No. 180 Squadron RAF

No. 180 Squadron RAF
Active	11 Sept 1942 -31 Mar 1946
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Motto	Latin: Suaviter in modo fortier in re (Agreeable in manner, forcible in act)
Insignia
Squadron Badge	Two arrows behind a velvet glove.
Squadron code	EV (September 1942 – March 1946)

No. 180 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron that was a medium bomber unit in World War II.

History

Formation in World War II

The Squadron was equipped with Mitchells at RAF West Raynham. It then flew its first raid from RAF Foulsham and suffered heavy losses including the aircraft of the squadron commander. After supporting the breakout from the Normandy beachhead in June 1944, the squadron re-located to Melsbroek, Belgium. It supported the allied advance across Europe and from April 1945 it operated from Achmer, Germany.

Post war

The Mitchell aircraft were replaced with Mosquitos in September 1945 and the squadron moved to Wahn. It was disbanded upon re-numbering as No. 69 Squadron RAF on 31 March 1946.

Aircraft operated

Aircraft operated by no. 180 Squadron RAF

From	To	Aircraft	Variant
Sep 1942	Apr 1945	North American B-25 Mitchell	II
Dec 1944	Sep 1945	North American B-25 Mitchell	III
Sep 1945	Mar 1946	de Havilland Mosquito	XVI