No. 116 Squadron RAF
Encyclopedia
No. 116 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
, was formed on 1 December 1917 at Andover
and was intended to become a night bomber unit but the end of the war resulted in the Squadron's disbandment on 20 November 1918.
The Squadron reformed at Hatfield on 17 February 1941 from No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Calibration Flight with Lysanders. Its main task was the calibration of predictors and AA
radar
used by numerous AA batteries in the UK. Due to the wide dispersal of these batteries, No. 116 was fragmented into numerous detachments based at convenient airfields. In November 1941 some Hurricanes were received for simulating dive-bombing and low-level attacks and in June 1942, Tiger Moths were allotted for use in AA radar alignment checks. Oxfords began to replace the Lysanders and were later supplemented by Ansons. These were used for the rest of the war, the Squadron disbanding on 26 May 1945.
On 1 August 1952, the Squadron reformed at Watton
from the Calibration Squadron of the Central Signals Establishment. It flew Varsities, Lincolns and Ansons until renumbered 115 Squadron on 21 August 1958.
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
, was formed on 1 December 1917 at Andover
RAF Andover
Andover Airfield is a former Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force station. The ICAO code for the airfield is EGWA and the IATA code is ADV...
and was intended to become a night bomber unit but the end of the war resulted in the Squadron's disbandment on 20 November 1918.
The Squadron reformed at Hatfield on 17 February 1941 from No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Calibration Flight with Lysanders. Its main task was the calibration of predictors and AA
Anti-aircraft warfare
NATO defines air defence as "all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action." They include ground and air based weapon systems, associated sensor systems, command and control arrangements and passive measures. It may be to protect naval, ground and air forces...
radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
used by numerous AA batteries in the UK. Due to the wide dispersal of these batteries, No. 116 was fragmented into numerous detachments based at convenient airfields. In November 1941 some Hurricanes were received for simulating dive-bombing and low-level attacks and in June 1942, Tiger Moths were allotted for use in AA radar alignment checks. Oxfords began to replace the Lysanders and were later supplemented by Ansons. These were used for the rest of the war, the Squadron disbanding on 26 May 1945.
On 1 August 1952, the Squadron reformed at Watton
RAF Watton
Royal Air Force Station Watton is a former military airfield in Norfolk, England. The airfield is located approximately south-southwest of East Dereham....
from the Calibration Squadron of the Central Signals Establishment. It flew Varsities, Lincolns and Ansons until renumbered 115 Squadron on 21 August 1958.