No. 212 Squadron RAF facts for kids

No. 212 Squadron RAF was a special group of planes and pilots in the British Royal Air Force (RAF). This squadron was active during both the First and Second World Wars, playing different important roles before it was eventually disbanded. Its motto, Amari ad Astra, means "From the Sea to the Stars."

Squadron History: First World War

The squadron first started on 8 June 1917. It was called No. 12 Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). This early group was a training unit, helping pilots learn to fly. It was based in Hondschoote, France. However, this first version of the squadron was disbanded on 1 April 1918. It did not become part of the RAF at that time.

The squadron was formed again on 20 August 1918. This time, it was officially named No. 212 Squadron RAF. It was made up of three smaller groups (Flights 490, 557, and 558) from a former RNAS base at Great Yarmouth. The pilots flew planes like the DH4, DH9, and DH9A. Their main job was to fly patrols over the North Sea. They looked for enemy submarines until the war ended. In March 1919, the squadron moved to Swingate Down near Dover. It was then disbanded on 9 February 1920.

Squadron History: Second World War

No. 212 Squadron was brought back to life in early 1940. A small group of planes from the Photographic Development Unit was sent to France. This group became No. 212 Squadron on 10 February 1940. They flew Spitfire and Blenheim planes. Their mission was to fly "strategic reconnaissance" missions. This means they flew over Germany to take pictures and gather important information. After France was invaded, the squadron had to return to Britain. It was disbanded again on 18 June 1940.

The squadron was reformed for the last time on 22 October 1942. This time, they flew Catalina planes. These planes were used for two main jobs:

• Air-sea rescue: Saving pilots or sailors who were stranded in the water.
• Anti-submarine warfare: Finding and attacking enemy submarines.

They operated over a very large area, including the Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea. They also patrolled along the coasts of India and Burma. The squadron's main base was at Korangi Creek near Karachi. They also had smaller groups of planes at other locations, like Umm Rasays, Masirah in Oman, and Calcutta in East India. In May 1945, the squadron moved to Madras. On 1 July 1945, No. 212 Squadron was re-numbered and became No. 240 Squadron.