"78 Squadron - RAF Benson - Montage"

by Brian Fare

Open Edition Pencil Print

A3 size (297 mm x 420 mm)

No. 78 Squadron was formed at Harrietsham, Kent on 1st Nov 1916 in direct response to the threat posed to the UK by German Gotha Bombers and Zeppelin Airships. From bases across South East England, the role of Home Defence duties was conducted using a variety of aircraft which included; BE2c, BE2e, BE12, BE12a, the SE5a and the Sopwith ½ Strutter, Camel and Snipe. No. 78 Squadron disbanded at Suttons Farm, Essex on 31st December 1919.



Reformed on 1st November 1936, No. 78 Squadron operated the Heyford but converted onto Whitley’s in 1937. It became a frontline Bomber Command asset in 1940. Mid 1942 saw a further change as No. 78 Squadron converted onto the Handley Page Halifax. In September 1945, No. 78 Squadron transferred from Bomber to Transport Command, and left the UK for the next 62 years. Based at Al Maza, Egypt, No. 78 Squadron operated the DC3 Dakota and the Vickers Valetta in the Suez conflict until disbandment on 30th September 1951 at Fayid.



On 15th April 1956, No. 78 Squadron reformed at RAF Khormaksar in Aden operating the Scottish Aviation Pioneer and subsequently the Twin Pioneer in short range tactical transport duties in support of the British Army. In June 1956, No. 78 Squadron’s long association with helicopters began with the arrival of the Westland Wessex HC2. In 1967, No. 78 Squadron moved to Sharjah in the Persian Gulf until disbandment on 21st December 1971



No. 78 Squadron reformed on May 1st 1986 at Mount Pleasant Airfield in the Falklands and uniquely operated both the Chinook and Sea King in a duel Support Helicopter / Seach & Rescue capability for the British Forces South Atlantic Islands. No. 78 Squadron disbanded again on November 31st 2007.



On 3rd December 2007, No. 78 Squadron reformed at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire as the second RAF Sqn to operate the Merlin helicopter in the Battlefield Support Helicopter role. An active role was undertaken assisting the Britsh Army during Operation Telic in Iraq, and this task currently continues with Operation Herric in Afghanistan.

This print depicts various aircraft operated by the Squadron throughout it's long history such as the Royal Aircraft Factory BE12a ‘A-597’, Handley Page Halifax B.II ‘LW263 EY- E’, Augusta Westland Merlin HC3A ‘ZK001 AF’, Westland Sea King HAR3 ‘XZ592’ and the Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer CC1 ‘XL993’.