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No. 180 Squadron RAF

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No. 180 Squadron RAF
Active11 September 1942 – 31 March 1946
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
Motto(s)Latin: Suaviter in modo fortier in re (Agreeable in manner, forcible in act)
Insignia
Squadron BadgeTwo arrows behind a velvet glove.
Squadron codeEV (September 1942 – March 1946)

No. 180 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force squadron that flew medium bombers in World War II.

History

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Formation in World War II

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The Squadron was equipped with Mitchells at RAF West Raynham. It then flew its first raid from RAF Foulsham and suffered heavy losses including the aircraft of the squadron commander. After supporting the breakout from the Normandy beachhead in June 1944, the squadron re-located to Melsbroek, Belgium. It supported the allied advance across Europe and from April 1945 it operated from Achmer, Germany.

Post war

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The Mitchell aircraft were replaced with Mosquitos in September 1945 and the squadron moved to Wahn. It was disbanded upon re-numbering as No. 69 Squadron RAF on 31 March 1946.

Aircraft operated

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Aircraft operated by no. 180 Squadron RAF[1]
From To Aircraft Variant
Sep 1942 Apr 1945 North American B-25 Mitchell II
Dec 1944 Sep 1945 North American B-25 Mitchell III
Sep 1945 Mar 1946 de Havilland Mosquito XVI

References

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