No. 225 Squadron

No. 225 Squadron was reformed on 11 October 1939 at RAF Odiham, constituted from B Flight of No. 614 Squadron and initially equipped with the Westland Lysander for army co-operation and coastal patrol duties. During 1940 and 1941 the squadron flew reconnaissance patrols along the Hampshire and Isle of Wight coastline watching for signs of German invasion, and also provided air-sea rescue cover from May 1941. In January 1942 the unit converted to the Hawker Hurricane and began training as a tactical reconnaissance squadron, adding the North American Mustang before deploying to the Mediterranean for Operation Torch in November 1942, flying into Maison Blanche near Algiers. The squadron subsequently took part in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns — including the Salerno and Anzio landings — operating Supermarine Spitfires in the tactical and photographic reconnaissance role under the Desert Air Force and later the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. In August 1944 it briefly supported the Allied advance through southern France during Operation Dragoon before returning to Italy, where it continued operations supporting the armies pushing northward until the German surrender in May 1945. The squadron remained as part of the occupation force in Italy until its disbandment on 7 January 1947.