421 Tactical Fighter Squadron
The official lineage of the 421 Tactical Fighter Squadron.
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
Page details
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