towards the Suez Canal, the squadron was transferred to Helman in Egypt and later to El Daba, where it was declared as fully operational on 12 February 1942.
A Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIB of 335 Squadron Royal Hellenic Air Force taxiing in the desert, in 1942
The squadron began operations over the Western Desert, where it operated continuously until late 1942, participating in convoy protection, bomber escort, ground attack roles, and in the air defence of Alexandria. Initially the squadron took part in missions covering the retreat of allied formations from enemy airplanes while Germans forces where marching under Rommel.
El Alamein
Between June and September 1942, the squadron was re-equipped with Hurricane IIBs. Under Squadron Leader Ioannis Kellas, the squadron participated in the air operations of the Second Battle of El Alamein flying numerous missions with great success.
A photo taken after the victory in the battle of El Alamein
Later, on November 10, 1942 the leader of the RAF Gen. Teder sent to Greek King George, the following telegram concerning the participation of the 335 squadron in operations in El Alamein: “I know that you will be pleased to learn that your warplanes participated bravely in this battle in the desert. We are proud to have them beside us. Teder”.
First Shoot down
On 29 October 1942, 11 Hurricanes of the 335 Squadron, while flying a mission to escort aircraft of the 274 Squadron, they were attacked by four German Me 109. The Second Lieutenant Anagnostopoulos identifies 4 threatening spots in the sky and immediately executes a counter-offensive maneuver. Then begins a wild dogfight with the fourth Me 109. Although the German had an advantage in height and speed, his attacks fail. So, Anagnostopoulos taking advantage of the superior flexibility of the Hurricane, manages, through an abrupt maneuver to bring the aircraft into a firing position. The Greek aircraft manages to hit the Messerschmitt on the middle of the fuselage. The German aircraft is then lost inside the dense clouds. Later, the ‘kill’ was confirmed by the British land forces. The first Greek shoot down in the Middle East has been the object of paint by Costas Kavadias. Apart from his artistic integrity, the paint is distinguished by the realistic representation of this historic event, as it was created with the guidance of the man who was the protagonist in this event, the veteran of the Middle East, Ioannis Anagnostopoulos.
Attacking the Italian XX Corps headquarters
On 28 October 1942, the second anniversary of the Italian invasion of Greece, the squadron organized a strafing attack on the Italian XX Corps headquarters, an operation that was a huge morale booster for the expatriate Greeks. The Squadron Leader asked permission from the British Command to “celebrate” the occasion, by carrying out this extremely dangerous mission. The H.Q. of the Italian XX Corps was based in Libya, behind the Axis lines. The attack was accomplished in full success by 12 airplanes of the Squadron. Allied radio stations welcomed the news stating that “The Hellenic Air Force and the Hellenic Armed Forces continue their heroic tradition in this great desert war.”
Members of the squadron celebrating the successfull bombing of the Italian XX Corps headquarters, Oct. 28, 1942.
In the aftermath of the Allied victory, the squadron returned to shipping protection duties.
Missions in Greece
In summer 1943 the Greek Squadrons participated in the attack against the German Wehrmacht on the island of Crete (operation “Thetis” and other missions). In these operations Greek pilots participated enthusiastically as they had finally the chance to fight over the Greek skies for the liberation of the country.
From December 1943, while being in Libya, the squadron was being outfitted with the newer Spitfire Mk Vb and Vc aircraft.
Italy
On 15 September, the squadron was moved, along with its sister unit (336 squadron), to the Italian theatre. Operating initially from Nuova, it carried out operations primarily over occupied Yugoslavia and Albania. Greek pilots operated with great success. On October 4 the Squadron relocated to Biferno.
Results
During WWII the squadron lost 18 pilots and had conducted 5555 sorties in 8500 combat flight hours, and additional 12000 flight hours for training purposes.
The contribution of the three Greek squadrons in the common struggle of the allies was essential and admirable. Allies were astonished by the boldness and effectiveness of Greek pilots who earned their admiration. This is why the British agreed to create these three Greek squadrons. Other allies (France, Yugoslavia) participated with a much smaller number of squadrons and aircraft.
The British Minster of REF stated inter alia: “On behalf of RAF and myself I express to you our gratitude for the invaluable assistance that the Hellenic Aviation provided as well as our admiration for its value and ability.”
It should be noted that the remarkable Greek Air Force of that time, operating with modern aircraft and having crews with the knowledge and experience of war, will later form the basis for the further development of the Greek Air Force, so that when Greece joined NATO, it’s Air Force was considered an equally capable member of the Alliance.
Araxos airport is about a thirty-minute drive west along the northern Peloponnese coast from Patras, which is Greece’s third-largest city. The Araxos airport, the only airport left in operational condition by the Germans retreating from Greece, is situated in a strategic and historic area. Just outside the cape Araxos, in 1571 the “Battle of Lepanto” had taken place which halted the expansion policy of the Ottoman Empire. In the same area after 250 years, on February 20, 1822, Andreas Miaoulis led a Greek naval force to victory against the powerful Turkish fleet under very difficult weather conditions. It was the first battle of the Revolution of Independence, the first victory of the Greek fleet. It was the “Battle of Patras.”
In this area with the significant historical connotations, the first Greek aircraft landed after the liberation of Greece from the Germans. The first Greek aircraft landing were three Spitfire Vc of the 335 Squadron. The morning of October 8 these aircraft took off from the Biferno in Italy. It was the aircraft JG956 with the pilot Captain Volanakis, the JL139 with Lieutenant Mitrakos and the JG946 with Lieutenant Margaritis. Their first stop was Brindisi. They refueled and went straight to Araxos. They arrived in the afternoon at 17.15. They were the first Greek airmen who landed in Greece since 1941.
However the official return of all three Greek squadrons was scheduled a little later at the Hassani airport, today’s Hellenikon airport in Athens. On 14 November after three years fighting mostly in foreign skies the Greek Squadrons had a new mission: “Return home”. Before landing in Athens, they filled the sky of Attica passing over Acropolis and the Synatgma Square and finally getting at the Hellenikon airport where their relatives and an enthusiastic crowd, along with the Prime Minister, the Archbishop and other officials were expecting them.
The PM George Papandreou visiting the Greek Squadrons in Hellenikon. Capt. Elias Kartalamakis is shown on the far right of the picture. Mr Kartalamakis , a veteran with the Spitfires wrote most of the historic details of the Greek Air Force of those days and his books have been honored by the Academy of Athens.
The squadron was now engaged in operations against the remaining German garrisons in the Aegean islands (in Milos and Rhodes) and Crete. The motto of the 335 Squadron “Always dominate the Heights” is now the official motto of the Hellenic Air Force.
Αίεν Υψικρατείν (Greek:"Always dominate the Heights")
On 31 July 1945, the squadron was disbanded from the RAF and transferred to Greek control.
Greek Civil War
Following the hand-over, on September 5 1945, the squadron was re-deployed to Sedes Air Base near Thessaloniki. From there, after the outbreak of the Greek Civil War, the squadron participated in operations against the Communist guerrillas. In June 1947 it was equipped with Spitfires Mk IX and XVI. These planes were designed, however, as fighter interceptors and not as bombers. The Greek pilots had to invent new tactics to be able to hit ground troops positioned in deep ravines and on steep mountain cliffs while they were exposed easily to flak and light arm fire able to penetrate the glycol tanks or other sensitive areas - many were so lost. Until the Helldiver American dive bombers arrived, the Greek Spitfires have become the unique air workhorse of Greece having saved the day on numerous situations.
Jet’s era begin
In October 1953 the 335 Sqn, now deployed in Elefsis airport, is renamed to 335 Fighter Bomber Sqn and became the first Squadron that replaced the propeller aircraft with jets, the F-84G Thunderjet fighter-bombers and RT-33A reconnaissance aircraft. The RT-33A will be retained for only a short time, as they will be transferred to the 348 Tactical Recognition Squadron. During the same time “another” 335 Squadron is converted to Operational Training Squadron and redeploys to 113CW having about 25 Spitfires and later redeploys to 115CW where it will be renamed to 340 Fighter-Bomber Squadron Sqn.
An F-84F probably of 335 Sq. photographed in 1965.
On September 1954 the squadron redeployed to 111CW and stayed there until September 1957. Thereafter it redeploys to 110 CW at Larissa and was based there until May 1960, while being equipped with the F-84F since autumn 1957.
More than 100 F-84Fs were gradually delivered to Greece. The first examples arrived in 1957 to assume the role of HAFs main striking aircraft, previously held by the F-84Gs. The last F-84Fs were withdrawn from use in 1984.
In November 1960 the 335FB Sqn assumes strike role and redeploys at the 114CW at Tanagra.
Starfighters
The reception of F-104G Starfighter aircraft starts in May 1965, and in June 30 1977, the squadron redeploys to 116 CW at Araxos, marking an historic return. From May 1965 until May 1992 it flew with the F-104Gs.
The Starfighter had a high rate of accidents in Air Forces that operated it and retained its bad reputation among the Hellenic pilots too. However during the first year of operation by the then Royal HAF the 335 Sq. was able to fly more than 1000 hours without any accident proving once again that careful training and maintenance could make the Starfighter flying with the same safety as many other fighters of its generation. In fact, the HAF had realized early that the 104 was not an aircraft for “rookies”. So only experienced pilots were allowed to fly it. The rank of the most of the Hellenic F-104 pilots were Major.
A TF-104G two seat version of the Starfighter
In June 1972 the 335 Squadron participated for the first time in a Tiger Meet exercise held in Cambrai, France with two F-104G.
In December 1987 the squadron received 10 RF-104 aircraft from Germany and formed a separate Photoreconnaissance unit.
On December 14, 1991 the squadron will celebrate its 50 years anniversary, and it will formally present the first Anniversary painted Greek plane, the famous ‘Tiger’ now in the Air Force Museum at Tatoi. The result was amazing.
Corsairs
On April 3 1993, the squadron is renamed to 335 Bomber Squadron and receives the 2nd generation aircraft A-7E and TA-7C Corsair, which were part of a set of 62 aircraft delivered by the USA.
The HAF bombing ability was increased with the A-7 aircraft, because of their great capability to carry a heavy weapon load to long distances and deliver it to the target with satisfactory accuracy.
On March 1993, the retirement of F-104G was completed, while the delivery of A-7E aircraft had been completed by September 1994.
Another aircraft of the squadron, an A-7 this time, will be painted in Tiger’s scheme and it will participate in Royal International Air Tatoo at the Fairford AB in Gloucestershire UK on July 2007 receiving a distinction for the artistic work.
335 Squadron ceased flying the A-7 on February 27, 2008 many of their aircraft bolstered those operated by 336 Squadron and surplus aircraft were put in to open storage at Araxos.
Tigers get new teeth
During a rainy day on 22 May 2009, four F-16 Block 52+ land at the airbase of Araxos in western Greece. These aircraft, the most advanced fighters in the region, are the latest addition in the force of the HAF and they are about to join the 335 Squadron. Greek Tigers get their new razor sharp teeth.
In 2005, the Greek government, under the Peace Xenia IV program, ordered its fourth batch of F-16s, 30 F-16C/D, 20 single seat and 10 double seat (the option for 10 additional aircraft was not exercised). These aircraft are called F-16C/D Block 52+ Advanced, but in Hellenic Air Force are known as F-16 Block52M (due to improved computing power for mission computer MMC).The differences between the normal Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced, are that the Advanced version has, LINK 16 Communications System, more powerful Mission Control Computer, an extra Multi Function Display with a movable map navigation, advanced Debriefing System and the capability of carrying the RECCE Reconnaissance Pod.
Conversion of the squadron in order to receive their new jet had started in 2008. The delivery of F-16C / D Fighting Falcon Blk 52 + Advanced completed on January 28, 2010 with the landing at Araxos Air Base of the last four aircraft.
Converted now to a multirole squadron, the squadron became operational with the type in February 2010, following a thorough evaluation by the Tactical Air Force. The operational readiness was achieved in record time, in less than a year since the first aircraft landed at the 116 CW.
Earlier, on October 2009, an initial test was performed regarding the cooperation with an Airborne Early Warning and Control System Erieye EMB-145H Erieye of the 380 Squadron, through the use of data Link-16, making the F-16s of the squadron the most capable in the Air Force to conduct network centric operations.
This year, the 335 Squadron returned to NATO Tiger Meet after the 3 year transition period from A-7 Corsair II to F-16C/D Block 52+. It was the 50th anniversary of the NATO Tigers and at the start of the Meet, the 335 Squadron was promoted to full membership status. The participation of the 335 Squadron was considered once again highly successful, scoring high scores in air-to-air missions and striking all ground targets with complete accuracy and success.
In another incident the pilots of the squadron showed their high level of professionalism and their skills. On May 2011, during a training flight, the front wheel was detached from the aircraft due to a malfunctioning part. But the two pilots of the F-16D did not lost their temper and reacted calm and fast. The two pilots and especially the experienced trainer run flawlessly all relevant procedures and brought the aircraft into landing position. The aircraft touched down gently on the runway with two wheels and the proper speed. Then, the parachute of the aircraft opened to “drop” more speed and the fighter rested safely on the runway. The aircraft was later repaired and it now flies again.
The skills, knowledge and instinct of a pilot are judged in the difficult hours of battle, but not only then. The 335 Squadron and its personnel have proved their abilities under all circumstances.
We would like to thank the Icarus Association for sharing with us the photos from their visit to the 335 Squadron on 25 August
October 14, 2011 | Filed under: Air Force,Featured News
70 years ago, on October 1941, the 335 Squadron with callsign “Tiger”, the oldest squadron currently in service with the Hellenic Air Force, was established at the Palestinian airport of Akir, a few months after Greece’s total occupation by the Germans. The first tale of a long history begins.
335 Squadron patch70 years anniversary patch
In April 1941, the German Wehrmacht overran Greece. The Greek government under King George II fled to Allied-controlled Egypt, were it began to establish expatriate Greek Armed Forces. These were formed out of personnel that had been evacuated from Greece or fled to the Middle East during the Occupation, and were equipped and organised along British lines, coming under British command.
The squadron was formed as the 335th Royal Hellenic Pursuit (along with the two other Greek units the 13th Light Bombing Squadron and the 336th Royal Hellenic Pursuit), designated within the British Royal Air Force as No 335 (Greek) Squadron, on 7 October 1941 at Aqir airfield in Palestine. The squadron was subordinated to the RAF 339 Combat Wing. Its first commander was Squadron Leader Xenophon Varvaressos, and the personnel was provided from a core of Greek pilots who were undergoing training in Iraq, augmented by others who had fled from Greece. The Greeks in Egypt warmly welcomed and supported the Greek personnel, but they offered more than that. The Egyptian Greeks engaged enthusiastically in the Greek Armed Forces. More than 1000 Greeks of Egypt served in the Air Force.
The unofficial Squadron Badge of No. 335 (Greek) Squadron RAFAlthough the 335 Squadron was another allied unit belonging to the RAF but operated by foreign personnel (various other units were also formed by those who had fled from their countries because of the German occupation), had something different. Greek markings where applied to its planes. At that time, this was not the rule, but rather the exception. The privilege was won by Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, the Vice President of the exiled Greek government, during a meeting in Cairo. Note, that roundels on the upper surface of the wings remained RAF’s red & blue. And the reason is simple. If they were painted blue & white, they would be visible from distance. If they were painted only blue, it would be hard to distinguish them. Although there is still a controversy on the markings of these aircraft it is generally accepted that the aforementioned ‘exception’ certainly concerns at least the first aircraft.
First Sq Leader Xenophon Varvaressos in front of a Hurricane. Note, the spinner painted with the blue-white Greek national colors and the two Greek flags painted on the fuselage.Initially the squadron was equipped with 8 Hurricane Mk I (a modern aircraft at that time), and employed while training in defensive duties until January 1942.
During the second half of 1941, following the actions of the Greek Government the training of flight personnel of the squadron was ensured in training centers in South Africa and RAF’s training centers in Rhodesia. The operational training was performed in RAF’s Operational Training Units in Sudan and Ismailia.
The squadron stayed in Aqir until December 6, 1941, and then it was redeployed to nearby St Jean d ‘Acre. It stayed there for a few days, until October 20, 1942. Up to that time the squadron had 18 aircraft.
Egypt
Subsequently, while Rommel and his Afrikan Korp was moving towards the Suez Canal, the squadron was transferred to Helman in Egypt and later to El Daba, where it was declared as fully operational on 12 February 1942.
A Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIB of 335 Squadron Royal Hellenic Air Force taxiing in the desert, in 1942The squadron began operations over the Western Desert, where it operated continuously until late 1942, participating in convoy protection, bomber escort, ground attack roles, and in the air defence of Alexandria. Initially the squadron took part in missions covering the retreat of allied formations from enemy airplanes while Germans forces where marching under Rommel.
El Alamein
Between June and September 1942, the squadron was re-equipped with Hurricane IIBs. Under Squadron Leader Ioannis Kellas, the squadron participated in the air operations of the Second Battle of El Alamein flying numerous missions with great success.
A photo taken after the victory in the battle of El AlameinLater, on November 10, 1942 the leader of the RAF Gen. Teder sent to Greek King George, the following telegram concerning the participation of the 335 squadron in operations in El Alamein: “I know that you will be pleased to learn that your warplanes participated bravely in this battle in the desert. We are proud to have them beside us. Teder”.
First Shoot down
On 29 October 1942, 11 Hurricanes of the 335 Squadron, while flying a mission to escort aircraft of the 274 Squadron, they were attacked by four German Me 109. The Second Lieutenant Anagnostopoulos identifies 4 threatening spots in the sky and immediately executes a counter-offensive maneuver. Then begins a wild dogfight with the fourth Me 109. Although the German had an advantage in height and speed, his attacks fail. So, Anagnostopoulos taking advantage of the superior flexibility of the Hurricane, manages, through an abrupt maneuver to bring the aircraft into a firing position. The Greek aircraft manages to hit the Messerschmitt on the middle of the fuselage. The German aircraft is then lost inside the dense clouds. Later, the ‘kill’ was confirmed by the British land forces. The first Greek shoot down in the Middle East has been the object of paint by Costas Kavadias. Apart from his artistic integrity, the paint is distinguished by the realistic representation of this historic event, as it was created with the guidance of the man who was the protagonist in this event, the veteran of the Middle East, Ioannis Anagnostopoulos.
Attacking the Italian XX Corps headquarters
On 28 October 1942, the second anniversary of the Italian invasion of Greece, the squadron organized a strafing attack on the Italian XX Corps headquarters, an operation that was a huge morale booster for the expatriate Greeks. The Squadron Leader asked permission from the British Command to “celebrate” the occasion, by carrying out this extremely dangerous mission. The H.Q. of the Italian XX Corps was based in Libya, behind the Axis lines. The attack was accomplished in full success by 12 airplanes of the Squadron. Allied radio stations welcomed the news stating that “The Hellenic Air Force and the Hellenic Armed Forces continue their heroic tradition in this great desert war.”
Members of the squadron celebrating the successfull bombing of the Italian XX Corps headquarters, Oct. 28, 1942.In the aftermath of the Allied victory, the squadron returned to shipping protection duties.
Missions in Greece
In summer 1943 the Greek Squadrons participated in the attack against the German Wehrmacht on the island of Crete (operation “Thetis” and other missions). In these operations Greek pilots participated enthusiastically as they had finally the chance to fight over the Greek skies for the liberation of the country.
From December 1943, while being in Libya, the squadron was being outfitted with the newer Spitfire Mk Vb and Vc aircraft.
Italy
On 15 September, the squadron was moved, along with its sister unit (336 squadron), to the Italian theatre. Operating initially from Nuova, it carried out operations primarily over occupied Yugoslavia and Albania. Greek pilots operated with great success. On October 4 the Squadron relocated to Biferno.
Results
During WWII the squadron lost 18 pilots and had conducted 5555 sorties in 8500 combat flight hours, and additional 12000 flight hours for training purposes.
The contribution of the three Greek squadrons in the common struggle of the allies was essential and admirable. Allies were astonished by the boldness and effectiveness of Greek pilots who earned their admiration. This is why the British agreed to create these three Greek squadrons. Other allies (France, Yugoslavia) participated with a much smaller number of squadrons and aircraft.
The British Minster of REF stated inter alia: “On behalf of RAF and myself I express to you our gratitude for the invaluable assistance that the Hellenic Aviation provided as well as our admiration for its value and ability.”
It should be noted that the remarkable Greek Air Force of that time, operating with modern aircraft and having crews with the knowledge and experience of war, will later form the basis for the further development of the Greek Air Force, so that when Greece joined NATO, it’s Air Force was considered an equally capable member of the Alliance.
Return to GreeceAraxos airport is about a thirty-minute drive west along the northern Peloponnese coast from Patras, which is Greece’s third-largest city. The Araxos airport, the only airport left in operational condition by the Germans retreating from Greece, is situated in a strategic and historic area. Just outside the cape Araxos, in 1571 the “Battle of Lepanto” had taken place which halted the expansion policy of the Ottoman Empire. In the same area after 250 years, on February 20, 1822, Andreas Miaoulis led a Greek naval force to victory against the powerful Turkish fleet under very difficult weather conditions. It was the first battle of the Revolution of Independence, the first victory of the Greek fleet. It was the “Battle of Patras.”
In this area with the significant historical connotations, the first Greek aircraft landed after the liberation of Greece from the Germans. The first Greek aircraft landing were three Spitfire Vc of the 335 Squadron. The morning of October 8 these aircraft took off from the Biferno in Italy. It was the aircraft JG956 with the pilot Captain Volanakis, the JL139 with Lieutenant Mitrakos and the JG946 with Lieutenant Margaritis. Their first stop was Brindisi. They refueled and went straight to Araxos. They arrived in the afternoon at 17.15. They were the first Greek airmen who landed in Greece since 1941.
However the official return of all three Greek squadrons was scheduled a little later at the Hassani airport, today’s Hellenikon airport in Athens. On 14 November after three years fighting mostly in foreign skies the Greek Squadrons had a new mission: “Return home”. Before landing in Athens, they filled the sky of Attica passing over Acropolis and the Synatgma Square and finally getting at the Hellenikon airport where their relatives and an enthusiastic crowd, along with the Prime Minister, the Archbishop and other officials were expecting them.
The PM George Papandreou visiting the Greek Squadrons in Hellenikon. Capt. Elias Kartalamakis is shown on the far right of the picture. Mr Kartalamakis , a veteran with the Spitfires wrote most of the historic details of the Greek Air Force of those days and his books have been honored by the Academy of Athens.The squadron was now engaged in operations against the remaining German garrisons in the Aegean islands (in Milos and Rhodes) and Crete. The motto of the 335 Squadron “Always dominate the Heights” is now the official motto of the Hellenic Air Force.
Αίεν Υψικρατείν (Greek:"Always dominate the Heights")On 31 July 1945, the squadron was disbanded from the RAF and transferred to Greek control.
Greek Civil War
Following the hand-over, on September 5 1945, the squadron was re-deployed to Sedes Air Base near Thessaloniki. From there, after the outbreak of the Greek Civil War, the squadron participated in operations against the Communist guerrillas. In June 1947 it was equipped with Spitfires Mk IX and XVI. These planes were designed, however, as fighter interceptors and not as bombers. The Greek pilots had to invent new tactics to be able to hit ground troops positioned in deep ravines and on steep mountain cliffs while they were exposed easily to flak and light arm fire able to penetrate the glycol tanks or other sensitive areas - many were so lost. Until the Helldiver American dive bombers arrived, the Greek Spitfires have become the unique air workhorse of Greece having saved the day on numerous situations.
Jet’s era begin
In October 1953 the 335 Sqn, now deployed in Elefsis airport, is renamed to 335 Fighter Bomber Sqn and became the first Squadron that replaced the propeller aircraft with jets, the F-84G Thunderjet fighter-bombers and RT-33A reconnaissance aircraft. The RT-33A will be retained for only a short time, as they will be transferred to the 348 Tactical Recognition Squadron. During the same time “another” 335 Squadron is converted to Operational Training Squadron and redeploys to 113CW having about 25 Spitfires and later redeploys to 115CW where it will be renamed to 340 Fighter-Bomber Squadron Sqn.
An F-84F probably of 335 Sq. photographed in 1965.On September 1954 the squadron redeployed to 111CW and stayed there until September 1957. Thereafter it redeploys to 110 CW at Larissa and was based there until May 1960, while being equipped with the F-84F since autumn 1957.
More than 100 F-84Fs were gradually delivered to Greece. The first examples arrived in 1957 to assume the role of HAFs main striking aircraft, previously held by the F-84Gs. The last F-84Fs were withdrawn from use in 1984.In November 1960 the 335FB Sqn assumes strike role and redeploys at the 114CW at Tanagra.
Starfighters
The reception of F-104G Starfighter aircraft starts in May 1965, and in June 30 1977, the squadron redeploys to 116 CW at Araxos, marking an historic return. From May 1965 until May 1992 it flew with the F-104Gs.
The Starfighter had a high rate of accidents in Air Forces that operated it and retained its bad reputation among the Hellenic pilots too. However during the first year of operation by the then Royal HAF the 335 Sq. was able to fly more than 1000 hours without any accident proving once again that careful training and maintenance could make the Starfighter flying with the same safety as many other fighters of its generation. In fact, the HAF had realized early that the 104 was not an aircraft for “rookies”. So only experienced pilots were allowed to fly it. The rank of the most of the Hellenic F-104 pilots were Major.
A TF-104G two seat version of the StarfighterIn June 1972 the 335 Squadron participated for the first time in a Tiger Meet exercise held in Cambrai, France with two F-104G.
In December 1987 the squadron received 10 RF-104 aircraft from Germany and formed a separate Photoreconnaissance unit.
On December 14, 1991 the squadron will celebrate its 50 years anniversary, and it will formally present the first Anniversary painted Greek plane, the famous ‘Tiger’ now in the Air Force Museum at Tatoi. The result was amazing.
Corsairs
On April 3 1993, the squadron is renamed to 335 Bomber Squadron and receives the 2nd generation aircraft A-7E and TA-7C Corsair, which were part of a set of 62 aircraft delivered by the USA.
The HAF bombing ability was increased with the A-7 aircraft, because of their great capability to carry a heavy weapon load to long distances and deliver it to the target with satisfactory accuracy.
On March 1993, the retirement of F-104G was completed, while the delivery of A-7E aircraft had been completed by September 1994.
Another aircraft of the squadron, an A-7 this time, will be painted in Tiger’s scheme and it will participate in Royal International Air Tatoo at the Fairford AB in Gloucestershire UK on July 2007 receiving a distinction for the artistic work.
335 Squadron ceased flying the A-7 on February 27, 2008 many of their aircraft bolstered those operated by 336 Squadron and surplus aircraft were put in to open storage at Araxos.
Tigers get new teeth
During a rainy day on 22 May 2009, four F-16 Block 52+ land at the airbase of Araxos in western Greece. These aircraft, the most advanced fighters in the region, are the latest addition in the force of the HAF and they are about to join the 335 Squadron. Greek Tigers get their new razor sharp teeth.
In 2005, the Greek government, under the Peace Xenia IV program, ordered its fourth batch of F-16s, 30 F-16C/D, 20 single seat and 10 double seat (the option for 10 additional aircraft was not exercised). These aircraft are called F-16C/D Block 52+ Advanced, but in Hellenic Air Force are known as F-16 Block52M (due to improved computing power for mission computer MMC).The differences between the normal Block 52+ and Block 52+ Advanced, are that the Advanced version has, LINK 16 Communications System, more powerful Mission Control Computer, an extra Multi Function Display with a movable map navigation, advanced Debriefing System and the capability of carrying the RECCE Reconnaissance Pod.
Conversion of the squadron in order to receive their new jet had started in 2008. The delivery of F-16C / D Fighting Falcon Blk 52 + Advanced completed on January 28, 2010 with the landing at Araxos Air Base of the last four aircraft.
Converted now to a multirole squadron, the squadron became operational with the type in February 2010, following a thorough evaluation by the Tactical Air Force. The operational readiness was achieved in record time, in less than a year since the first aircraft landed at the 116 CW.
Earlier, on October 2009, an initial test was performed regarding the cooperation with an Airborne Early Warning and Control System Erieye EMB-145H Erieye of the 380 Squadron, through the use of data Link-16, making the F-16s of the squadron the most capable in the Air Force to conduct network centric operations.
This year, the 335 Squadron returned to NATO Tiger Meet after the 3 year transition period from A-7 Corsair II to F-16C/D Block 52+. It was the 50th anniversary of the NATO Tigers and at the start of the Meet, the 335 Squadron was promoted to full membership status. The participation of the 335 Squadron was considered once again highly successful, scoring high scores in air-to-air missions and striking all ground targets with complete accuracy and success.
In another incident the pilots of the squadron showed their high level of professionalism and their skills. On May 2011, during a training flight, the front wheel was detached from the aircraft due to a malfunctioning part. But the two pilots of the F-16D did not lost their temper and reacted calm and fast. The two pilots and especially the experienced trainer run flawlessly all relevant procedures and brought the aircraft into landing position. The aircraft touched down gently on the runway with two wheels and the proper speed. Then, the parachute of the aircraft opened to “drop” more speed and the fighter rested safely on the runway. The aircraft was later repaired and it now flies again.
The skills, knowledge and instinct of a pilot are judged in the difficult hours of battle, but not only then. The 335 Squadron and its personnel have proved their abilities under all circumstances.
We would like to thank the Icarus Association for sharing with us the photos from their visit to the 335 Squadron on 25 August
