The Northern Ireland War Memorial has launched a new book documenting the story of the only fighter squadron based in Northern Ireland during some of the darkest days of the Second World War. The publication, Northern Ireland’s First Fighter Squadron: No. 245 (Northern Rhodesia) Squadron, by aviation historian Guy Warner, explores the squadron’s crucial role in defending Northern Ireland’s skies and supporting Allied operations during 1940 and 1941.
The book was officially launched at the Northern Ireland War Memorial in Belfast on 9th September 2026, with guests including Belfast’s Lord-Lieutenant, representatives of the Royal Air Force and diplomatic representatives from Poland.
For aviation enthusiasts, the story of No. 245 Squadron represents a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in Irish aviation history. Operating Hawker Hurricanes from RAF Aldergrove and later RAF Ballyhalbert, the squadron was tasked with convoy escort duties over the North Atlantic approaches during the critical years of the Battle of the Atlantic. The unit also served as an Operational Training Unit for pilots from occupied European nations, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, France and Norway, helping prepare aircrew who would go on to fight in the defence of Britain and the liberation of Europe.
Perhaps most significantly, No. 245 Squadron was Northern Ireland’s sole dedicated air defence unit during the Belfast Blitz. As Luftwaffe bombers struck the city in April and May 1941, the squadron’s pilots were responsible for defending the region from aerial attack. Among the exploits detailed in the book is the achievement of Squadron Leader John Simpson DFC, who succeeded in shooting down two enemy aircraft during the raids.
The publication also touches on one of the war’s more unusual episodes. In May 1941, pilots from the squadron participated in attempts to intercept the aircraft carrying Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s Deputy Führer, during his mysterious solo flight from Germany to Scotland.
According to the Northern Ireland War Memorial, the 72-page publication is based extensively on the squadron’s Operations Record Book and other primary and secondary historical sources. The book is illustrated with more than 70 photographs, providing a visual record of the men, aircraft and locations associated with the unit.
Author Guy Warner is well known to many aviation history enthusiasts across Ireland and the UK. A former Vice Chairman of the Ulster Aviation Society, he has authored more than thirty aviation books and booklets and written hundreds of articles on aviation history, including many for this website. He also serves on the Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial.
The release of the book adds to a growing body of research highlighting Northern Ireland’s substantial contribution to wartime aviation. While the region is often associated with aircraft manufacturing through companies such as Short Brothers, the operational story of No. 245 Squadron demonstrates that Northern Ireland was also directly involved in frontline fighter operations during a pivotal period of the Second World War.
Northern Ireland’s First Fighter Squadron: No. 245 (Northern Rhodesia) Squadron is available directly from the Northern Ireland War Memorial for £8.
Main photo above: Left to right: Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast, Mr Gregorz Sala, and Mrs Patrycja Grochecka-Sala; High Sheriff of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey; HM Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ; author Guy Warner; Honorary Air Commodore Alistair Finlay OBE; and Chairman of NIWM, Don Bigger.
