No. 184 Squadron RAF

Summary

No. 184 Squadron was a Royal Air Force squadron during the second world war.

No. 184 Squadron RAF
184 Squadron badge
Active1 December 1942 - 10 September 1945
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
Motto(s)Latin: Nihil impenetrabile
("Nothing impenetrable")[1]
Insignia
Squadron badge heraldryA gun barrel in bend

History

edit

No.184 Squadron was formed at RAF Colerne on 1 December 1942, as a fighter-bomber unit equipped with Hawker Hurricane Mk.IID with 40mm anti-tank cannon.[2] After a short time these were replaced by Hawker Hurricane Mk.IV allowing a variety of weapons to be fitted, including RP-3 60lb rockets.[2] As part of 2nd TAF attacks on enemy shipping began on 17 June 1943.[3]

In March 1944 the squadron re-equipped with Hawker Typhoon IB fighter-bombers[4] and in preparation for the liberation of France these aircraft began a series of attacks on enemy communications. After D-day, on 27 June 1944, the squadron moved to Caen, Normandy, supporting the 21st Army Group throughout the battle of Normandy and the subsequent advance to the Netherlands. After spending the winter in the Netherlands, No.184 squadron moved to Germany on 21 March 1945, making them one of the first squadrons based on German soil during World War II.[3]

 
Hawker Typhoon replica in Caen Museum, painted in the markings of 184 Sqn


After hostilities ended, No.184 squadron was disbanded on 10 September 1945 at Flensberg in Germany.[3]

Notable Commanders

edit

Squadron Leader Jack Rose DFC - pioneered the operational use of rocket projectiles fired from single-engined fighter bombers.[5]

Aircraft operated

edit
Dates Aircraft Variant Notes
1942-1943 Hawker Hurricane IID
1943-1944 Hawker Hurricane IV
1944-1945 Hawker Typhoon IB

References

edit
  1. ^ Pine, LG (1983). A Dictionary of mottoes. London: Routledge & K. Paul. p. 149. ISBN 0-7100-9339-X.
  2. ^ a b "Hawker Hurricane - variants". baesystems.com. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Squadron Histories - No.184 squadron". rafweb.org. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  4. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 66.
  5. ^ "Squadron C/O's". 184squadron.com. Retrieved 24 March 2024.

Bibliography

edit
  • Jefford, C.G. (1988). RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury: Airlife. ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
edit
  • Squadron history page on official RAF Website
  • Air of Authority
  • History of 184 Squadron with photos supplied by pilots and relatives