No. 332 Squadron RAF

No 332 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF

332 Squadron Spitfire AH-S/L1031 at RAF Catterick
Active 16 January 1942 – 21 September 1945
Country United Kingdom United Kingdom
Allegiance Norway Norwegian Government in exile
Branch Royal Air Force
Role Fighter
Motto(s) Norwegian: Samhold i strid
("Together in battle")
Aircraft Supermarine Spitfire
Insignia
Squadron Badge heraldry An axes's head[1]
Squadron Codes HG (Jan 1942 – Feb 1942)
AH (Feb 1942 – Nov 1945)
No 332 Squadron
Active 21 September 1945 – Present
Country  Norway
Branch Royal Norwegian Air Force
Role Fighter
Base Bodø Main Air Station
Motto(s) Norwegian: Samhold i strid
("Together in battle")
Aircraft F-16
Insignia
Identification
symbol		 A demi-Norwegian axe

No 332 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was formed at RAF Catterick in the North Riding of Yorkshire on 16 January 1942, as a Spitfire-equipped fighter squadron manned by Norwegians.

History

In World War II

The squadron became operational on 21 March 1942, and moved on to RAF Station North Weald to operate alongside another Norwegian crewed squadron, 331 Squadron.

With squadron code "AH" 332 squadron became part of No 132 Wing RAF alongside Norwegian 331 Squadron. It operated as air cover for the Dieppe Raid, and later flew fighter sweeps and escort operations over occupied France and the Low Countries. In late 1943/early 1944 both squadrons were transferred to the 2nd Tactical Air Force and participated in the Normandy Landings as fighter-bombers and tactical air superiority fighters. From September onwards 132 Wing participated in the Liberation of Holland.

In April 1945, the squadron was transferred to Scotland, and the following month transferred to Norway after the German surrender. On 21 September 1945, the squadron was disbanded at Værnes as an RAF unit and passed to the control of the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). During the war between them, No 331 and No 332 Squadrons scored many air victories: 180 confirmed destroyed, 35 probables and more than 100 damaged. Combined losses were heavy as well: 131 aircraft lost with 71 pilots killed.

In the Royal Norwegian Air Force

In honour of its achievements during World War II, the Royal Norwegian Air Force has maintained its RAF squadron names. Thus, the RNoAF still has the fighter units 331 Squadron and 332 Squadron, both equipped with the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Today the Norwegian 332 Squadron is based at Bodø Main Air Station.

Notable pilots

See also

References

Notes

  1. ↑ Rawlings 1978, p. 409.

Bibliography

  • Halley, James J. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth, 1918–1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1988. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
  • Rawlings, John D.R. Fighter Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London: Macdonald and Jane's (Publishers) Ltd., 1969 (new edition 1976, reprinted 1978). ISBN 0-354-01028-X.
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