No. 520 Squadron RAF
Former flying squadron of the Royal Air Force
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No. 520 Squadron RAF was a meteorological squadron of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
United Kingdom
Royal Air Force| No. 520 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Active | 20 September 1943 – 25 April 1946 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | meteorological |
| Part of | HQ RAF Gibraltar, Coastal Command[1] |
| Motto | Tomorrow's Weather Today[2] |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge heraldry | A dove holding in the beak an olive branch[2] |
| Squadron Codes | 2M (September 1943 – April 1946)[3][4] |
History
The squadron was formed at RAF Gibraltar on 20 September 1943 from 1403 Flight.[5][6] Equipped with Lockheed Hudsons, it was tasked with collecting meteorological data from both the Mediterranean and Atlantic. In February 1944 it was re-equipped with Handley Page Halifaxes and these were supplemented by Supermarine Spitfires, although the Spitfires were replaced with Hawker Hurricanes a few months later. In September 1944 the squadron absorbed 1500 (BAT) Flight and its Miles Martinets, which were used for target towing.[2] The squadron also operated the Hudson again and also the Vickers Warwick. The squadron continued to serve for a while after the war was over, and was even given an air-sea rescue task,[2] using the Warwicks, but was disbanded at Gibraltar on 25 April 1946.[5]
Aircraft operated
| From | To | Aircraft | Variant |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1943 | March 1944 | Lockheed Hudson | Mk.III |
| September 1943 | June 1944 | Gloster Gladiator | Mk.II |
| February 1944 | June 1945 | Handley Page Halifax | Mk.V |
| February 1944 | June 1944 | Supermarine Spitfire | Mk.Vb |
| June 1944 | April 1946 | Hawker Hurricane | Mk.IIc |
| September 1944 | December 1945 | Miles Martinet | Mk.I |
| January 1945 | October 1945 | Lockheed Hudson | Mk.III |
| April 1945 | April 1946 | Handley Page Halifax | Mk.III |
| August 1945 | April 1946 | Vickers Warwick | Mk.I |
| October 1945 | January 1946 | Lockheed Hudson | Mk.VI |
Squadron bases
| From | To | Base | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 September 1943 | 25 April 1946 | RAF Gibraltar | already in use with 1403 Flight since 6 March 1943[6] |
