Balkan Models

1/48 No.352 RAF Squadron decal sheet

Product # BM-4802

Product  Article by Steve Bamford on July 10 2015

 

      

This new decal sheet from Balkan Models includes markings for 8 different 1/48 Spitfires with No.352 RAF Squadron (Yugoslav pilots).  

On 22 April 1944, the first Yugoslav fighter squadron (No. 352 RAF Squadron) was formed at Benina, Libya. At first it was equipped with Hurricanes. In June of the same year, the first Supermarine Spitfires were delivered. In August, the squadron moved to Italy to join the No.281 Wing. The squadron’s main goal was to provide escort for fighter-bomber squadrons and engage in ground attack missions. For the rest of the war they were using the airport located on the island Vis. 

The basic organisation of 352th squadron was the same as in all RAF squadrons. The first combat operation was planned and executed on 18 August 1944. Captain Mileta Protić was assigned as the first squadron commander. During the combat operations the squadron lost 10 pilots. Among them was Franjo Kluz, the first partisan pilot and later a national hero of Yugoslavia.

No. 352 Squadron RAF carried out 367 combat operations flying from Canne, Vis and Zemunik airports. The squadron was disbanded from RAF on 16 May 1945.

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The 8 aircraft include: 

  • Supermarine spitfire Vb ES257 "SLOVENEC"

  • Supermarine spitfire Vb EP886 "HRVAT"

  • Supermarine spitfire Vc JK831 "SLAVONAC"

  • Supermarine spitfire Vc JK608 "MAKEDONAC"

  • Supermarine spitfire Vc JG948 "GORIČAN"

  • Supermarine spitfire Vc JK448 "OSVETNIK 5. OFANZIVE"

  • Supermarine spitfire Vc LZ830 "POPOV"

  • Supermarine spitfire Vc JK790

This decal sheet gives you a wonderful selection of Spitfires flown by Yugoslav pilots in the RAF during WW2. 

You can buy this decal sheet directly from Balkan Models.

Steve Bamford

Click on images below to see larger images

 

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford