No. 160 Squadron RAF

No. 160 Squadron RAF
Unit name	No. 160 Squadron RAF
Caption	Badge of No. 160 Squadron RAF
Dates	1918–1919; 1942–1945
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Role	Heavy bomber
Command structure	RAF Bomber Command; RAF Transport Command
Garrison	Various
Notable commanders	Wing Commander John S. Blyth; Group Captain Leonard Cheshire
Identification symbol	An eagle volant carrying a torch
Identification symbol label	Squadron badge heraldry
Identification symbol 2	EZ (1942–1945)
Identification symbol 2 label	Squadron code

No. 160 Squadron RAF was a unit of the Royal Air Force formed late in the First World War and reconstituted in the Second World War as a heavy bomber squadron operating in both European and Far Eastern theatres. The squadron flew a succession of long‑range aircraft and participated in strategic bombing, special operations, and post‑war transport tasks under commands including RAF Bomber Command and RAF Transport Command. Its personnel included decorated aircrew who later featured in postwar aviation and civic life.

History

Formed in 1918 at RAF Fairford during the final months of the First World War, the unit was disbanded in 1919 amid the postwar demobilisation following the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Reformed in 1942 at RAF Driffield as part of No. 3 Group RAF within RAF Bomber Command, the squadron undertook operational sorties over occupied Europe, supporting campaigns including the Battle of the Atlantic interdiction efforts and the strategic bombing offensive against Nazi Germany. In 1944–1945 the squadron converted to four‑engine heavy bombers, participating in combined operations that intersected with the Normandy landings logistics and later with the air offensive against the Krupp works and other industrial targets across the Ruhr. Following the end of hostilities in Europe, elements were assigned to RAF Transport Command to repatriate POWs and move displaced persons, before final disbandment in 1945 as part of the post‑war reorganisation overseen by senior RAF staff from Air Ministry headquarters and allied liaison officers.

Aircraft and Equipment

Throughout its service life the squadron operated a sequence of frontline aircraft, beginning with twin‑engined types in its Second World War incarnation and later transitioning to four‑engined heavies. Early wartime equipment included the Vickers Wellington and variants employed by squadrons across RAF Bomber Command for night raids against Kiel and Hamburg. Later conversion to the Avro Lancaster expanded range and bombload capability, enabling strikes on targets such as the Gelsenkirchen synthetic oil plants and the Dortmund-Ems Canal. The squadron used navigational aids and defensive turrets standardised across RAF heavy bomber units, alongside onboard radio sets interoperable with Royal Navy and United States Army Air Forces pathfinder and escort formations during joint operations.

Bases and Deployments

No. 160 Squadron was stationed at multiple airfields in the United Kingdom and forward bases supporting continental operations. Initial reformation occurred at RAF Driffield with subsequent postings to RAF Leeming and satellite airfields utilised during the intensive 1943–1944 bombing campaign. Deployments timed to support the Operation Overlord build‑up placed crews into coordination with units from No. 1 Group RAF and No. 5 Group RAF for concentrated night and daylight attacks. Post‑VE Day movements saw temporary basing under RAF Transport Command control to staging points including RAF Lyneham for troop and repatriation flights linking to continental ports and European theatre airfields.

Notable Operations and Engagements

The squadron participated in major strategic operations that formed part of the wider Allied air offensive. Night raids against industrial centres such as Essen and Dortmund contributed to the degradation of the German armaments industry that underpinned the Wehrmacht war effort. During the campaign supporting Operation Market Garden logistics and during the Battle of the Ruhr the unit flew long‑range sorties that integrated with the navigational marking and precision efforts of Royal Air Force Pathfinder Force units. Elements of the squadron also took part in special operations that included supply drops to resistance groups in occupied France and support flights related to Operation Manna. Post‑conflict, the squadron aided Operation Exodus repatriation and linked with United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration movements of displaced civilians.

Commanding Officers

Senior officers who commanded the squadron reflected a mix of career RAF aviators and wartime leaders delegated from larger formations. Commanding officers during the Second World War included experienced flight commanders promoted from units such as No. 5 Group RAF and staff officers drawn from RAF Staff College alumni. Several COs were later mentioned in dispatches or awarded honours from institutions including the Order of the British Empire and the Distinguished Flying Cross for leadership during high‑risk operations over Germany and occupied Europe. Postwar commanding officers coordinated with multinational liaison posts including representatives from the United States Army Air Forces and the Royal Canadian Air Force during repatriation activities.

Squadron Insignia and Traditions

The squadron badge, authorised by the College of Arms, depicted an eagle carrying a torch, symbolising long‑range striking power and guidance by night, motifs resonant with units such as the Royal Observer Corps in wartime symbology. Squadron codes "EZ" were emblazoned on fuselages in wartime markings consistent with Air Ministry regulations and camouflage schemes developed at depots like No. 1 Maintenance Unit RAF. Traditions included annual commemorations tying squadron veterans to memorials such as the RAF Bomber Command Memorial and participation in civic ceremonies in towns associated with their wartime airfields, maintaining links with associations like the RAF Association and veteran groups formed after the Second World War.

Category:Royal Air Force squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1918