No. 543 Squadron RAF
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
No. 543 Squadron RAF was a squadron of the Royal Air Force from 1942 to 1974.
The squadron motto was Valiant and Vigilant.
The squadron was formed on 19 October 1942 at RAF Benson as a photo-reconnasissance unit with the Supermarine Spitfire. A detachment was stationed at RAF St Eval. Cornwall to carry out reconnaissance flights over France. The rest of the squadron carried out operational training. On 18 October 1943 the squadron was disbanded.
On the 24 September 1955 the squadron was reformed at RAF Gaydon to operate the Vickers Valiant for reconnaissance duties. It moved to RAF Wyton in November 1955. The squadron re-equipped with the Handley Page Victor in 1965.
It was disbanded on 24 May 1974 at RAF Wyton.
[edit] Aircraft Operated
- 1942 - Supermarine Spitfire IV
- 1942 - Supermarine Spitfire V
- 1942 - Supermarine Spitfire XI
- 1943 - De Havilland Mosquito IV
- 1955 - Vickers Valiant B(PR)1
- 1965 - Handley Page Victor B1
- 1965 - Handley Page Victor SR2
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- G G Jefford, RAF Squadrons, second edition 2001, Airlife Publishing, UK, ISBN 1-84037-141-2.
