SQUADRONS
Old Sarum has a rich and varied association with the RAF. A short history of the squadrons based here are detailed below.
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651 Squadron
Motto:
Dirige
"To direct, guide"
Formed on 1 August 1941 at Old Sarum, the squadron went into action in November 1942 attached the First Army during the Torch landings in North Africa.
It later served in Sicily, Italy and from November 1945, Egypt where it remained until 1 November 1955.
652 Squadron
Motto:
Sive Aere Sive Campo
"In the air and in the field"
Forming on 1 May 1942 at Old Sarum, the squadron went into action in June 1942 attached the Second Army during the Overlord landings in Normandy.
It moved with the Second Army through France, Holland and into Germany, where it remained as part of the British Air Forces of Occupation and later 2nd Tactical Air Force until it was transferred to the Army Air Corps on 1 September 1957.
653 Squadron
Motto:
Ubique Speculabundus
(The eyes of the guns are everywhere)
Formed on 20 June 1942 at Old Sarum, the squadron moved to Normandy in June 1944 and supported the Army through France and Holland, disbanding at Hoya in Germany on 15 September 1945.
654 Squadron
Motto:
Progressive
Forming on 15 July 1942 at Old Sarum, the squadron went into action in December 1942 following the Torch landings in North Africa.
From July 1943 it served in Sicily with the 8th Army and later Italy, where it remained until disbanding at Campoformido on 24 June 1947.
655 Squadron
Forming on 8 December 1942 at Old Sarum, the squadron went into action in August 1943 in North Africa.
From December 1943 it served in Italy, where it remained until disbanding at Ronchi on 31 August 1945.
658 Squadron
Motto:
Videmus Delemus
Formed on 30 April 1943 at Old Sarum, the squadron moved to Normandy in June 1944 and supported the Army through France and Holland, until October 1945, when having previously returned to Britain, it was sent to India.
It remained in India until disbanding at Hakimpet on 1 April 1947.
660 Squadron
Formed on 31 July 1943 at Old Sarum, the squadron moved to France in July 1944 and supported the 21st Army Group through France and Holland until disbanding at Keil/Holtenau in Germany on 31 May 1946.
661 Squadron
Motto:
Designo Oculis Ad Caedem
"Designate Eye To Slaughter"
Formed on 31 August 1943 at Old Sarum, the squadron moved to France in August 1944 and supported the First Canadian Army until disbanding at Ghent in Belgium on 31 October 1945.
Post-war it reformed as part of the RAuxAF on 1 May 1949 at Kenley but was disbanded on 10 March 1957 along with all RAuxAF flying squadrons.
It was composed of a number of detached flights, 1957 and 1960 at Kenley, 1958 at Hendon, 1959 and 1961 at Henlow.
662 Squadron
Motto:
Olethrion Omma
Formed on 30 September 1943 at Old Sarum, the squadron moved to France in June 1944 and supported the 21st Army Group until disbanding at Melsbroek in Belgium on 15 December 1945.
Post-war it reformed as part of the RAuxAF on 1 February 1949 at Colerne but was disbanded on 10 March 1957 along with all RAuxAF flying squadrons.
It was composed of a number of detached flights, 1956 at Colerne, 1962 at Middle Wallop and 1963 at Colerne.