349 & 350 RAF Squadrons

[ww2pictures]

No 349 (Belgian) Squadron



Formed at Ikeja in Nigeria on 10 November 1942, this Belgian manned unit was destined for operations in the Belgian Congo. Equipped with Tomahawks from January 1943, it never actually left Nigeria, instead it was diverted to ferrying duties, delivering fighters from West Africa to the Middle East.

However, on 3 May it disbanded and its personnel were shipped back to the UK and the squadron re-formed at Wittering on 5 June 1943. Equipped with Spitfires, it was declared operational in August the squadron moved south to Southend in October and began offensive operations over the continent.

In May 1944 the squadron joined No 135 Wing at Selsey taking part in operations in preparation for the Normandy landings as well as covering the invasion itself. Moving to France in August it carried out both fighter bomber and bomber escort missions until February 1945, when it returned to the UK and converted to the Tempest V. However, it was decided to cancel its conversion in April and the squadron returned to the continent, joining No 132 Wing in Holland for the remainder of the war. It remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces until being transferred back to Belgian control on 24 October 1946.

Motto: Strike hard, strike home

Squadron Codes used: -
OS Allocated Apr - Sep 1939
GE Jan 1943 - Oct 1946

[ww2pictures]

No 350 (Belgian) Squadron



The first Belgian fighter squadron to be formed in the RAF, this occurred at Valley on 12 November 1941.It was equipped with Spitfires from the outset and began defensive duties in December.

It moved south and joined in offensive operations in April 1942 until being sent north in March 1943. It rejoined the offensive in October and became part of No 135 Airfield on 15 November within the 2nd Tactical Air Force.

It was now heavily involved in attacks on targets connected with the forthcoming invasion and then covering the actual landings themselves. In august 1944, the squadron re-equipped with the Griffon engined Mk XIV and was immediately thrown into defensive operations against the V-1 flying bombs being launched against Britain.

After a month on Anti-Diver operations the squadron resumed attacks against targets on the continent, but it was December before the squadron moved there itself arriving at Evere in Belgium on the 3rd. Following the end of the war the squadron joined to occupation forces and was eventually transferred to Belgian control on 15 October 1946, ceasing to be a RAF unit at the same time.

Motto: Belgae gallorum fortissimi (The Belgae, the bravest of the Gauls)

Squadron Codes used: -
YM Allocated Apr - Sep 1939
MN Nov 1944 - Oct 1946