No. 63 Squadron

No. 63 Squadron RAF was reformed on 15 June 1942 at RAF Gatwick from a detachment of No. 239 Squadron, taking on an army co-operation and tactical reconnaissance role within the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Initially equipped with the Allison-engined North American Mustang I, the squadron spent much of its time working alongside the Army in training exercises and conducting low-level tactical reconnaissance over occupied Europe. By early 1944 the unit had relocated to RAF Turnhouse in Scotland, re-equipping briefly with the Hawker Hurricane IV before converting to the Supermarine Spitfire VB in May of that year. The squadron played a notable part in the Normandy campaign of June 1944, flying naval gunfire-spotting sorties above the Royal Navy fleet to provide forward air control for warships supporting the landings on D-Day. It performed the same function during the Walcheren landings later in the autumn of 1944, with pilots drawn from former army co-operation units, the Royal Marines, and the RAF. The squadron was disbanded on 1 February 1945 after transferring its aircraft to No. 41 Operational Training Unit. Its motto, “Pone nos ad hostem” — Follow us to find the enemy — reflects the aggressive reconnaissance spirit the unit embodied throughout its wartime existence.