No. 125 Squadron RAF

No. 125 Squadron (Newfoundland) was a Royal Air Force squadron active during and after World War II.

World War I
Like a number of Squadrons, No. 125 was initially formed during the later months of the first world war but never became operational before the Armistice.

World War II
No. 125 Squadron was reformed on 16 June 1941 at RAF Colerne equipped with Defiants in a night fighter role. The squadron became operational at the end of September covering western England and South Wales.

The squadron was raised as a result of a War Loan raised by the Newfoundland Commission on Government. The Commission presented the British Government with $500,000 to establish the squadron with the hope that it would be manned by Newfoundlanders.

In September 1941 the squadron moved to RAF Fairwood Common and became fully operational with the Defiant proving to be a more than effective night fighter. By March 1942, 125 Squadron started converting to the twin-engined Beaufighter. Defiants and Hurricanes were also used to supplement the Beaufighters. Aircrews named some of their aircraft in recognition of its Newfoundland heritage. St, John's, Corner Brook, Deer Lake and Buchans were some of the names used.

November 1943 saw the squadron move to RAF Valley in Wales to enable patrols to take place over the Irish Sea. With a conversion to Mosquitos in February 1944 No. 125 moved to RAF Hurn in preparation to cover the Operation Overlord landings in Normandy. With the commencement of V-1 attacks on London the squadron moved to RAF Middle Wallop to assist in the City's defence and to fly patrols from RAF Bradwell Bay over the Low Countries. A move to RAF Coltishall saw the squadron defend against enemy intruders and flying bomb carriers whilst undertaking reconnaissance to locate the remainder of German shipping.

No. 125 transferred to Yorkshire where it was disbanded on 20 November 1945.

Post war
No. 125 squadron reformed with Meteor night fighters on 31 March 1955 at RAF Stradishall. Venoms replaced the Meteors in late 1955 and remained with the squadron until it was disbanded on 10 May 1957.