No. 23 Squadron RAAF
| No. 23 Squadron RAAF | |
|---|---|
| Active | 3 May 1937 – current |
| Branch | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Role | Base operations and training |
| Part of | Combat Support Group |
| Garrison/HQ | RAAF Base Amberley |
| Motto(s) | "Dauntless" |
| Battle honours | New Guinea 1944 Markham Valley 1944 Eastern Waters 1941–1945 Pacific 1941–1945 Borneo 1945 |
No. 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is a non-flying base operations and training squadron headquartered at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, Queensland. The squadron was formed in 1937 and saw action against the Japanese during World War II as a bomber squadron. Operating from Archerfield during the early stages of the war, the squadron undertook maritime patrols off Australia's east coast before converting to a dive-bomber role and taking part in the New Guinea campaign. Later in the war, the squadron converted to Liberator heavy bombers and flew missions against Japanese targets in the Netherlands East Indies. After the war, No. 23 Squadron was used to reform No. 6 Squadron and was then re-raised as a Citizens Air Force unit based in Brisbane. Until 1960, the squadron flew jet fighter aircraft before converting to a ground support role and now forms part of the RAAF's Combat Support Group.
No. 23 Squadron was first formed on 3 May 1937 at RAAF Base Laverton as a general purpose unit equipped with Avro Ansons and Hawker Demons. The squadron moved to RAAF Base Pearce in March 1938 and was renumbered No. 25 Squadron in January 1939. No. 23 Squadron reformed at RAAF Base Richmond in February 1939 and was equipped with CAC Wirraways and Lockheed Hudsons, began reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrols off the east coast of New South Wales following the commencement of hostilities with Germany. The squadron moved to RAAF Station Archerfield near Brisbane, Queensland, in August 1940. Between August 1940 and June 1943 the squadron conducted seaward patrols and escorted shipping in the Brisbane region. In May 1943, the squadron was equipped with six P-39 Airacobra fighters in addition to 18 Wirraways.
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