85 Squadron [entry point]

85 Squadron [entry point]

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85 Squadron started World War Two in Fighter Command operating Hurricanes. It saw action in the fall of France and in the Battle of Britain. In late 1940 it became a night fighter squadron with Havocs and then Mosquitos with which it also carried out intruder operations. The squadron transferred to Bomber Command in May 1944 as part of 100 Group. The squadron was based at RAF Swannington until the end of the war apart from a 5 week spell in July-August 1944 when it was located at RAF West Malling to interecpt V-1s. The squadron operated in an intruder role against German night fighters and their stations in order to support Bomber Command operations. The squadron also provided bomber escort protection on daylight operations.

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