Welcome to the home of the No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron Association
Fulmina Regis Iusta

At the beginning of 1982 the decision was made that the final event in the history of the V-Force would be the simultaneous disbanding of Nos 44, 50 and 101 Squadrons at a major ceremony at Waddington on 1st July 1982. From this decision the then membership of the Squadron decided to form an Association prior to the disbandment day. The date chosen was 22nd May.   In the event, by late April 1982, when it was clear that aircraft and crews from all three Squadrons were becoming involved in combat operations in the South Atlantic, the 1st July disbandment plans were quietly dropped and no further decisions were made until some time after hostilities ceased.
On 22nd May 1982 over 700 current and past members of the Squadron and their guests gathered at Waddington for a grand opening ceremony.   The Association was formed with Air Chief Marshal Sir Ruthven Wade, a former Squadron Commander, as its President and included many former Squadron Commanders.   The Guest of Honour was Mrs Betty Nettleton, widow of Wing Commander John Nettleton, VC, leader of the Augsburg Raid in which, on 17th April 1942, a force of 12 Lancasters made a low level daylight attack on the MAN diesel engine factory in Bavaria.   His name is reflected in the Station history, the main Operations Room and the Station Commander’s house.
Three 44 Squadron Lancasters led by Colin Watt, our Life Vice President
Wreaths are laid at the memorial service at each reunion and again at each location on Remembrance Day in November of each year.
In the recent past the Association was invited to join with members of the 619 Squadron Association in sharing a memorial at Dunholme Lodge Farm.   The memorial has a number of crew plaques including one commemorating John Nettleton’s crew lost in July 1943.
No 44 Squadron’s Operational History was compiled from accounts by air and ground crew who flew and worked on the Squadron during both World Wars. The annex contains many accounts of aircrew who survived bale outs and some who evaded capture while on the run in occupied territory. It recalls vividly the experiences of those unfortunate enough to spend much of the Second World War in prison camps.
The title of the book comes from the Squadron’s motto “Fulmina Regis Iusta” (The King’s Thunderbolts are Righteous). There are 255 A4 pages and it is in a laminated softback form. The recommended retail price is £24, plus postage and packing. However, the price has now been discounted to £12, (a total of £16 including postage and packing for UK residents and £22 for overseas customers). To order a copy of this excellent book please send your remittance to Henry Horscroft, 9 Church Lane, Eagle, Lincoln, LN6 9DJ. E-mail: henry.horscroft@btinternet.com

Photo Courtesy of Charles Toop
Photo Courtesy of Charles Toop
