No. 198 Squadron

No. 198 Squadron reformed at RAF Digby on 8 December 1942, equipped with the Hawker Typhoon and initially tasked with night-fighter and defensive patrol duties over north-east England. From March 1943 it moved to RAF Manston, where it flew alongside No. 609 Squadron conducting fighter escort and long-range offensive sweeps — known as “Ramrods” — over France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In early 1944 the squadron converted to the ground-attack role, fitting its Typhoon IBs with RP-3 rocket projectiles, and joined 123 Wing of No. 84 Group, 2nd Tactical Air Force. Following the D-Day landings in June 1944 it provided close air support around Caen and took part in the destruction of German armour in the Falaise pocket. The squadron advanced with Allied forces through France and the Netherlands and ended the war at Wunstorf in Germany, where it disbanded on 15 September 1945. Its badge depicted a phoenix holding a sword, with the motto Igni renatus — “Born again in fire.”