No. 73 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 73 Squadron RAF |
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|---|---|
| Active | 1 July 1917 – 2 July 1919 15 March 1937 – 3 February 1969 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Tutor et Ultor ("Protector and Avenger") |
| Battle honours | Western Front, 1918*, Marne, 1918*, Lys, Amiens, Arras, Hindenburg Line, France & Low Countries, 1939-40*, Battle of Britain, 1940*, Egypt & Libya, 1940-43*, Mediterranean, 1941-43*, El Alamein*, El Hamma, South East Europe 1943-45*, Italy 1943–45 Honours marked with an asterisk are those emblazoned on the Squadron Standard |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge heraldry | A demi-Talbot rampant, charged on the shoulder with a maple leaf. During World War Two the squadron was commanded by Major Hubbard and his aircraft carried a representation of Old Mother Hubbard's dog looking into an empty cupboard. In order to retain its association with this unofficial badge the squadron adopted a heraldic dog and put a maple leaf on it to associate with its Canadian personnel. |
| Squadron Codes | HV Oct 1938 - Sep 1939 TP Sep 1939 - Nov 1940 |
No. 73 Squadron was a brave flying unit of the Royal Air Force. It was created on July 2, 1917, during World War I. The squadron flew different types of aircraft until it was officially closed down in 1969. Its motto, "Tutor et Ultor," means "Protector and Avenger."
Contents
No. 73 Squadron in World War I
No. 73 Squadron started as part of the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before the RAF was formed. It began at Upavon in Wiltshire, England. A few days later, it moved to RFC Lilbourne for training.
Training for Combat
Under Major H F A Gordon, the squadron trained hard. By September 1917, their training focused on combat. They prepared to go overseas for battle by December 22. Training was risky, and accidents sometimes happened. On one day, four aircraft were damaged. Two even crashed into each other in the air!
The squadron's first pilot to die was 2nd Lieutenant E G Higginson. He was 23 and from Canada. He died in a flying accident on October 4, 1917.
First Combat Missions
In January 1918, the squadron moved to France. By January 20, they were ready for action. Bad weather delayed their first patrols until January 30. They flew practice missions over the front lines.
Their first real offensive patrols began on February 18, 1918. On February 20, all 18 of their Sopwith Camels flew patrols. Captain Gus Orlebar reported the first possible enemy aircraft damage. Many skilled pilots, known as "aces," served in the squadron. These included Owen Baldwin and William Stephenson.
In March 1918, the squadron moved south. They helped fight in the German offensive. They flew low to attack enemy positions. In August, they worked with the Tank Corps. They attacked anti-tank guns. In one day, they fired 25,000 rounds of ammunition. They also dropped 160 bombs!
When the war ended, the squadron's Camels were sold. The squadron was officially closed down. During the war, their pilots destroyed or damaged 132 enemy aircraft.
Aircraft Used in World War I
In October 1917, the squadron had a mix of planes:
- 'A' Flight: 2 Sopwith Camels, 1 Sopwith Pup, 2 Nieuports
- 'B' Flight: 2 Avros, 1 Nieuport
- 'C' Flight: 1 Avro
By November 1917, they started getting only Sopwith Camels. These planes had powerful 130 hp Clerget engines. When they went to France in January 1918, they had 18 Camels. They used these planes for the rest of World War I.
No. 73 Squadron in World War II
The squadron was reformed on March 15, 1937. They first flew Hawker Fury planes. Then they moved to RAF Digby. There, they received Gloster Gladiators and later Hawker Hurricanes.
Early War and the Battle of Britain
In September 1939, World War II began. No. 73 Squadron went to North-East France. They were part of the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force. They protected the Cherbourg Peninsula. One famous pilot was F/O E. J. 'Cobber' Kain. He shot down a Dornier Do 17 at a very high altitude. Sadly, 'Cobber' died in a flying accident in June 1940.
When Germany attacked on May 10, 1940, No. 73 Squadron protected Allied airfields. They had to retreat as enemy forces advanced. By June 17, 1940, they had left France. During this retreat, many ground crew were lost. Their ship, the RMS Lancastria, was sunk.
During the Battle of Britain, No. 73 Squadron flew from RAF Debden. They fought bravely to defend Britain. In late October, they prepared to move to the Middle East.
Fighting in North Africa and Italy
The squadron's Hurricanes were shipped to Africa. From there, they flew across the continent to Egypt. They fought in the campaigns in the Western Desert and Tunisia. They protected supply routes to Tobruk. They also attacked enemy ground targets. In December 1942, they achieved their 300th victory. F/S Beard shot down a Junkers Ju 88 over the sea.
In June 1943, the squadron switched to flying Spitfires. In October, they moved to Italy. By April 1944, they were flying over the Balkans. They used their Spitfires as fighter-bombers. In December 1944, part of the squadron went to Greece. They helped fight against Communist resistance groups. In January 1945, they returned to Italy. In April, they moved to Yugoslavia. They stayed there until the war ended. In July 1945, they moved to Malta.
No. 73 Squadron in the 1950s
In May 1953, the squadron moved to RAF Habbaniya in Iraq. They were flying de Havilland Vampire and Venom FB.1 jets. In 1955, they were in Cyprus. From 1956 to 1957, they were in Aden for the Suez Crisis.
In March 1957, the squadron arrived at RAF Akrotiri. They became part of the Middle East Air Force Strike Wing. They were equipped with Canberra B2 bombers. No. 73 Squadron was officially closed down on January 10, 1969.
