No. 215 Squadron RAF facts for kids

No. 215 Squadron RAF was a special group of airplanes and pilots in the Royal Air Force (RAF). They were first formed during World War I and later again for World War II. This squadron started as a night bomber unit, meaning they flew planes that dropped bombs at night. Towards the end of World War II, they changed roles and became a transport squadron, carrying supplies and people instead.

The Story of No. 215 Squadron

Early Days: World War I

No. 215 Squadron officially began in France on April 1, 1918. It was created by simply changing the number of an older group, No. 15 Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service. This older group had started just a month before, in March 1918. Their job was to fly Handley Page O/100 planes. These were large planes used for bombing targets in Germany at night.

Soon after becoming part of the new Royal Air Force, the squadron went back to England. There, they got new, updated planes called the Handley Page O/400. After getting their new aircraft, they returned to France. They became part of a special group called the Independent Air Force. When World War I ended in November 1918, the squadron was officially closed down on October 18, 1919.

Reforming and Changes: 1930s

The squadron was brought back to life for a short time in late 1935. On October 1, it was formed from a part of No. 58 Squadron RAF at RAF Worthy Down. However, it was soon combined with another training unit.

On the very same day, the squadron was officially reformed again at RAF Honington. This time, they were meant to fly Vickers Wellington planes. But once more, this new squadron was quickly merged into the same training unit.

World War II and Beyond

Bombing Missions in Asia

When the war with Japan began, No. 215 Squadron was reformed as a bomber unit in December 1941. This happened at RAF Newmarket in England. They were equipped with Vickers Wellington bombers. In 1942, the squadron was sent to Calcutta (now Kolkata) in India. From there, they took part in many bombing missions.

Later, the squadron received new, larger planes called Consolidated Liberators. During this time, many of the pilots and crew members were from other Commonwealth countries. A large number were from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The squadron faced tough challenges and lost many people and planes during their missions over Burma (now Myanmar).

Changing to Transport Planes

In April 1945, near the end of World War II, the squadron's role changed. They became a transport squadron. This meant they started flying Douglas Dakota planes. These planes were used to carry supplies and people. The squadron was officially closed down on February 15, 1946. However, on the same day, it was simply renamed as No. 48 Squadron RAF.

Post-War Operations

Transport Duties in Egypt

No. 215 Squadron was formed again on August 1, 1947. This time, they were at RAF Kabrit in Egypt. They continued to fly Douglas Dakota planes for transport duties. The squadron was disbanded on May 1, 1948. At that time, it was re-numbered and became No. 70 Squadron RAF.

Light Transport Role

The squadron was reformed once more in April 1956 at RAF Dishforth. Their job was to fly Scottish Aviation Pioneer planes. These were light transport aircraft used to support the Army. The squadron was disbanded two years later, in September 1958. It was then renamed as No. 230 Squadron RAF.

Far East Missions

The squadron was formed for the last time in May 1963 at RAF Benson. They became a medium-range transport squadron. Their main area of operation was the Far East. They moved to RAF Changi and flew Armstrong Whitworth Argosy planes. The squadron remained active until it was finally disbanded in December 1967.

Aircraft Flown by the Squadron

This table shows the different types of aircraft that No. 215 Squadron used throughout its history.