No. 158 Squadron RAF
| No. 158 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Active | 9 May 1918 – 20 Nov 1918 14 Feb 1942 – 31 Dec 1945 |
| Country |
 United Kingdom
|
| Branch |
 Royal Air Force
|
| Role |
Bomber Squadron Transport Squadron |
| Part of |
No. 4 Group RAF, Bomber Command (Feb 42 – Jun 45) No. 4 Group RAF, Transport Command (Jun 45 – Dec 45) |
| Motto(s) | Strength in unity |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge heraldry | A circular chain of seven links The chain is indicative of the combined strength and co-operation of aircrews |
| Squadron Codes |
NP (Apr 1942 – Jun 1945) DK (Jul 1945 – Dec 1945) |
| Tail markings | Two diagonal yellow stripes (Apr 1945 – May 1945) |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Bomber |
Vickers Wellington Handley Page Halifax |
| Transport | Short Stirling |
No. 158 Squadron RAF was a World War I proposed ground attack squadron that did not became operational in time to see action, and a World War II bomber squadron. After World War II had ended in Europe the squadron operated in the transport role until disbandment in December 1945.
No. 158 Squadron RAF was first formed on 9 May 1918, and the squadron was originally to be equipped with Sopwith Snipe fighters, but this was postponed and the squadron eventually formed at Upper Heyford on 4 September 1918, equipped with Sopwith Salamander ground attack aircraft. The squadron arrived too late to see action during the war, and disbanded on 20 November 1918.
The squadron reformed at RAF Driffield on 14 February 1942, via the renumbering of No. 104 Squadron, which was equipped with the Vickers Wellington medium bomber and 158 sqn used these on night raids to Germany and occupied France.
In June 1942 the squadron re-equipped with the Halifax B.Mk.II heavy bombers and moved to RAF East Moor. On 6 November 1942 the squadron moved to RAF Rufforth, followed by a move to RAF Lissett on 28 February 1943. In January 1944 the squadron had re-equipped with the Halifax B.Mk.III and the squadrons 'C' flight was used to form No. 640 Squadron at Leconfield.
By 7 May 1945 World War II in Europe had finished, and the squadron was transferred to RAF Transport Command, re-equipped with the Short Stirling Mk.V. The squadron moved to Stradishall on 17 August 1945, where it disbanded on 31 December 1945.
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