RAF No 168 Squadron

RAF No 168 Squadron

Motto: Rerum cognoscere causas (To know the cause of things)

Never formed or planned to be formed in World War One, this squadron formed at Snailwell on 15 June 1942 as tactical reconnaissance unit from a nucleus provided by No 268 Squadron. It initial equipment Was Tomahawks but these were superseded by Mustang Is in November and the following month, it began attacking shipping and other coastal targets.

However, most of its activities involved carrying out exercises with the Army in preparation for the planned invasion of Europe. To this end it joined the 2nd Tactical Air Force in July 1943, forming part of No 123 Airfield (later No 123 Wing) beginning actual reconnaissance operations over the continent in October.

Following the invasion, the squadron moved to France and provided tactical reconnaissance to 21 Army Group as it advanced through France and then into Holland. In October 1944, it replaced its Mustangs with Typhoons and began armed reconnaissance sorties over Germany itself and providing escorts to daylight bombing raids. The squadron officially disbanded on 26 February 1945 but it continued to operate for a further two days before being grounded for the last time.

Squadron Codes used: - XF Allocated Apr 1939 - Sep 1939 EK Apr 1942 - Jul 1942 OE Jul 1942 - Nov 1942 QC Oct 1944 - Feb 1945