No. 280 Squadron RAF

Summary

No. 280 Squadron was a Royal Air Force air-sea rescue squadron during the Second World War.

No. 280 Squadron RAF
Active10 December 1941 - 21 June 1946
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
TypeFlying squadron
RoleAir-sea rescue
Part ofCoastal Command
Motto(s)We Shall Be There
Insignia
Squadron BadgeIn front of a fountain a hand holding a pole, flying therefrom two flags representing the international distress signal 'N.C'[1]
Squadron CodesYF (Feb 1942 - Aug 1943)
3 (Aug 1943 - Jul 1944)
ME (Jul 1944 - Jun 1946)

History edit

No. 280 Squadron was formed at RAF Thorney Island, England on 10 December 1941 as an air-sea rescue squadron. The squadron was equipped with the Avro Anson and was responsible for air-sea rescue along the south coast of England and East Anglia. The squadron re-equipped with the Vickers Warwick in October 1943.

At the end of the Second World War the squadron disbanded at RAF Thornaby on 21 June 1946.

Aircraft operated edit

From To Aircraft Version
Feb 1942 Oct 1943 Avro Anson Mk.I
Oct 1943 Jun 1946 Vickers Warwick Mk.I

[2][3]

See also edit

References edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ Halley 1988, p. 345.
  2. ^ Rawlings 1982, p. 251.
  3. ^ Jefford 2001, p. 85.

Bibliography edit

  • Halley, James J. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth, 1918-1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1988. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
  • Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons: A Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of All RAF Squadrons and Their Antecedents Since 1912, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. ISBN 1853100536. (second revised edition 2001. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.)
  • Rawlings, John D.R. Coastal, Support and Special Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London: Jane's Publishing Company Ltd., 1982. ISBN 0-7106-0187-5.

External links edit

  • squadron histories nos. 276-280 sqn