421 Tactical Fighter Squadron

The official lineage of the 421 Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Badge

Squadron standard

Squadron standard

Badge

Description

Argent in front of two tomahawks in saltire Gules a Native warrior's head with head-dress Or.

Significance

The Native Indian is well known for his courage and fighting qualities, and with the two tomahawks, a traditional weapon, makes an appropriate device for a fighter squadron.

Motto

BELLICUM CECINERE (They have sounded the war trumpet)

Battle honours

The Second World War

DEFENCE OF BRITAIN, 1942-1943; FORTRESS EUROPE, 1942-1944; FRANCE AND GERMANY, 1944-1945; Normandy, 1944; Arnhem; Rhine.

Lineage

  • Authorized as '421 (Fighter) Squadron' 6 April 1942.Footnote 1
  • Disbanded 23 July 1945.Footnote 2
  • Reformed as '421 (Fighter) Squadron' 15 November 1949.Footnote 3
  • Disbanded 1 August 1963.Footnote 4
  • Reformed as '421 Strike/Attack Squadron' 2 December 1963.Footnote 5
  • Redesignated '421 Tactical Fighter Squadron' 1 January 1972.Footnote 6
  • Disbanded 31 August 1992.Footnote 8

Operational history

The Second World War

The squadron flew on fighter operations in Great Britain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands under 'Fighter Command' and '2nd Tactical Air Force'. It remained in Germany after the war with the 'British Air Forces of Occupation (Germany)'.Footnote 9

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