349th
Squadron
Originally
formed at Ikeja in Nigeria on 10-Nov-1942, this Belgian manned unit
was destined for operations in the Belgian Congo. Equipped with
Tomahawks from Jan-1943, it never actually left Nigeria; instead it
was diverted to ferrying duties, delivering fighters from West Africa to
the Middle East.
However,
on 3-May-1943 it disbanded. Its personnel were shipped back to the UK and
the squadron re-formed at Wittering on 5-Jun-1943. Equipped with
Spitfires, it was declared operational in August. The squadron moved
south to Southend in October and began offensive operations over the
continent.
In
May-1944 the squadron joined No 135 Wing at Selsey taking part in
operations in preparation for the Normandy landings as well as covering
the invasion itself. Moving to France in August it carried out
both fighter bomber and bomber escort missions until Feb-1945, when
it returned to the UK and converted to the Tempest V. However, it
was decided to cancel its conversion in April and the squadron returned
to the continent, joining No.132 Wing in Holland for the remainder of
the war. It remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces
until being transferred back to Belgian control on 24-Oct-1946.
After the 1st Fighter Wing was disbanded in Mar-1996, the 10th Wing was joined by the 349th Fighter Squadron.
The Squadron operated the following aircraft-types (in chronological order): Curtiss Tomahawk I, Spitfire Va, Spitfire Vb, Spitfire Vc, Spitfire IX, Spitfire 16, Gloster Meteor F.8, Hawker Hunter F.4, Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Mk.5, F-104G Starfighter, F-16A Fighting Falcon.
combat ready patch (public version) →
This set in a very dark blue was worn for 1 yearand sold for charity in 2024
2005 SOLO DISPLAY
2009 SOLO DISPLAY
2010 SOLO DISPLAY
2011 SOLO DISPLAY
ITEMS
PICTURED ON THIS PAGE ARE NOT FOR TRADE OR SALE
