No. 59 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 59 Squadron |
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|---|---|
| Active | 1 August 1916 (RFC) to 4 August 1919 28 June 1937 - 15 June 1946 1 December 1947 - 31 October 1950 1 September 1956 - 4 January 1961 |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Ab uno disce omnes ("From one teach all") |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron badge heraldry | A broken wheel. |
| Squadron codes | PJ Sep 1938 - Sep 1939 TR Sep 1939 - Oct 1942 1 Aug 1943 - Jul 1944 WE Jul 1944 - Oct 1945 BY Oct 1945 - Jun 1946, Dec 1947 - Oct 1950 |
No. 59 Squadron was a special group of aircraft and pilots. They belonged to the Royal Air Force, also known as the RAF. They were based in Norfolk, England, and played important roles in different wars and operations.
Contents
Squadron History
Early Days: World War I
No. 59 Squadron first started on 1 August 1916. It was formed at Narborough Airfield in Norfolk. Back then, it was part of the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force.
In February 1917, the Squadron moved to Saint-Omer in northern France. They flew planes called Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8s. Their main job was to work closely with the army. They would help by watching from the sky and sharing information.
World War II and Beyond
During World War II, No. 59 Squadron had many different jobs. From 1937 to 1940, they were part of RAF Fighter Command. Later, they joined RAF Bomber Command. They even took part in a big bombing mission over Bremen, Germany. From 1940 to 1945, they helped protect the coast as part of Coastal Command.
After the war, the Squadron helped fly troops. They moved soldiers to India from September 1945. The Squadron was then officially stopped on 15 June 1946.
Reforming and New Missions
No. 59 Squadron started up again on 1 December 1947. Half of the crew from No. 51 Squadron became the new No. 59 Squadron. They moved to RAF Abingdon and became a unit for long-distance transport. They flew large planes called Avro Yorks.
A part of the Squadron helped in the Berlin Airlift from 1948 to 1949. This was a huge effort to deliver supplies by air to the city of Berlin. The Squadron was stopped again on 31 October 1950.
Final Years
The Squadron reformed one last time in August 1956. This happened at RAF Gutersloh in Germany. They flew English Electric Canberra planes. These were fast jet bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.
No. 59 Squadron was last stopped in 1961. At that time, its planes and people became part of No. 3 Squadron.
