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 unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF). This squadron played a key role in developing new technologies and guiding other aircraft during important missions, especially during World War II. They were known for their clever use of radio and radar systems to help with navigation and target marking.

The Story of No. 109 Squadron

Early Days and World War I

The squadron first started on 1 November 1917. It was known as 109 Squadron Royal Flying Corps and was based at South Carlton. The pilots began training with the de Havilland DH.9 bomber aircraft. However, the squadron was disbanded on 19 August 1918 before it could take part in any missions.

World War II: Innovation and Pathfinder Missions

No. 109 Squadron was reformed on 10 December 1940. It grew out of a special group called the Wireless Intelligence Development Unit at RAF Boscombe Down. Their main job was to find and block enemy radio signals. They also worked on creating better radio and radar navigation tools for the RAF's Bomber Command.

In 1942, the squadron moved to RAF Stradishall. Here, they started flying the fast, twin-engined de Havilland Mosquito light bomber. These planes were fitted with a new navigation system called Oboe. Soon after, they moved to RAF Wyton and became part of the Pathfinder Force. The Pathfinder Force had a crucial job: to fly ahead of other bombers and accurately mark targets.

The Oboe system was developed and perfected using the Mosquitos of 109 Squadron. After four months of hard work, this amazing device was ready. It was first used to mark a target near Düsseldorf on 1 January 1943. The precise target marking by Oboe-equipped Mosquitos was very important for the success of RAF missions over industrial areas. The squadron continued these vital marking duties until the end of the war. This included their final target marking mission of the war on 21 April 1945.

As the war ended, the squadron used its accurate navigation equipment for a different, helpful purpose. They assisted in dropping much-needed supplies to people in the Netherlands. No. 109 Squadron was disbanded on 30 September 1945 at RAF Little Staughton. During its time in World War II, the squadron completed 5,421 operational flights with the Mosquito aircraft. They lost 18 aircraft during these missions.

Post-War Service

Just one day later, on 1 October 1945, the squadron was reformed at RAF Woodhall Spa. It continued to operate Mosquito aircraft, serving as a light bomber unit for Bomber Command in the years after the war.

Eventually, the squadron received new aircraft, the English Electric Canberra jet bombers. They took part in the Suez campaign, a historical event. As the RAF's V bomber force grew stronger, the need for No. 109 Squadron's specific role decreased. The squadron was finally disbanded on 1 February 1957 at RAF Binbrook.

Aircraft They Flew

No. 109 Squadron operated a variety of aircraft throughout its history. Each type played a role in their missions, from early bombers to advanced jet aircraft.