World War 2
Rhodesia itself was never attacked in World War 2, but the Royal Rhodesian Airforce became part of the RAF in April 1940 and its fighter squadron formed No 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF. It fought against the Italians in Abyssinia and later in North Africa and the Middle East as an Army air support unit. At various times this fighter squadron did reconnaissance work. In 1944, it was moved to Corsica and operated in Southern France and Northern Italy until its disbandment in 1945.
No 266 squadron RAF was created in England in 1939. It fought in the Battle of Britain under the designation "Rhodesian" squadron and flew in Europe until 1945.
Rhodesians also flew in Bomber Command units. No 44 (Rhodesia) squadron accompanied the RAF on many raids over Germany and suffered heavy losses. During the war 2,409 Rhodesians flew with the RAF and some 500 were killed and many more wounded.
thanks to and copyright of Russell Huff