No. 85 Squadron RAF
Below is some genealogy information on the No. 85 Squadron of the Royal Air Force that may help searches for military ancestors.
Theatres of War, Army Regiments, Naval Detachments, RAF
World War One
Description: Initially part of the Royal Flying Corps, number 85 squadron was active from 1917. The squadron was comprised of Sopwith Dolphin and Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5A aircraft. The squadron amassed 99 victories.
World War Two
Description: The number 85 squadron was comprised of Gloster Gladiator and Hawker Hurricane aircraft. It was formed from a core of men from No.87 Squadron. They covered the withdrawal from Europe, shooting down a confirmed 90 aircraft in just 11 days before taking part in the Battle of Britain. With the German plan to invade Britain, the only thing that stood in their way was the Royal Air Force. During the middle of 1940 just a few hundred pilots managed to hold off the Luftwaffe and allow Britain and her allies to go on the offensive. They also took part in the Normandy landings, part of Operation Overlord.
Websites:
Reading materials:
If you are interested in your genealogy, why not find out about your family tree here or take a look at our packages.
