No. 639 Squadron RAF was an anti aircraft co-operation squadron of the

Royal Air Force The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom's air and space force. It was formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, becoming the first independent air force in the world, by regrouping the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and ...

from 1943 to 1945.

History

The squadron was formed at

RAF Cleave RAF Cleave is a former Royal Air Force station located north of Bude in Cornwall, United Kingdom, which was operational from 1939 until 1945. Despite a few periods of intense activity, it was one of Fighter Command's lesser used airfields. ...

on 1 December 1943, from 1602 Flight, 1603 Flight, 1604 Flight and 1618 Flight for anti-aircraft co-operation duties with the

Hawker Henley The Hawker Henley was a British two-seat target tug derived from the Hawker Hurricane that was operated by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Design and development In 1934 Air Ministry Specification P.4/34 was issued which calle ...

. The main role was to provide target towing duties over

Cornwall Cornwall (; kw, Kernow ) is a historic county and ceremonial county in South West England. It is recognised as one of the Celtic nations, and is the homeland of the Cornish people. Cornwall is bordered to the north and west by the Atlantic ...

. In addition the

Hawker Hurricane The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1930s–40s which was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. for service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was overshadowed in the public consciousness by ...

was used as a radar target and to fly low-level simulated attacks on troops. The squadron was disbanded on 30 April 1945.

Aircraft operated

Squadron bases

References

Notes

Bibliography

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External links

History of No. 639 Squadron

{{DEFAULTSORT:No. 639 Squadron Raf No. 639 Squadron Military units and formations established in 1943 Military units and formations disestablished in 1945