No. 288 Squadron RAF

No. 288 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron formed as an anti-aircraft co-operation unit in World War II.

No. 288 Squadron RAF
Active18 November 1941 – 15 June 1946
16 March 1953 – 30 September 1957
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
Motto(s)Honour through deeds
Insignia
Squadron BadgeA running stag
Squadron CodeRP (November 1941 –June 1946)

History

Formation in World War II

The squadron formed at RAF Digby on 17 November 1941 and was equipped with Lysanders, Blenheims and Hurricanes to provide practice for the anti-aircraft defences in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire by towing targets and conducting simulated attacks. The squadron then moved to Wellingore, Church Fenton and Hutton Cranswick with detachments at other bases and operated other aircraft types before it was disbanded at East Moor on 15 June 1946.

Postwar

The squadron reformed at Middle Wallop on 15 March 1953 and operated Spitfire and Balliol target aircraft before it disbanded again on 30 September 1957.

Aircraft operated

Aircraft operated by No. 288 Squadron RAF[1]
FromToAircraftVariant
Nov 1941Feb 1942Bristol BlenheimIV
Nov 1941Mar 1942Westland LysanderII, III
Nov 1941Mar 1942Lockheed HudsonIII
Nov 19411944Hawker HurricaneI
Mar 1942Apr 1943Boulton Paul DefiantI
Dec 1942June 1946Supermarine SpitfireVB,IX
Mar 1943May 1945Airspeed Oxford
July 1943?Miles Martinet
Mar 1944Nov 1944Bristol BeaufighterVI
Mar 1945Jun 1946Vultee VengeanceIV
Mar 1953May 1953Supermarine SpitfireLF 16E
Apr 1953Sep 1957Boulton Paul BalliolT.2

References

  1. C.G.Jefford (1988). RAF Squadrons. UK Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
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