No. 91 Squadron RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 91 (Nigeria) Squadron RAF |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1 Sep 1917 – 3 July 1919 9 January 1941 – 31 January 1947 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Nickname(s) | Nigeria |
| Motto(s) | "We seek alone" |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Group Captain Bobby Oxspring, DFC and Bar |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge | In front of a fountain, two triangles interlaced. |
| Squadron Codes | HQ (Apr 1939 – Sep 1939) DL (Jan 1941 – Jan 1947) |
The No. 91 (Nigeria) Squadron was a special flying group in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Even though it's not active anymore, its name, 'Nigeria,' was a way to say thank you to Nigeria for helping pay for the squadron's airplanes.
Early Days: The First World War
The No. 91 Squadron first started in September 1917 at a place called RAF Spitalgate. Soon after, it moved to Chattis Hill. There, the pilots learned about Wireless Telegraphy, which was a way to send messages using radio waves.
In July 1918, the squadron's number was given to a new fighter squadron. This new group was forming at RAF Kenley. They were supposed to fly cool planes called Sopwith Dolphins. However, the war ended before they could start flying missions. The squadron moved to Lopscombe Corner and was officially closed down in July 1919.
Fighting in World War II
The squadron was brought back to life in January 1941. It was formed from another group called No. 421 (Reconnaissance) Flight. They were based at RAF Hawkinge in Kent, England.
- Spitfire Missions: The squadron flew famous Spitfire planes. Their main jobs were to check the weather and help rescue people from the sea.
- Newer Spitfires: In April 1943, they got upgraded to Spitfire XIIs. These were the first Spitfires with a new type of engine called the Griffon. These planes were great at catching fast, low-flying German planes like the Focke-Wulf 190s.
- Reconnaissance and Escorts: They also flew missions to scout over northern France. Later, they focused on protecting bomber planes during their missions.
- Normandy Landings: In March 1944, the squadron joined the Second Tactical Air Force. They flew important missions over the areas where the Normandy landings were happening.
- Fighting V-1 Bombs: Later that year, they moved to RAF West Malling in Kent. They got even faster planes, the Spitfire XIVs. Their new job was to stop the scary V-1 flying bombs. These were early cruise missiles that the Germans used. A brave pilot named Capitaine Jean Maridor was sadly killed when he got too close trying to shoot down a V-1.
- Final Missions: In April 1945, the squadron moved to East Anglia. They flew missions to scout for information and search for small submarines near the coasts of the Netherlands and Belgium.
After the Wars
After World War II ended, the No. 91 Squadron moved to RAF Duxford. In October 1946, they started flying new jet planes called Gloster Meteors. Just a few months later, in January 1947, the squadron was given a new number and became 92 Squadron.
More to Explore
- List of RAF squadrons
- No.11 Group RAF
