Pathfinder (RAF)
The Pathfinders were target-marking squadrons in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. They located and marked targets with flares, at which a main bomber force could aim, increasing the accuracy of their bombing. The Pathfinders were normally the first to receive new blind-bombing aids such as Gee, Oboe and the H2S radar.
| No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group | |
|---|---|
| Active | 15 August 1942 – 1945 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Size | Group |
| Part of | RAF Bomber Command |
| Group Headquarters | RAF Wyton |
| Motto(s) | "We guide to strike" |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Don Bennett |
| Insignia | |
| Group badge heraldry | A flaming arrow in front of an eight pointed star |
The early Pathfinder Force (PFF) squadrons were expanded to become a group, No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, in January 1943. The initial Pathfinder Force was five squadrons, whilst No 8 Group ultimately grew to a strength of 19 squadrons. Whereas the majority of Pathfinder squadrons and personnel were from the Royal Air Force, the group also included No 405 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force as well as many individual airmen from the air forces of other Commonwealth countries.