RAF No 331 Norwegian Squadron

RAF No 331 Norwegian Squadron

Motto: For Norge (For Norway)

History: The 331 was formally a Norwegian Squadron manned by expatriated Norwegians, but fought under RAF colours. They flew Spitfire Mk.IXc from North Weald from autumn 1942 until changing to IXe after the invasion of Normandy in 1944. The Squadron where ranked among the top RAF fighter squadrons throughout the war.

Formed at Catterick on 21 July 1941from Norwegian personnel as a fighter squadron, it was equipped with Hurricanes, becoming operational on 15 September. It provided defence for Northern Scotland, having moved to Castletown on 21 August, until May 1942 when it moved North Weald, having re-equipped with Spitfires in November 1941.

It continued to operate as part of the North Weald Wing until November 1943 when this became No 132 Airfield (later No 132 Wing) of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Following preparatory operations in connection with the invasion, the squadron covered the landings themselves and in August moved over to France.

In October the squadron was stationed in the Low Countries and continued to support the Allied armies as they moved further towards Germany until April 1945 when the squadron withdrew to Dyce in Scotland. Here the squadron prepared to return to its homeland, which it did on 22 May 1945 arriving at Stavanger. The squadron disbanded 21 November 1945 at Gardermoen when it passed from RAF control to that of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Squadron Codes used: - LD Allocated Apr - Sep 1939; FN Jul 1941 - Nov 1945

Aircraft operated during RAF service

• 1941 Hawker Hurricane I & IIB
• 1941 Supermarine Spitfire IIA
• 1942 Supermarine Spitfire VB
• 1942 Supermarine Spitfire IXB
• 1945 Supermarine Spitfire IXE