No. 229 Squadron

No. 229 Squadron was reformed on 6 October 1939 at RAF Digby, initially equipped with Bristol Blenheim IFs for a shipping-protection role before converting to Hawker Hurricanes. The squadron joined the Battle of Britain in September 1940 when it moved to RAF Northolt under No. 11 Group, where it flew alongside No. 303 Polish Squadron and No. 1 Squadron RCAF during the campaign’s most intense phase, claiming its first aerial victories on 11 September 1940. After ceasing independent operations in April 1942, the squadron was reformed at Ta Kali, Malta in August 1942, joining the defence of the island and subsequent offensive operations across the Mediterranean theatre. It re-equipped with Supermarine Spitfires — eventually operating the Mk IX and Mk XVI variants — and returned to north-west Europe in 1944, flying from stations including Detling, Tangmere and Swannington in support of the Normandy landings and the advance through the Low Countries. The squadron was renumbered as No. 603 Squadron RAF on 10 January 1945, bringing its distinct existence to a close after over five years of continuous fighter operations.