No. 88 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 88 (Hong Kong) Squadron RAF |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 24 July 1917 – 1 April 1918 (RFC) 1 April 1918 – 10 August 1919 (RAF) 17 June 1937 – 4 April 1945 1 September 1946 – 1 October 1954 15 January 1956 – 17 December 1962 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Type | Flying squadron |
| Nickname(s) | Hong Kong |
| Motto(s) | French: En garde ("Be on your guard") |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge heraldry | A serpent gliding. This snake design was inspired by a French Air Service squadron. It was approved by King George VI in November 1939. |
| Squadron codes | HY (Apr 1939 – Sep 1939) RH (Sep 1939 – Apr 1945) |
Number 88 Squadron was an aircraft squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was first created in July 1917 in Gosport, Hampshire. Back then, it was part of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC).
Contents
First World War Missions
After forming in Gosport, the squadron moved to France in April 1918. There, it flew missions to both fight enemy planes and gather information. This is called "fighter-reconnaissance." The squadron also helped develop wireless communication between planes.
On July 1, 1918, it joined No. 80 Wing. This group was known for attacking German airfields. Even though it served for a short time, the squadron claimed 147 victories. Only two of its members were killed in action. Many skilled pilots, known as flying aces, served here. These included Kenneth Burns Conn and Edgar Johnston. The squadron was officially closed down on August 10, 1919.
Second World War Operations
Starting the War
No. 88 Squadron was started again on June 7, 1937, at RAF Waddington. It was a "light-bomber" squadron, meaning it flew planes that carried smaller bombs. At first, it used Hawker Hind biplanes, which have two sets of wings. Later that year, it switched to Fairey Battle monoplanes, which have one set of wings.
When the Second World War began in September 1939, the squadron was sent to France. It was one of the first RAF squadrons to go. On September 20, 1939, an air observer from the squadron, Sergeant F Letchford, made the first recorded RAF "kill" of the war. This happened while he was in a Fairey Battle plane.
Tough Times in France
The squadron faced huge losses during the Battle of France. For example, four Battle planes attacked German troops in Luxembourg, but only one returned. Because of these heavy losses, the squadron mostly flew at night. This helped them avoid being seen by enemy planes.
In June 1940, the squadron returned to Britain. It moved to RAF Sydenham in Belfast. There, it flew different types of planes, including Douglas Bostons and Bristol Blenheims. Their job was to patrol the waters to the west of Britain.
Moving East and Operation Oyster
In July 1941, the squadron moved to RAF Swanton Morley in East Anglia. Part of the squadron attacked German ships in the English Channel. The rest of the squadron learned to use the new Boston III and IIIA planes. Pilots really liked these new aircraft.
In January 1942, Wing Commander James Pelly-Fry became the new leader. He was an experienced pilot. He led "circus missions" over northern France. These were bombing attacks on targets like the Saint-Malo docks, with many fighter planes protecting them.
On August 19, 1942, the squadron helped Canadian forces during the Dieppe raid. They flew many missions to destroy German gun positions. In September, the squadron moved to RAF Oulton in Norfolk. From there, they attacked German ships and targets in northern France.
On December 6, 1942, the squadron led Operation Oyster. This was a famous daylight raid on the Philips factory in Eindhoven. It was one of the most successful raids by their group.
Preparing for Invasion
In August 1943, the squadron moved to RAF Hartford Bridge. This was to get ready for the invasion of Europe. They attacked German communication lines and airfields. On D-Day, the day of the invasion, their job was to create a smokescreen. This smoke helped hide the first landing boats.
In October 1944, the squadron went back to France. They supported the Allied armies as they moved across Europe. The squadron was finally closed down on April 4, 1945. A famous member of 88 Squadron was Navigator F/O Errol Barrow. He later became the first Prime Minister of Barbados.
After the War
On September 1, 1946, No. 88 Squadron was started again in Hong Kong. It used Short Sunderland "flying boats." These planes could land and take off from water. At first, they carried passengers, mail, and goods.
Later, the squadron became a "General Reconnaissance" unit. This meant they also patrolled the seas and fought against pirates.
The Yangtze Incident and Korean War
In April 1949, during the Chinese Civil War, a British Navy ship called HMS Amethyst came under fire. It was on the Yangtze river. One of the squadron's Sunderland planes helped. It landed on the river to bring a doctor and medical supplies to the ship.
When the Korean War started in 1950, the squadron flew patrols along the Korean coast. They also gathered weather information for UN forces. In June 1951, they moved to RAF Seletar in Singapore.
Malayan Emergency and Final Disbandment
The squadron also helped during the Malayan Emergency. They dropped small bombs and fired at targets in the Malayan jungle. They also helped local police fight piracy and smuggling. They provided "air-sea rescue" services too, helping people in trouble at sea.
When the Korean War ended, the squadron's main job was gone. It was closed down on October 1, 1954.
On January 15, 1956, No. 88 Squadron was reformed at RAF Wildenrath. It used English Electric Canberra B(I)8 planes. Their main job was low-level night attacks. From 1958, they also had a role in nuclear attacks.
The squadron was sent to Cyprus in July 1958 due to the 1958 Lebanon crisis. In June 1961, it went to Sharjah because of threats against Kuwait. On December 17, 1962, the squadron was renumbered as No. 14 Squadron.
Air Training Corps
In 2014, a new group called No. 88 (Battle) Squadron of the Air Training Corps was created. This group is for young people interested in aviation. It is located in Battle, East Sussex. The squadron leader chose the number 88 to remember the Fairey Battle aircraft used by the original squadron. In 2019, No. 88 (Battle) Squadron was named the most improved Air Cadet Squadron in the UK.
Aircraft Operated
Here are some of the aircraft that No. 88 Squadron used:
- Bristol F.2b (March 1918 – August 1919)
- Hawker Hind (June 1937 – December 1937)
- Fairey Battle (December 1937 – August 1941)
- Bristol Blenheim Mk.I (February 1941 – July 1941)
- Douglas Boston Mk.I (February 1941 – August 1941)
- Douglas Boston Mk.II (February 1941 – August 1941)
- Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV (July 1941 – February 1942)
- Douglas Boston Mk.III (July 1941 – June 1943)
- Douglas Boston Mk.IIIa (March 1943 – April 1945)
- Douglas Boston Mk.IV (June 1944 – April 1945)
- Short Sunderland GR.5 (September 1946 – October 1954)
- English Electric Canberra B(I).8 (January 1956 – December 1962)
