No. 129 Squadron RAF

No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron was a Royal Air Force squadron active during World War II.

No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron RAF
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
RoleFighter Command.
Motto(s)I will defend the right.[1]
AircraftSupermarine Spitfire
North American Mustang
Engagements• World War II
• Home Defence
• Operation Overlord
Insignia
Squadron Badge heraldryThe Gunda Bherunda of Mysore[1]The badge associates the sqn with the Indian Province of Mysore.

World War I

Like a number of Squadrons, No. 129 was initially formed during the later months of the First World War, but never became operational before the Armistice. It was to be a day bomber unit based at RAF Duxford.[1]

World War II

No. 129 Squadron was reformed on 16 June 1941 at RAF Leconfield equipped with Spitfires.[1]

As a result of the Indian government raising large sums of money through its sale of War Bonds a number of squadrons within the RAF were given names of Indian cities and provinces in recognition of this. No. 129 became No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron being named after Mysore province in southwest India. The squadron's badge, the Ghunda Berunda of Mysore, also reflects this association.[2]

After spending August 1942 providing bomber escort and undertaking offensive sweeps over France the squadron moved to Orkney in Northern Scotland to provide local air defence.[1]

The squadron returned south in February 1943 undertaking anti-shipping and escort missions. 129 Squadron became part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force in June 1943 converting to the P-51 Mustang in April 1944 in time for Operation Overlord. After forming part of the 133 (Polish) Wing for D-Day the squadron returned to RAF Brenzett where it undertook anti V-1 activities.[1]

With a move to East Anglia in late 1944 the squadron provided long range fighter cover for RAF Bomber Commands daylight raids.[1]

The squadron spent from June to December 1945 in Norway converting back to Spitfires.[1]

At RAF Church Fenton on 1 September 1946 the squadron was renumbered to No. 257 Squadron.[1]

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References
  1. "129 Squadron". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  2. Singh, Polly. "The Indian Gift Squadrons". bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
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