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78
Squadron operates Twin Pioneer aircraft, whose short
take-off and landing characteristics often make it the
only plane that can operate into some up-country airstrips,
and its main work is short-range supply of the Army. It
is also frequently called on to pick up the sick or injured
for transport to hospital. |
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No. 78
Squadron was formed as a Home Defence unit in 1916,
disbanded in 1919 and re-formed, as a Bomber Squadron,
in 1936. During 1940 and 1941, operating Whitley Mark V
aircraft, they operated over Germany and the ports of
Occupied Europe. Re-equipped with Halifax Us in 1942
they continued operations, and in the latter half of the
year flew almost nightly, taking part in nearly all the
major raids on Germany, Italy and occupied territory.
Towards the end of the war daylight raids became more
frequent, and the targets mainly "Flying Bomb" bases.
Scottish Aviation Twin
Pioneer of 78 Sqn at RAF Khormaksar 1964
In 1945
the Squadron was transferred to Transport Command, and
later in the year sent to Middle East and based at Almaza. The following year it was moved to Kabrit, and
in 1951, to Fayid, where it was disbanded in 1954. It
re-formed in Aden on 24th April, 1956, equipped with
Single Pioneer aircraft, and was re-equipped with Twin
Pioneers in 1958. |
