No. 128 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 128 Squadron RAF |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1 February 1918 – 4 July 1918 7 October 1941 – 8 March 1943 5 September 1944 – 31 March 1946 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Fulminis Instar ("Like a Thunderbolt") |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron heraldry | In front of an ogress a shuttle in hand |
| Squadron Codes | WG (October 1941 – March 1943) M5 (September 1944 – March 1946) |
No. 128 Squadron RAF was a special group of pilots and planes in the Royal Air Force, which is the United Kingdom's air force. This squadron was created twice: first during World War I as a bomber unit, and then again during World War II as a fighter unit.
Contents
About No. 128 Squadron RAF
No. 128 Squadron was part of the Royal Flying Corps before the Royal Air Force was officially formed. Squadrons like this one played a big role in defending the country and helping in battles from the sky.
Early Days: World War I
The squadron first started on 1 February 1918. It was meant to be a unit that would drop bombs during the day. However, it didn't get to fly any missions. The squadron was disbanded just a few months later, on 4 July 1918.
Fighting in World War II
No. 128 Squadron was brought back to life in 1941 during World War II. This time, it was a fighter unit.
From Africa to Europe
The squadron started in Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa. Here, its pilots flew Hurricanes, which were powerful fighter planes. They helped protect the area until the squadron was disbanded again in March 1943.
The Light Night Strikers
But the squadron wasn't gone for long! It reformed again in September 1944 at RAF Wyton in England. This time, it flew Mosquito planes. These planes were very fast. The squadron became part of the Light Night Striking Force. Their job was to fly at night and attack important targets.
After the Wars
After World War II ended, the squadron moved around. From September 1945, it was based in Melsbroek, Belgium. It then spent a short time in Germany. The squadron was finally disbanded on 31 March 1946. Its planes and pilots were then renumbered to become part of 14 Squadron.
Planes They Flew
No. 128 Squadron used different types of aircraft during its time. Here's a list of the planes they operated:
| From | To | Aircraft | Variant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1941 | Jan 1943 | Hawker Hurricane | Mk I |
| Nov 1942 | Mar 1943 | Hawker Hurricane | Mk IIB |
| Sep 1944 | Nov 1944 | de Havilland Mosquito | XX |
| Oct 1944 | Nov 1944 | de Havilland Mosquito | XXV |
| Oct 1944 | Mar 1946 | de Havilland Mosquito | XVI |
