Country United Kingdom | Branch Royal Air Force | |
Active 30 April 1943 – 14 August 1947 Role Air Observation Post squadron Motto(s) Latin: Quovis per ardua
(Translation: "Everywhere through difficulties") Squadron Badge heraldry A hawk volant affrontée the head to the dexter | ||
No. 659 Squadron was a Royal Air Force Air Observation Post squadron associated with the 21st Army Group during World War II. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A further three of these squadrons, 664–666, were manned with Canadian personnel. Their duties and squadron numbers were transferred to the Army with the formation of the Army Air Corps on 1 September 1957.
Contents
Formation and World War II
No. 659 Squadron was formed at RAF Firbeck on 30 April 1943 with the Auster III and from March 1944 the Auster IV. The squadron role was to support the Army and in June 1944 it moved to France. Fighting in the break-out from Normandy it followed the army across the low countries and into Germany. In October 1945 the squadron left for India, where it was eventually disbanded at Lahore on 14 August 1947.
Present
The squadron today is represented by 659 Squadron of 9 Regiment, Army Air Corps.