No. 127 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 127 Squadron RAF |
|
|---|---|
| Active | (RFC) 1 March 1918 – 4 July 1918 (RAF) 29 June 1941 - 30 April 1945 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Role | Fighter Command. |
| Motto(s) | Eothen (Latin: Out of the east) |
| Aircraft | Gladiator Hurricane Spitfire |
| Battle honours | •World War II • Home Defence • Middle East • Italy • Western Desert • Invasion of Europe |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge heraldry | A tarantula. |
| Squadron Codes | HF allocated April 1939 - September 1939 EJ June 1942 - January 1943 9N April 1944 - April 1945 |
No. 127 Squadron RAF was a special group of planes and pilots. They were part of the United Kingdom's air forces. These forces were first called the Royal Flying Corps. Later, they became the Royal Air Force.
Contents
History of No. 127 Squadron RAF
Early Days and First Formation
No. 127 Squadron was first created in February 1918. It was meant to be a "day bomber unit." This means its planes would drop bombs during the day. However, the squadron was disbanded very quickly. It closed down on July 4, 1918. It never got to fly in any missions during this time.
Serving in World War II
The squadron was formed again on June 29, 1941. For a short time, its name was given to a small group of planes. These planes were Hawker Hurricanes and Gloster Gladiators. They were serving in Iraq. Soon after, this group was renamed as No. 261 Squadron.
After this, the name No. 127 Squadron was used again. This time, the squadron served in Egypt. They were part of the air forces in the Middle East during World War II.
Return to the UK and D-Day
Later, No. 127 Squadron returned to the United Kingdom. They prepared for a very important event. This event was Operation Overlord. Operation Overlord was the huge Allied invasion of Normandy, France. This invasion is also known as D-Day.
For this mission, the squadron received new planes. They flew Spitfire Mk IX HF aircraft. They operated from a base called RAF Lympne. Their job was to help with the "Air Defence of Great Britain." This meant protecting the UK from enemy attacks. Even though they helped defend Britain, they were also part of the RAF Second Tactical Air Force. This force was focused on supporting ground troops in Europe.
Squadron Disbanded
No. 127 Squadron continued to serve until the end of World War II. The squadron was officially closed down on April 30, 1945.
