No. 542 Squadron RAF | |
---|---|
Active | 19 October 1942 – 27 August 1945 15 May 1954 - 1 Oct 1955 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Oct 1958 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | Royal Air Force |
Motto(s) | Above all |
Insignia | |
Squadron Badge | A Globe surrounded by stars |
No. 542 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron formed as a photographic reconnaissance squadron in World War II that reformed in the post war period.
The squadron formed at RAF Benson on 19 October 1942 and was equipped with Spitfires to fly missions over Europe, until it disbanded on 27 August 1945 after hostilities ceased.
The squadron reformed at RAF Wyton on 15 May 1955 and operated Canberras before disbanding again on 1 October 1955. It reformed the following month from 1323 Flight and was detached to Australia to conduct nuclear test surveys before it disbanded again upon renumbering to 21 Squadron on 1 October 1958.