Royal Air Force History

History of No. 121 Squadron.

Motto: For liberty.
Badge: An Indian warrior's head with head dress.

No. 121 was formed at Narborough on 1 January 1918 as a light bomber unit but did not become operational before being disbanded on 17 August 1918. The Squadron was due to be reformed but these plans were abandoned after the Armistice.

On 14 May 1941, No. 121 was reformed at Kirton-in-Lindsey as the second 'Eagle' Squadron to be manned by American volunteers. Equipped with Hurricanes, it began defensive patrols in October but in November it converted to Spitfires. It moved to North Weald in December 1941 and in February 1942 began to take part in fighter sweeps over northern France. These continued until the Squadron was transferred to the US Army Air Force on 29 September 1942, becoming the 335th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group at Debden.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb in 121 Squadron markings

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