No. 141 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 141 Squadron RAF |
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|---|---|
| Active | 1 January 1918 - 1 February 1920 4 October 1939 - 7 September 1945 17 June 1946 - 1 February 1958 1 April 1959 - 31 March 1964. |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Caedimus Noctu ("We slay by night") |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron codes | UD Allocated Apr - Sep 1939 TW Apr 1940 - Sep 1945, Jun 1946 - Apr 1951 |
| Post-1950 squadron roundel |  |
No. 141 Squadron was a special group of pilots and planes in the British Royal Air Force (RAF). It was first created in January 1918 during the First World War to defend Britain's skies. After the war, it was temporarily stopped in 1920.
The squadron was brought back to life in 1939 for the Second World War. During this time, it became known for flying night fighter planes, protecting the country from enemy attacks in the dark. It also flew "night intruder" missions, attacking enemy targets at night. After the Second World War ended in 1945, the squadron was disbanded again.
It reformed in 1946, continuing its night fighter role until 1958. Later, from 1959 to 1964, it changed its focus to operating surface-to-air missiles, which are rockets used to shoot down enemy aircraft.
No. 141 Squadron in the First World War
No. 141 Squadron started on January 1, 1918, as part of the Royal Flying Corps. This happened because London needed stronger air defenses. The squadron was first based at Rochford.
At the beginning, the squadron tried out different types of planes. They tested the Sopwith Dolphin and Vickers Vampire as night fighters, but these planes were not quite right for the job. So, the squadron flew its Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12 planes for missions.
In February 1918, the squadron moved to RAF Biggin Hill. By March, they started using two-seat Bristol F.2 Fighter planes. On April 1, 1918, the squadron became part of the brand new Royal Air Force.
In April, the squadron helped test a new way to talk to pilots. They tried using radio messages sent from the ground to help guide fighter planes. This was a big step for air combat!
On the night of May 19-20, 1918, Germany launched a large bomber attack on London. Forty-three enemy planes were involved. A Bristol fighter from 141 Squadron, flown by Lieutenant Edward Turner and gunner Henry Barwise, shot down a Gotha G.V bomber. This bomber had already been damaged by another squadron's plane. Both Turner and Barwise received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their bravery that night. In total, at least six Gotha bombers were lost during this attack.
In March 1919, the squadron moved to Tallaght Aerodrome near Dublin, Ireland. They flew patrols during a time of conflict in Ireland. They moved to Baldonnel in December 1919 and were disbanded on February 1, 1920.
No. 141 Squadron in the Second World War
No. 141 Squadron was reformed on October 4, 1939, at RAF Turnhouse. They first received Gloster Gladiator and then Bristol Blenheim planes for training. They moved to RAF Grangemouth later that October and to RAF Prestwick in February 1940.
In April 1940, the squadron received new planes called Boulton Paul Defiants. They moved to RAF West Malling, Kent, on July 10. On July 19, 1940, the squadron was sent to stop enemy planes attacking a ship. However, the nine Defiant planes arrived too late. Instead, they were attacked by Messerschmitt Bf 109s. Six Defiant planes were shot down, and 10 aircrew members lost their lives.
Because of these losses, the RAF realized that the Defiant was not suitable for daytime fighting over southern England. So, 141 Squadron was ordered back to Scotland on July 21.
Once back in Scotland, the squadron flew missions to protect convoys (groups of ships) and carried out night fighter patrols from RAF Montrose and RAF Dyce. The squadron was officially made a night fighter unit, which was a role much better suited for the Defiant plane. The squadron's motto, "We slay by night," comes from this period.
Later, 141 Squadron switched to flying Bristol Beaufighter planes.
From 1943, the squadron changed its role again. They started flying long-range "intruder" missions with their Beaufighters over occupied Europe. These missions involved flying into enemy airspace at night to attack targets. They used special equipment called a Serrate radar detector to find enemy aircraft. During this time, they were based at RAF West Raynham in Norfolk.
New planes called Venom NF Mk 3s arrived in June 1955. But these were soon replaced by Gloster Javelins in February 1957.
On January 16, 1958, No. 141 Squadron, based at RAF Coltishall, became 41 Squadron. This meant that 41 Squadron took over 141 Squadron's all-weather Gloster Javelin FAW.4 fighters and its personnel.
The squadron's final role was operating Bloodhound surface-to-air missiles. This happened at RAF Dunholme Lodge from April 1, 1959, until March 31, 1964.
Squadron Bases
- RAF Turnhouse
- RAF West Malling
- RAF Prestwick
- RAF Dyce
- RAF Montrose
- RAF Biggin Hill
- RAF Gatwick
- RAF Drem
- RAF West Raynham
- RAF Coltishall
