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| No. 680 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 680 Squadron RAF |
| Dates | 17 October 1943 – 31 May 1946 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Photo-reconnaissance |
| Command structure | Mediterranean Allied Air Forces |
| Garrison | RAF Luqa; RAF Fayid; RAF Malta |
| Aircraft recon | Supermarine Spitfire PR variants, de Havilland Mosquito PR variants |
No. 680 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force photographic reconnaissance squadron formed during the Second World War. The squadron conducted strategic and tactical reconnaissance in support of Allied operations across the Mediterranean, North African, Sicilian and Italian theatres, providing imagery used by commanders, intelligence staffs and naval forces. Operating high-performance photo-reconnaissance variants of the Supermarine Spitfire and de Havilland Mosquito, the unit contributed to operations involving the Mediterranean Theatre of World War II, Operation Husky, and the Italian Campaign.
No. 680 Squadron RAF was established in the later stages of the Western Desert Campaign as Allied forces consolidated positions after the Tunisian Campaign. The squadron was tasked with photographic reconnaissance to support the North African Campaign, Operation Husky, and advancing formations during the Italian Campaign. Operating from bases in Malta, Egypt, and later Italy, the squadron worked alongside units from the United States Army Air Forces, Royal Navy, and other RAF reconnaissance squadrons to produce imagery for the Allied strategic bombing campaign, naval operations in the Mediterranean Sea, and ground offensives.
Formed on 17 October 1943, the squadron drew experienced crews and aircraft from squadrons engaged in photo-reconnaissance over Libya and Tunisia. Early operations included long-range sorties over the Sicily approaches, maritime reconnaissance over the Strait of Messina, and support for planners preparing amphibious operations connected to Operation Husky and subsequent moves into southern Italy. Crews collaborated with staff officers at Air Headquarters (Mediterranean) and analysts at Photographic Reconnaissance Unit facilities to produce detailed mosaics and target studies for strike planners, submarine commanders, and corps headquarters.
Deployed to forward bases in Egypt and Malta, the squadron carried out reconnaissance across the Mediterranean Sea, along the coasts of Libya, Tunisia, and the Ionian Sea. Missions supported naval units including elements of the Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet and escorted convoys to Malta while monitoring Axis shipping and coastal defences. Intelligence packages produced by the squadron informed operations against forces of the German Afrika Korps, elements of the Italian Social Republic, and Axis airfields used by the Regia Aeronautica.
During the Invasion of Sicily, reconnaissance sorties provided pre-invasion imagery of beachheads, coastal fortifications, and inland road networks used by the British Eighth Army and U.S. Seventh Army. After the Allied landings, the squadron supported advances up the Italian peninsula, photographing strategic objectives such as bridges over the Volturno River, rail junctions near Naples, and defensive lines including the Gustav Line and Winter Line. Intelligence assisted commanders including leaders associated with the Allied Armies in Italy to plan offensives and interdiction of Axis supply routes.
Following the German surrender in Italy and the capitulation of Axis forces in Europe, the squadron's tempo reduced as operational priorities shifted to occupation duties, aerial mapping, and photographic surveys to assist reconstruction and demobilisation planning. The unit was disbanded on 31 May 1946 as part of the post-war drawdown of RAF specialist units and the reorganisation of reconnaissance assets within the newly formed peacetime structure including inspections by staffs tied to Mediterranean Allied Air Forces.
The squadron operated dedicated photographic reconnaissance variants including the Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XI and later high-altitude, twin-engined de Havilland Mosquito PR variants. Aircraft were fitted with specialized cameras such as the F24 and F52 cameras, long-range fuel tanks, and removal of armament to maximise speed and altitude. Maintenance and conversion work was carried out at servicing units and depots associated with RAF Maintenance Command, with logistics coordinated through wings and groups aligned under Middle East Command and later Mediterranean commands.
Personnel included experienced photographic reconnaissance pilots and navigators who had served in earlier campaigns with units attached to RAF Coastal Command, Photo Reconnaissance Unit (PRU), and other Mediterranean reconnaissance squadrons. Individual airmen received recognition through awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross, and mentions in despatches for hazardous reconnaissance over defended targets. The squadron's work was integral to intelligence products used by commanders at headquarters including those associated with Allied Force Headquarters and contributed to the broader Allied intelligence effort involving staffs from ULTRA and photographic interpretation centres.
Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons (1940–1945) Category:Military units and formations established in 1943 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1946