No. 13 Squadron

No. 13 Squadron was formed on 10 January 1915 at Gosport as part of the Royal Flying Corps, and after disbandment in 1919 was reformed in April 1924. By the outbreak of the Second World War it was based at RAF Odiham equipped with Westland Lysanders in the army co-operation role, deploying to France in October 1939 to support the British Expeditionary Force. The squadron was caught up in the catastrophic German advance of May 1940, suffering heavy losses before withdrawing to Britain by early June, where it continued army co-operation duties from Hooton Park under No. 71 Group of RAF Army Co-operation Command. In May 1941 the squadron relinquished its Lysanders and transitioned to the light bomber role, re-equipping with Bristol Blenheims and moving to the Mediterranean theatre. It subsequently flew bombing and pathfinder operations during the North African campaign from November 1942, supporting the Allied First Army through Tunisia, and later participated in operations over Sicily, Italy, and beyond, flying Martin Baltimores and Douglas Bostons. The squadron’s motto, “Adjuvamus tuendo” — “We assist by watching” — reflects its origins in observation and army support, and it did not disband until 19 April 1946 following the end of hostilities.