No. 143 Squadron RAF facts for kids

Quick facts for kids No. 143 Squadron RAF
Active	1 February 1918 – 31 October 1919 15 June 1941 – 25 May 1945
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Motto(s)	Latin: Vincere est vivere ("To conquer is to live")
Insignia
Squadron Badge	A gamecock.
Squadron Codes	HO (Jun 1941 - Aug 1943, Jul 1944 - Oct 1944) ) NE (Oct 1944 - Jul 1945)

No. 143 Squadron RAF was a special group of pilots and planes in the Royal Air Force. They were first formed as a fighter unit during the First World War. Later, they were reformed to help protect ships and hunt submarines in the Second World War.

History of the Squadron

Starting in the First World War

Squadron De Havilland Mosquito

No. 143 Squadron Royal Flying Corps began on March 1, 1918. A month later, it became part of the Royal Air Force. During this time, they flew famous planes like the Sopwith Camel and Sopwith Snipe. The squadron was active until October 31, 1919, when it was disbanded.

Reforming for the Second World War

The squadron started up again in June 1941. This time, they were a "coastal command" unit. This meant they flew long-range fighter missions near the coast. They were based at RAF Aldergrove and used Bristol Beaufighter aircraft.

The squadron moved to different places like Scotland, Northern Ireland, and East Anglia. Their main job was to attack enemy ships. Later, they switched to flying the fast de Havilland Mosquito planes. No. 143 Squadron was disbanded for good on May 25, 1945, after the war ended.

Aircraft Flown

No. 143 Squadron RAF used several types of aircraft during its history. Here is a list of the planes they operated: