No. 63 Squadron RAF facts for kids

Quick facts for kids No. 63 Squadron RAF
Hawker Hunter F.6 squadron emblem
Active	31 August 1916 – 1 April 1918 (RFC) 1 April 1918 – 29 February 1920 (RAF) February 1937 - April 1940 15 June 1942 - 30 January 1945 1 September 1946 - 31 October 1958 30 November 1958 – 23 September 1992
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Motto(s)	Latin: Pone nos ad hostem ("Follow us to find the enemy")
Insignia
Squadron Badge	A dexter arm in bend couped below the elbow grasping in the hand a battle axe Approved by King George VI in December 1938.This squadron chose a battle axe held by a strong arm as being indicative of battle - a sentiment amplified by the motto.
Post 1950 Squadron Roundel
Squadron Codes	63 (Feb 1937 - Nov 1938) NE (Nov 1938 - May 1939) ON (May 1939 - Sep 1939) UB (Sep 1946 - Apr 1951)

Number 63 Squadron was a special group of planes and pilots in the Royal Air Force (RAF). They flew many different types of aircraft, from bombers to training jets. The squadron was active for many years, starting in 1916 and ending in 1992. They first used planes like the De Havilland DH4 in World War I. Later, they flew modern BAe Hawk jet trainers. Their motto, Pone nos ad hostem, means "Follow us to find the enemy."

History of No. 63 Squadron

Early Days: World War I

No. 63 Squadron started on August 31, 1916, in Stirling, Scotland. It was part of the Royal Flying Corps. The squadron was first meant to be a bomber unit for the Western Front in France. They were given de Havilland DH4 planes for this job.

However, their mission changed at the last minute. They were sent to fight the Turkish army in Mesopotamia (which is now Iraq). For this new mission, they received R.E.8 planes. The squadron arrived in the Middle East in August 1917. No. 63 Squadron stayed in Mesopotamia until the war ended. It was officially closed down on February 29, 1920.

Between the World Wars

In February 1937, the squadron was restarted as a Royal Air Force unit. This happened in Andover, Hampshire. They became a bomber unit again. Three months later, they were the first unit to get the new Fairey Battle aircraft.

By early 1939, the squadron's role changed to training aircrews. They received several Avro Anson planes for this purpose. However, in April 1940, the unit joined another group. It became part of No. 12 Operational Training Unit (OTU).

World War II Missions

On June 15, 1942, No. 63 Squadron was formed again. This time, it was created from a part of No. 239 Squadron. They were based at RAF Gatwick in West Sussex. They flew North American Mustang I planes.

In January 1944, the squadron moved to RAF Turnhouse in Scotland. They switched to Hawker Hurricane IV planes in April 1944. Soon after, in early May 1944, they started using Supermarine Spitfire VB planes. By the end of May, the squadron was at RNAS Lee-on-Solent. They were getting ready for D-Day.

During the D-Day landings, 63 Squadron flew special flights. They spotted targets for the Royal Navy. This helped the naval gunners support the troops on land. The pilots at this time came from different backgrounds. Some were from Army co-operation units, Royal Marines, and the RAF. On September 20, 1944, the squadron moved to RAF North Weald. The squadron was closed down on February 1, 1945.

Jet Age: Post-War Era

No. 164 Squadron was renamed No. 63 Squadron on September 1, 1946. They continued to use Spitfire planes. In April 1948, the squadron received new Gloster Meteor jet fighters. This marked their entry into the jet age.

The squadron moved to Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, in May 1950. They stayed there until October 31, 1958. For the last two years, they had been flying Hawker Hunter fighter jets.

No. 63 Squadron was reformed as a 'Shadow' unit on November 30, 1958. This meant they supported the Day Fighter Combat Squadron. This continued until June 1, 1963. On the same day, the squadron number was given to No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). This unit was based at RAF Chivenor in North Devon.

On September 2, 1970, No. 229 OCU was renamed the Tactical Weapons Unit. No. 63 Squadron remained one of its 'Shadow' units. Later, 63 Squadron moved to No. 2 Tactical Weapons Unit at RAF Chivenor. They first flew Hawker Hunter aircraft. After that, they used the BAE Hawk jet. When this unit was renamed No. 7 Flying Training School (FTS) on April 1, 1992, 63 Squadron was still a part of it. The squadron was last closed down on September 23, 1992. Its role was then taken over by No. 19 (Reserve) Squadron.

Aircraft Used by No. 63 Squadron

Images for kids

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  A Hawker Hunter fighter jet in the markings of No. 63 Sqn

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  An operational Hawker Hunter F.6 of No. 63 (Shadow) Squadron at its RAF Chivenor base in 1969.