Role Fighter | ||
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Active 16 January 1942 – 21 September 1945 Motto(s) Norwegian: Samhold i strid("Together in battle") | ||
No 332 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was formed at RAF Catterick in the North Riding of Yorkshire on 16 January 1942, as a Spitfire-equipped fighter squadron manned by Norwegians.
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In World War II
The squadron became operational on 21 March 1942, and moved on to RAF Station North Weald to operate alongside another Norwegian crewed squadron, 331 Squadron.
With squadron code "AH" 332 squadron became part of No 132 Wing RAF alongside Norwegian 331 Squadron. It operated as air cover for the Dieppe Raid, and later flew fighter sweeps and escort operations over occupied France and the Low Countries. In late 1943/early 1944 both squadrons were transferred to the 2nd Tactical Air Force and participated in the Normandy Landings as fighter-bombers and tactical air superiority fighters. From September onwards 132 Wing participated in the Liberation of Holland.
In April 1945, the squadron was transferred to Scotland, and the following month transferred to Norway after the German surrender. On 21 September 1945, the squadron was disbanded at Værnes as an RAF unit and passed to the control of the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). During the war between them, No 331 and No 332 Squadrons scored many air victories: 180 confirmed destroyed, 35 probables and more than 100 damaged. Combined losses were heavy as well: 131 aircraft lost with 71 pilots killed.
In the Royal Norwegian Air Force
In honour of its achievements during World War II, the Royal Norwegian Air Force has maintained its RAF squadron names. Thus, the RNoAF still has the fighter units 331 Squadron and 332 Squadron, both equipped with the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Today the Norwegian 332 Squadron is based at Bodø Main Air Station.