No. 284 Squadron RAF

No. 284 Squadron was a Royal Air Force squadron.

No. 284 Squadron RAF
Active7 March 1943 – 21 September 1945
15 October 1956 – 1 August 1959
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
RoleAir-sea rescue
Motto(s)From The Deep
Insignia
Squadron Badge heraldryIn front of a demi-fountain, a dolphin[1]

History

No. 284 Squadron was formed at RAF Gravesend, England on 7 May 1943[2] from detachments of other air-sea rescue (ASR) squadrons[1] as an air-sea rescue squadron. The squadron moved to RAF Hal Far, Malta in July 1943. The squadron was equipped with the Supermarine Walrus and was responsible for air-sea rescue around Malta. Later the squadron headquarters moved to southern Italy during the Italian Campaign, the squadron providing detachments of aircraft as the campaign proceeded. Detachments of the squadron could so be found on Sicily, Sardinia, Tunisia and southern France.[1] Warwicks were added to the establishment in March 1944 and the following September the Walruses were transferred to No. 293 Squadron RAF and the squadron received some Hurricanes in their place. At the end of the Second World War the squadron disbanded on Corsica at Pomigliano on 21 September 1945.[1][2]

The squadron reformed at Nicosia, Cyprus on 15 October 1956,[2] equipped with Sycamore HR Mk.14s in the ASR and support helicopter role. In November 1956, some Westland Whirlwind HAR Mk.2s were received and both types were operated until July 1959, when the Sycamores were retired. However, the following month the squadron was disbanded when it was re-numbered to No. 103 Squadron RAF.[1][2]

Aircraft operated
Aircraft operated by No. 284 Squadron[1][2][3]
From To Aircraft Version
Jul 1943 Sep 1944 Supermarine Walrus Mk.II
Mar 1944 Sep 1945 Vickers Warwick Mk.I
Sep 1944 Mar 1945 Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc
Oct 1956 Jul 1959 Bristol Sycamore HR.14
Nov 1956 Aug 1959 Westland Whirlwind HAR.2

See also

References

Notes
  1. Halley 1988, p. 347.
  2. Jefford 2001, p. 85.
  3. Rawlings 1982, p. 252.

Bibliography
  • Franks, Norman. Beyond Courage: Air Sea Rescue by Walrus Squadrons in the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas, 1942–1945. London: Grub Street, 2003. ISBN 1-904010-30-X.
  • Halley, James J. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth, 1918–1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1988. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
  • Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons: A Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of All RAF Squadrons and Their Antecedents Since 1912, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. ISBN 1853100536. (second revised edition 2001. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.)
  • Rawlings, John D.R. Coastal, Support and Special Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London: Jane's Publishing Company Ltd., 1982. ISBN 0-7106-0187-5.
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