No. 177 Squadron RAF

No. 177 Squadron RAF
Active11 Jan 1943 – 1 Jul 1945
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
Motto(s)Latin: Silentur in medias res (Silently into the midst of things)[1]
Insignia
Squadron BadgeTwo cannon and a viper

No. 177 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron that was a light bomber unit based in India in World War II.

History

Formation in World War II

The squadron was formed at RAF Amarda Road, India on 14 January 1943, although initially it had no aircraft.[2] It moved to Allahabad in mid-March, with some of its pilots being loaned to 27 Squadron.[3] The squadron moved to Phaphamau in May where it received Beaufighter VIs and began training in long-range strike operations.[2] The squadron moved to Feni on 21 August 1943,[4] and flew its first operation, an attack by two Beaufighters against Japanese communications on the coast of Burma, on 10 September.[2] The squadron converted to rocket armament for operations in Burma and disbanded on 1 July 1945.

Aircraft operated

Aircraft operated by no. 177 Squadron RAF[5]
From To Aircraft Variant
May 1943 May 1944 Bristol Beaufighter VIC
Nov 1943 Jul 1945 Bristol Beaufighter X

References

  1. ^ Pine 1983, p. 214.
  2. ^ a b c Thomas 1992, p. 846.
  3. ^ Halley 1988, p. 241.
  4. ^ Halley 1988, p. 242.
  5. ^ C.G.Jefford (1988). RAF Squadrons. UK Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
  • Halley, James J. (1988). The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth 1918–1988. Tonbridge, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
  • Pine, L. G. (1983). A Dictionary of mottoes. London: Routledge & K. Paul. ISBN 0-7100-9339-X.
  • Thomas, Andrew (14–27 February 1992). "Burma Strikers: No.177 Squadron, Royal Air Force". Aviation News. Vol. 20, no. 18. pp. 846–848.