No. 121 Squadron RAF facts for kids

Quick facts for kids No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron RAF
121 (Eagle) Squadron, RAF, 1940
Active	1 April 1918 - 17 August 1918 14 May 1941 – 29 September 1942
Country	United Kingdom
Allegiance	United Kingdom  United States (September 1942)
Branch	Royal Air Force
Nickname(s)	Eagle
Motto(s)	For liberty
Insignia
Squadron Badge heraldry	An Indian warrior's head with head dress
Squadron Codes	AV (May 1941 - September 1942)

No. 121 Squadron was a special Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft squadron. During World War II, it was one of three "Eagle Squadrons." These squadrons were unique because they were made up of American volunteer pilots. Today, a Royal Air Force Air Cadets squadron in Nuneaton shares this number.

Early Days: World War I

No. 121 Squadron was first created on January 1, 1918. Back then, it was part of the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the RAF. The squadron was formed at RAF Narborough in England. Its job was to be a "day bomber" squadron. This meant it would fly bombing missions during the day.

The squadron was supposed to use Airco DH.9 planes. However, there were delays in getting these aircraft. They used Airco DH.4s for training instead. The war ended before the squadron could fly any real missions. Because of this, it was officially closed down on August 17, 1918.

World War II: The Eagle Squadron

Joining the RAF

An RAF Intelligence Officer talks with American pilots from an Eagle Squadron.

No. 121 Squadron was started again on May 14, 1941. This time, it was called No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron. It was based at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey. This was the second of three "Eagle Squadrons." These squadrons were special because they were made up of American pilots. These pilots volunteered to fight for Britain before the United States officially joined the war.

The squadron first flew Hawker Hurricane planes. Soon after, they switched to the faster Supermarine Spitfire. They then moved south to RAF North Weald. From there, they started flying missions over the English Channel. These missions included "channel sweeps," where they patrolled the skies. They also did "Rhubarb" operations. These were small attacks on enemy targets on the ground.

On November 15, 1941, the squadron shot down its first enemy aircraft. Later, they got upgraded Spitfire VBs. These planes had powerful cannons. With these new planes, they flew more attacks over the Channel. They also protected British bombers flying into enemy territory.

Transfer to the USAAF

In September 1942, the squadron moved to RAF Debden. This base was home to the other Eagle Squadrons. A big change happened that month. The squadron was transferred to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). This meant the American pilots would now fly for their own country.

No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron officially stopped being an RAF unit on September 29, 1942. It became the 335th Fighter Squadron in the USAAF. This new squadron was part of the 4th Fighter Group. This group was a key part of the Eighth Air Force.

Aircraft Flown

Here are the types of aircraft No. 121 Squadron used:

See also

• List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons
• 335th Fighter Squadron
• Eagle Squadrons