No. 181 Squadron RAF

Summary

No. 181 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron formed as a fighter-bomber unit in World War II.

No. 181 Squadron RAF
Active25 August 1942 – 30 September 1945
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
Motto(s)Latin: Irruimus vastatum (We rush in and destroy)[1]
Insignia
Squadron BadgeAn erased eagles head in front of two swords
Squadron CodeEL (August 1942 – September 1945)

History

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Formation

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The squadron formed on 25 August 1942 at RAF Duxford and was supplied with Hurricane and Typhoon aircraft. The squadron operated the Typhoons from several locations in the United Kingdom including RAF Appledram, RAF Snailwell, RAF Lasham, RAF Odiham and RAF Hurn. The squadron attacked V-1 flying bomb launch sites and supported the Normandy landings in June 1944, then moved to France where it followed the Allied advance across Europe, seeking targets of opportunity. The squadron disbanded in Lübeck, Germany on 30 September 1945.

Aircraft operated

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Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib from 181 Sqn loaded with rocket projectiles and fuel tanks.
Aircraft operated by no. 181 Squadron RAF[2]
From To Aircraft Mk
Sep 1942 Dec 1942 Hawker Hurricane I
Sep 1942 Dec 1942 Hawker Typhoon IA
Sep 1942 Sep 1945 Hawker Typhoon IB

References

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  1. ^ Pine, LG (1983). A Dictionary of mottoes. London: Routledge & K. Paul. p. 116. ISBN 0-7100-9339-X.
  2. ^ Jefford, C. G. (1988). RAF Squadrons. Shrewsbury: UK Airlife. ISBN 978-1-85310-053-6.
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  • History of No.'s 181–185 Squadrons at RAF Web
  • 181 Squadron history on the official RAF website