The experiment with mixed squadrons in October and November 1940

The British experimented with mixed squadrons in an attempt to provide useful short range reconnaissance and ground support to the offensive. No.208 squadron was equipped with 8 Lysanders and 4 Hurricanes. No.3 RAAF squadron was equipped with 8 Gladiators and 4 Gauntlets. There was also one flight of No.6 squadron equipped with just 4 Lysanders. The lesson had been learned in France that Lysanders needed fighter escort to be effective. The idea was to integrate fighters and reconnaissance (or Army cooperation) aircraft into squadrons. It was also an opportunity to train fighter pilots in the art of reconnaissance. This is based on the account in Vol.I of the Official History.