Country United Kingdom | Branch Royal Air Force | |
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Active 14 Jul 1918 – 1 Feb 1919
15 Dec 1941 – 16 Aug 1945 Motto(s) Our cannon speak our thoughts Notable
commanders Vashon James 'Pop' Wheeler Squadron Badge heraldry A lion rampant chequy
"The lion in the squadron's badge denotes fighting power and the black and white check the squadron's day and night capability" | ||
No. 157 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron active as a night fighter unit in World War II.
Contents
Formation and World War I
No. 157 Squadron Royal Air Force formed on 14 July 1918 at RAF Upper Heyford and was eventually equipped with Sopwith TF.2 Salamander aircraft for ground support duties, but disbanded on 1 February 1919 without becoming operational.
Reformation in World War II
The squadron reformed in December 1941 at RAF Debden as a night fighter unit and was eventually equipped with the latest Mosquito night-fighter aircraft at RAF Castle Camps. The squadron flew patrols over East Anglia and by July 1943, after moving to RAF Hunsdon, began intruder attacks on German fighter bases with its new Mosquito Mk VIs. In November 1943 it moved to RAF Predannack in Cornwall, closer to the German bases. In March 1944 it moved to RAF Valley and flew defensive patrols over the Irish Sea. In May 1944 it moved back to East Anglia, receiving Mosquito Mk XIXs and supporting bomber streams as part of No. 100 Group RAF. It disbanded on 16 August 1945 at RAF Swannington.