No. 137 Squadron

No. 137 Squadron was reformed on 20 September 1941 at Charmy Down, Somerset, becoming one of only two squadrons to operate the twin-engined Westland Whirlwind, a four-cannon fighter used for cross-Channel operations from late 1941. By June 1943 the worn Whirlwinds were replaced by rocket- and cannon-armed Hurricane IVs, and in February 1944 the squadron re-equipped with the Hawker Typhoon IB, which proved a formidable ground-attack platform. Assigned to No. 124 Wing within the 2nd Tactical Air Force, the squadron flew anti-shipping strikes, tactical interdiction, and close air support missions throughout the build-up to D-Day and the Normandy campaign. After remaining in Britain during the summer of 1944 to engage V-1 flying bombs, the squadron moved to the Continent in August, supporting the 21st Army Group’s advance through France, the Low Countries, and into Germany. Armed-reconnaissance sorties over Germany continued until the war’s end, and the unit was disbanded on 25 August 1945 by renumbering as No. 174 Squadron.