No. 234 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF |
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|---|---|
| Active | 20 Aug 1918 - 15 May 1919 30 Oct 1939 - 1 Sep 1946 1 Aug 1952 - 15 Jul 1957 22 Oct 1958 - 31 Aug 1992 1 Sep 1992 – 1 Apr 1994 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Nickname(s) | Madras Presidency "The Dragons" |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Ignem mortemque despuimus ("We spit fire and death") |
| Engagements | Battle of Britain |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge heraldry | A dragon rampant, flames issuing from the mouth The dragon indicates the fighting role and the flames associate with the name Spitfire |
| Squadron Codes | AZ (May 1940 - Aug 1945) FX (Aug 1945 - Sep 1946) W (Aug 1952 - Jan 1954) |
No. 234 Squadron RAF was a special group of pilots and planes in the Royal Air Force (RAF). They had a long and exciting history! They flew different types of aircraft, from flying boats in World War I to fast fighter jets. This squadron was active for many years, helping to protect the United Kingdom until 1994.
Contents
History of the Squadron
Starting in World War I
No. 234 Squadron RAF officially started on 20 August 1918. This happened at RNAS Tresco in the Scilly Isles. It was formed from four smaller groups of planes. These groups had been flying Felixstowe F3's and Curtiss H.12 aircraft since 1917.
The squadron used these planes to watch over the western parts of the English Channel. They helped keep the seas safe. For their brave actions, they earned special awards like the DSC. The unit flew its last mission of World War I on 10 November 1918. About six months later, on 15 May 1919, the squadron was closed down.
Fighting in World War II
The squadron was started again on 30 October 1939 at RAF Leconfield. At first, they had a mix of planes like Magisters and Blenheims. They used these for patrols along the coast.
In March 1940, the squadron began to get Spitfire planes. These were famous fighter aircraft. In May 1940, they moved to RAF Church Fenton and became ready for combat.
The Battle of Britain
In June 1940, the squadron moved to RAF St Eval in Cornwall. They were based there during the Battle of Britain, which started on 10 July. Their main jobs were to patrol, quickly take off to meet enemy planes, and protect convoys (groups of ships).
On 15 August, 234 Squadron moved to RAF Middle Wallop. From here, they helped defend important cities like Portsmouth and Southampton. They often flew to support other RAF groups, even as far as Kent. The squadron achieved many victories. Famous pilots like Pat Hughes, Bob Doe, and Keith Lawrence were part of this squadron.
On 7 September, the German air force (Luftwaffe) launched a big attack on London. 234 Squadron was sent to stop the enemy bombers as they left. During this fight, the squadron lost both Pat Hughes and their leader, Squadron Leader O'Brien. Two days later, the squadron went back to St Eval to rest. They also received new planes and trained new pilots. The squadron had lost 18 Spitfires in just four weeks of intense fighting.
During 1941 and 1942, the squadron flew from different bases in the south of England. They carried out both attack and defense missions. In January 1943, they moved to Orkney in Scotland. They flew from RAF Grimsetter and later from RAF Skeabrae.
Six months later, the squadron returned to the south of England. They were at RAF Church Stanton and soon flew over France again. This was to prepare for Operation Overlord, the big Allied invasion of Normandy. On D-Day, they flew Spitfire V LF planes from RAF Deanland.
After D-Day, the squadron switched to North American Mustang Mk.III planes. They used these to escort bombers on long-range missions. They flew from RAF North Weald and later from RAF Bentwaters. On 1 May 1945, the squadron moved to RAF Peterhead. Here, they helped protect RAF planes flying along the Norwegian coast. They also received some new North American Mustang Mk.IVs.
After the War: From Spitfires to Jets
When World War II ended, the squadron went back to flying Spitfire Mk.IXs. They remained an important part of the RAF. In February 1946, jet planes arrived! Meteor F.3 jets replaced the Spitfires. However, on 1 September, the squadron was closed down and its number was given to No. 266 Squadron RAF.
The squadron started up again at Oldenburg on 1 August 1952. They were now focused on attacking ground targets. They flew Vampires FB.5 and FB.9 jets. In November 1953, they changed roles again to become day fighters. They began to receive North American Sabre F.4 jets, finishing the change by January 1954.
The squadron moved to RAF Geilenkirchen on 8 January 1954. Here, Hunter F.4 jets replaced the Sabres in May 1956. But because of a new defense plan in 1957, No. 234 squadron was closed down on 15 July 1957.
Training Pilots with Hunters and Hawks
The squadron's number appeared again on 22 October 1958. It was given to one of the training squadrons at RAF Chivenor. This unit, called No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), used Hunter F.6 and FGA.9 aircraft. Their job was to train new Hunter pilots for combat.
On 2 September 1974, No. 229 OCU moved to RAF Brawdy. It was then renamed the Tactical Weapons Unit (TWU). No. 234 (Reserve) Squadron remained a part of this unit. Later, a second TWU was formed at Chivenor. The original unit was renamed No. 1 TWU. No. 234 squadron was still one of its parts, but by now, they had traded their Hunters for the newer Hawk jets. When No. 1 TWU was closed on 31 August 1992, its squadrons, including No. 234, were also disbanded.
Part of the Flying Training School
The very next day, 1 September 1992, the squadron number was used again. It was given to a squadron at RAF Valley, which was part of No. 4 (Advanced) Flying Training School (AFTS). This school had taken over the training duties of the TWUs. The squadron continued as part of this school until 1 April 1994. On that date, it was closed down by being renumbered to No. 208 (Reserve) Squadron.
