78 SQUADRON

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78 Squadron operates Twin Pioneer aircraft, whose short take-off and landing characteristics often make it the only plane that can operate into some up-country airstrips, and its main work is short-range supply of the Army. It is also frequently called on to pick up the sick or injured for transport to hospital.

 

No. 78 Squadron was formed as a Home Defence unit in 1916, disbanded in 1919 and re-formed, as a Bomber Squadron, in 1936. During 1940 and 1941, operating Whitley Mark V aircraft, they operated over Germany and the ports of Occupied Europe. Re-equipped with Halifax Us in 1942 they continued operations, and in the latter half of the year flew almost nightly, taking part in nearly all the major raids on Germany, Italy and occupied territory. Towards the end of the war daylight raids became more frequent, and the targets mainly "Flying Bomb" bases.

 

In 1945 the Squadron was transferred to Transport Command, and later in the year sent to Middle East and based at Almaza. The following year it was moved to Kabrit, and in 1951, to Fayid, where it was disbanded in 1954. It re-formed in Aden on 24th April, 1956, equipped with Single Pioneer aircraft, and was re-equipped with Twin Pioneers in 1958.