No. 180 Squadron

No. 180 Squadron was formed on 13 September 1942 at RAF West Raynham as a medium bomber unit within No. 2 Group, Bomber Command, equipping with the North American Mitchell II. The squadron flew its first operational sortie on 22 January 1943, a daylight attack on Ghent that proved costly, with two aircraft lost including the aircraft of the commanding officer. When No. 2 Group transferred to the newly formed Second Tactical Air Force in the summer of 1943, the squadron moved with it, joining No. 139 Wing alongside Nos. 98 and 320 Squadrons and basing at RAF Dunsfold. In the lead-up to the Normandy landings the unit switched to night operations, striking German troop concentrations, transport links, and supply routes across occupied France; it also participated in the precision attack on the headquarters of Panzer Group West at the Château de La Caine on 10 June 1944. Following the Allied breakout from Normandy the squadron advanced to the continent, operating successively from Melsbroek in Belgium and then Achmer in Germany, supporting the final drive into the Reich. Re-equipped with de Havilland Mosquito XVIs in September 1945 as part of the post-war occupation force, the squadron was renumbered No. 69 Squadron on 31 March 1946.