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[RAF Elsham Wolds] [Fighter Command Lincolnshire] [71 Squadron]

71 Squadron

No._71_Squadron_RAF 

WW1

Formed from a nucleus of Australian personnel on 27 March 1917 at Castle Bromwich, it was equipped with a variety of types for training and working up. Once this was complete the squadron received its operational equipment in the form of Sopwith Camels, which it took to the Western Front in December 1917. However, on 19 January 1918 the squadron was redesignated 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps and it operated until the Armistice with considerable success before joining the Army of Occupation, being disbanded at Bruay on 28 February 1919.

Sopwith Camel =

Sopwith Camel

WW2

During WW2 a number of Americans volunteered to fly in the RAF or RCAF and by late 1940 sufficient personnel were available to permit the formation of a separate unit. As such, No 71 became the first of the 'Eagle' squadrons when it was formed Church Fenton on 19 September 1940. Its first equipment was, ironically, American built Brewster Buffalos but these were found to be completely unsuited to European conditions and in November Hawker Hurricanes arrived as the squadron's operational equipment. On 5 February 1941, the squadron became operational from RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey but in April moved to RAF Martlesham Heath.

Hawker Hurricane Mk I V7608 71 Eagle Squadron Kirton-in-Lindsey =

Hawker Hurricane Mk I V7608 71 Eagle Squadron Kirton-in-Lindsey

The squadron remained in the south for the rest of its time in the RAF converting to Supermarine Spitfires in August. 71 Squadron took part in the full range of offensive operations and defensive duties being carried out by Fighter Command at that time but on 29 September 1942 the squadron, together with the other two (121 and 133) 'Eagle' squadrons were transferred to the US Army Air Force to become the 4th Fighter Group, with 71 becoming the 334th Fighter Squadron.

Post War

A new 71 Squadron, in the fighter-bomber role, was formed at Gutersloh, West Germany on 16 September 1950. Equipped with Vampire FB Mk 5s.

De Havilland Vampire FB5

De Havilland Vampire FB5

There were replaced by with the Canadair Sabre F1 and 4s in October 1953 and reverting to the day fighter role. The Sabres began to be replaced with Hawker Hunters in April 1956, being fully equipped by the following month but a year later, on 30 April 1957, the squadron disbanded at Bruggen, to where they had moved in May 1956.

In January 2009, the number was allocated to an Air Combat Service Support Unit as No 71 (Inspection and Repair) Squadron within No 42 Expeditionary Support Wing and whilst provisionally based at St Athan, provides a range deployable inspection and repair facilities anywhere it is required and immediately provided deployed resources to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

Compiled by David Fell with photos from my archive

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