No. 109 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 109 Squadron RAF |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1 Nov 1917 – 19 Aug 1918 10 Dec 1940 – 30 Sep 1945 1 Oct 1945 – 1 Feb 1957 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Primi hastati ("The first of the legion") |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
C.C. McMullen (c. 1941) |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron badge heraldry | A panther rampant, incensed. The black panther indicates night hunting and the attitude of the animal symbolises attack |
| Squadron codes | HS Dec 1940 – Apr 1945, Oct 1945 – 1951 |
No. 109 Squadron RAF was a special aircraft group of the Royal Air Force. It flew different types of planes and played important roles in history. This squadron was active during World War I and World War II. It also served in the years after the wars.
Contents
Squadron History
Early Days: World War I
The squadron first started on 1 November 1917. It was called 109 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. They were based at South Carlton and began training with de Havilland DH.9 bomber planes. However, the squadron was closed down on 19 August 1918. It never got to fly missions during the war.
World War II: A New Beginning
The squadron was formed again on 10 December 1940. It started as the Wireless Intelligence Development Unit at RAF Boscombe Down. Their main job was to find German radio signals. They also worked on ways to block these signals. A second important task was to create new radio and radar tools. These tools helped Bomber Command planes find their way.
In 1942, the squadron moved to RAF Stradishall. Here, they started using the de Havilland Mosquito light bomber. These planes were fitted with a special navigation system called Oboe. Soon after, they moved to RAF Wyton. They became part of the Pathfinder Force. This group helped mark targets for other bombers.
The Oboe System
The Oboe system was very important. It was developed and tested using the Mosquitos of 109 Squadron. After four months of hard work, Oboe was ready. It was first used on 1 January 1943. The system helped mark the target in Düsseldorf for bombers. Using Oboe-equipped Mosquitos was key to the RAF's success. It helped them hit targets in the Ruhr area of Germany.
The squadron kept marking targets until the war ended. This included the very last raid on Berlin on 21 April 1945. When the war finished, their accurate navigation tools were used for a good cause. They helped drop supplies to people in the Netherlands. The squadron was closed down on 30 September 1945. This happened at RAF Little Staughton. They had flown 5,421 missions with the Mosquito planes. Only 18 of their aircraft were lost.
Post-War Years
On 1 October 1945, the squadron was formed again. This time, it was at RAF Woodhall Spa. They still flew Mosquito planes. They served as a light bomber force for Bomber Command after the war. Later, they got new planes called Canberras. These planes saw action during the Suez campaign.
As more powerful V bomber planes were introduced, 109 Squadron was no longer needed. It was finally closed down on 1 February 1957. This happened at RAF Binbrook.
Aircraft Operated
| Dates | Aircraft | Variant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1917–1918 | de Havilland DH.9 | A bomber plane with one engine. | |
| 1940–1941 | Armstrong Whitworth Whitley | V | A medium bomber with two engines. |
| 1940–1942 | Avro Anson | I | A plane used for transport and training. |
| 1940–1942 | Vickers Wellington | I | A medium bomber with two engines. |
| 1941–1942 | Vickers Wellington | 1C | |
| 1942 | Vickers Wellington | I | |
| 1942 | Avro Lancaster | I | A heavy bomber with four engines. |
| 1942–1945 | de Havilland Mosquito | IV, IX and XVI | A light bomber with two engines. |
| 1945–1948 | de Havilland Mosquito | XVI | |
| 1948–1952 | de Havilland Mosquito | B35 | |
| 1952–1954 | English Electric Canberra | B2 | A jet light bomber with two engines. |
| 1954–1957 | English Electric Canberra | B6 |
