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349th Squadron

  “STRIKE HARD STRIKE HOME”

Originally formed at Ikeja in Nigeria on 10-Nov-1942, this Belgian manned unit was destined for operations in the Belgian Congo.  Equipped with Tomahawks from Jan-1943, it never actually left Nigeria; instead it was diverted to ferrying duties, delivering fighters from West Africa to the Middle East.

However, on 3-May-1943 it disbanded.  Its personnel were shipped back to the UK and the squadron re-formed at Wittering on 5-Jun-1943.  Equipped with Spitfires, it was declared operational in August. The squadron moved south to Southend in October and began offensive operations over the continent.

In May-1944 the squadron joined No 135 Wing at Selsey taking part in operations in preparation for the Normandy landings as well as covering the invasion itself.  Moving to France in August it carried out both fighter bomber and bomber escort missions until Feb-1945, when it returned to the UK and converted to the Tempest V.  However, it was decided to cancel its conversion in April and the squadron returned to the continent, joining No.132 Wing in Holland for the remainder of the war.  It remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces until being transferred back to Belgian control on 24-Oct-1946.

After the 1st Fighter Wing was disbanded in Mar-1996, the 10th Wing was joined by the 349th Fighter Squadron.

The Squadron operated the following aircraft-types (in chronological order): Curtiss Tomahawk I, Spitfire Va, Spitfire Vb, Spitfire Vc, Spitfire IX, Spitfire 16, Gloster Meteor F.8, Hawker Hunter F.4, Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Mk.5, F-104G Starfighter, F-16A Fighting Falcon.

 

                                                                                                       

 
 
  original F104-era patches 
4 versions sold by the squadron over the years when they were already operating the F16

 

 
combat ready patch (Squadron only version)

 

 

 

combat ready patch (public version)

 
 
   
     
   
 
Maintenance Operations Center  ‡‡  Maintenance - Avionics  ‡‡  Detachment Commander  ‡‡  Pilot  ‡‡  Directors Team (Operations, Maintenance Operations, Defense & Support Operations)  ‡‡  Line & Armament  ‡‡  Maintenance - Cell & Engine
Force Protection  ‡‡  Maintenance - Ground Support  ‡‡  Ground Liaison Officer  ‡‡  Mission Planning  ‡‡  Intelligence  ‡‡  Mission Support (Operations, Air Traffic Control, Fire Department, ...)  ‡‡  Medical Detachment  ‡‡  Communication & Information Systems

 

  
   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_De_Winne

   
   
 
 

 

2005 SOLO DISPLAY

 

 

2009 SOLO DISPLAY

 

 

2010 SOLO DISPLAY

 

 

 

2011 SOLO DISPLAY

 ITEMS PICTURED ON THIS PAGE ARE NOT FOR TRADE OR SALE

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