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No. 158 Squadron RAF maintained continuous operations from its formation in May 1918 through to its final disbandment in December 1945.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's operational history comprised two distinct periods: May 9, 1918, to November 20, 1918, and February 14, 1942, to December 31, 1945. Therefore, it did not operate continuously throughout the entire span.
No. 158 Squadron RAF was first formed on May 9, 1918, and saw significant action in World War I.
Answer: False
Explanation: Although No. 158 Squadron RAF was formed on May 9, 1918, it did not see significant action in World War I as it arrived too late to participate in combat operations before the war's conclusion.
No. 158 Squadron RAF disbanded on November 20, 1918, at RAF Upper Heyford.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF disbanded on November 20, 1918, subsequent to its formation during World War I at RAF Upper Heyford.
No. 158 Squadron RAF reformed for World War II service by being established as a new unit.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's reformation for World War II service was achieved through the renumbering of No. 104 Squadron RAF, rather than being established as an entirely new unit.
In January 1944, a flight from No. 158 Squadron RAF was used to form No. 640 Squadron RAF at Leconfield.
Answer: True
Explanation: In January 1944, a detachment from No. 158 Squadron RAF was utilized to establish No. 640 Squadron RAF at Leconfield.
No. 158 Squadron RAF finally disbanded at RAF Driffield on December 31, 1945.
Answer: False
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF disbanded at RAF Stradishall on December 31, 1945, not RAF Driffield.
In what year was No. 158 Squadron RAF initially formed?
Answer: 1918
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF was initially formed on May 9, 1918.
Why did No. 158 Squadron RAF not participate in combat during World War I?
Answer: They arrived too late to see action.
Explanation: Although formed on May 9, 1918, and intended for Sopwith Snipe fighters, No. 158 Squadron RAF disbanded on November 20, 1918, having arrived too late to participate in combat operations during World War I.
Through which administrative process did No. 158 Squadron RAF reform for its World War II service?
Answer: Through the renumbering of No. 104 Squadron RAF.
Explanation: The squadron's reformation for World War II service was achieved through the renumbering of No. 104 Squadron RAF.
No. 158 Squadron RAF exclusively fulfilled the role of a Bomber Squadron throughout its entire operational history.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron initially served as a Bomber Squadron during World War II and subsequently transitioned to a Transport Squadron role from June 1945 until its disbandment.
The primary bomber aircraft flown by No. 158 Squadron RAF was the Avro Lancaster.
Answer: False
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF primarily flew the Vickers Wellington and the Handley Page Halifax bomber aircraft, not the Avro Lancaster.
No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Short Stirling as a bomber aircraft during World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: While No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Short Stirling, it was utilized as a transport aircraft, not as a bomber during World War II.
In World War I, No. 158 Squadron RAF was originally intended to be equipped with Sopwith Snipe fighters.
Answer: True
Explanation: During World War I, No. 158 Squadron RAF was originally intended for equipment with Sopwith Snipe fighters.
Upon its formation in World War I, No. 158 Squadron RAF was equipped with Sopwith Salamander ground attack aircraft.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon its formation in World War I, No. 158 Squadron RAF was equipped with Sopwith Salamander ground attack aircraft.
Upon its World War II reformation, No. 158 Squadron RAF was initially equipped with the Handley Page Halifax.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon its reformation for World War II service, No. 158 Squadron RAF was equipped with the Vickers Wellington medium bomber, not the Handley Page Halifax.
No. 158 Squadron RAF conducted night raids targeting Berlin with its Vickers Wellingtons.
Answer: False
Explanation: Utilizing Vickers Wellingtons, No. 158 Squadron RAF conducted night raids targeting locations in Germany and occupied France, but the source does not specifically mention Berlin as a target for these early raids.
The squadron re-equipped with the Halifax B.Mk.II heavy bomber in July 1942.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron re-equipped with the Halifax B.Mk.II heavy bomber in June 1942, not July 1942.
No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Short Stirling Mk.V as its primary transport aircraft.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following its transfer to RAF Transport Command, the squadron re-equipped with the Short Stirling Mk.V.
The Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.III nicknamed 'Friday the 13th' completed 128 operational missions and was later scrapped entirely.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.III 'Friday the 13th' completed 128 operational missions and was displayed on Oxford Street before being scrapped, but a section of its nose is preserved at the RAF Museum Hendon, meaning it was not scrapped entirely.
The Handley Page Halifax displayed at the Yorkshire Air Museum is an original aircraft that served with No. 158 Squadron RAF.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Handley Page Halifax exhibited at the Yorkshire Air Museum is a composite aircraft, constructed from various parts and painted to represent LV907, 'Friday the 13th,' as a tribute to the original aircraft and its crew, rather than being an original aircraft from the squadron.
No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Vickers Wellington Mk.II from February 1942 until June 1944.
Answer: False
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Vickers Wellington Mk.II from February 1942 until June 1942, not June 1944.
The squadron operated the Handley Page Halifax Mk.III from December 1943 until its final disbandment in December 1945.
Answer: False
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Handley Page Halifax Mk.III from December 1943 until May 1945, not until its final disbandment in December 1945.
What were the two main roles undertaken by No. 158 Squadron RAF during its operational history?
Answer: Bomber and Transport
Explanation: The squadron fulfilled the role of a Bomber Squadron during its World War II operations and subsequently transitioned to a Transport Squadron.
What were the principal types of bomber aircraft operated by No. 158 Squadron RAF during World War II?
Answer: Vickers Wellington and Handley Page Halifax
Explanation: During its World War II bomber operations, No. 158 Squadron RAF primarily operated the Vickers Wellington and subsequently the Handley Page Halifax bomber aircraft.
What aircraft type initially equipped No. 158 Squadron RAF upon its reformation for World War II service?
Answer: Vickers Wellington
Explanation: Upon its reformation for World War II service, No. 158 Squadron RAF was equipped with the Vickers Wellington medium bomber.
What aircraft type did No. 158 Squadron RAF operate subsequent to its transfer to Transport Command?
Answer: Short Stirling Mk.V
Explanation: Following its transfer to RAF Transport Command, the squadron re-equipped with the Short Stirling Mk.V.
What were the operational dates for the Handley Page Halifax Mk.III when operated by No. 158 Squadron RAF?
Answer: December 1943 to May 1945
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Handley Page Halifax Mk.III from December 1943 until May 1945.
What aircraft type did No. 158 Squadron RAF operate from May 1945 until its disbandment?
Answer: Short Stirling Mk.V
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF operated the Short Stirling Mk.V from May 1945 until December 1945.
What specific detail is mentioned about the Halifax B.Mk.III 'Friday the 13th' regarding its preservation?
Answer: Its nose section is preserved at the RAF Museum Hendon.
Explanation: Regarding its preservation, the Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.III 'Friday the 13th', after completing 128 operational missions and being displayed on Oxford Street before scrapping, had a section of its nose preserved at the RAF Museum Hendon.
What aircraft type equipped No. 158 Squadron RAF upon its formation in World War I?
Answer: Sopwith Salamander
Explanation: Upon its formation in World War I, No. 158 Squadron RAF was equipped with Sopwith Salamander ground attack aircraft.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the fate of the Halifax B.Mk.III 'Friday the 13th'?
Answer: It was scrapped after being displayed on Oxford Street, but its nose section survives.
Explanation: The Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.III 'Friday the 13th' completed 128 operational missions, was displayed on Oxford Street before being scrapped, and a section of its nose is preserved at the RAF Museum Hendon.
No. 158 Squadron RAF operated under Bomber Command throughout its bomber phase until the conclusion of World War II in Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF operated under Bomber Command from February 1942 until June 1945. As the end of World War II in Europe was in May 1945, the squadron continued to operate under Bomber Command for a period after this date, meaning its service under Bomber Command did not conclude precisely at the end of the war in Europe.
The squadron code assigned to No. 158 Squadron RAF from April 1942 to June 1945 was DK.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron code assigned to No. 158 Squadron RAF from April 1942 to June 1945 was 'NP', not 'DK'.
No. 158 Squadron RAF used two diagonal red stripes as tail markings between April 1945 and May 1945.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between April 1945 and May 1945, No. 158 Squadron RAF utilized two diagonal yellow stripes as tail markings, not red stripes.
After the end of World War II in Europe, No. 158 Squadron RAF was transferred to RAF Fighter Command.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the cessation of hostilities in Europe during the Second World War, the squadron was transferred to RAF Transport Command, not Fighter Command.
Under which command did No. 158 Squadron RAF operate during its transport phase from June 1945?
Answer: Transport Command
Explanation: From June 1945 to December 1945, No. 158 Squadron RAF was part of No. 4 Group RAF, operating under Transport Command.
What was the designated squadron code for No. 158 Squadron RAF during the period of July 1945 to December 1945?
Answer: DK
Explanation: The squadron code assigned to No. 158 Squadron RAF between July 1945 and December 1945 was 'DK'.
What specific tail markings were employed by No. 158 Squadron RAF between April 1945 and May 1945?
Answer: Two diagonal yellow stripes
Explanation: During the period of April 1945 to May 1945, No. 158 Squadron RAF utilized two diagonal yellow stripes as its tail markings.
What was the designated squadron code for No. 158 Squadron RAF during the period of April 1942 to June 1945?
Answer: NP
Explanation: The squadron code assigned to No. 158 Squadron RAF between April 1942 and June 1945 was 'NP'.
No. 158 Squadron RAF was affiliated with the United Kingdom's Royal Navy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron was an integral part of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF), not the Royal Navy.
The adopted motto of No. 158 Squadron RAF was 'Strength in unity'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The motto of No. 158 Squadron RAF was indeed 'Strength in unity'.
The squadron's badge features a single, large link representing its primary strength.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's badge features a circular chain composed of seven links, symbolizing the combined strength and cooperation of aircrews, rather than a single large link.
What was the official motto adopted by No. 158 Squadron RAF?
Answer: Strength in unity
Explanation: The adopted motto of No. 158 Squadron RAF was 'Strength in unity'.
What symbolic meaning is attributed to the circular chain depicted in the badge of No. 158 Squadron RAF?
Answer: The combined strength and cooperation of aircrews
Explanation: The circular chain serves as a symbol representing the combined strength and cooperative efforts of the squadron's aircrews.
Who served as the first commanding officer of No. 158 Squadron RAF upon its reformation in 1942?
Answer: Wing Commander P. Stevens
Explanation: Wing Commander P. Stevens, DFC, held the position of first commanding officer from February 14, 1942, to October 7, 1942.
Who held the most decorations among the listed commanding officers for No. 158 Squadron RAF?
Answer: Wing Commander P. Dobson, DFC, AFC, DSO
Explanation: Wing Commander P. Dobson, who commanded the squadron from June 7, 1944, to March 7, 1945, held the most decorations among the listed commanding officers, possessing the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Air Force Cross (AFC), and Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
No. 158 Squadron RAF moved from RAF Driffield to RAF Rufforth in June 1942 and then to RAF East Moor in November 1942.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron relocated from RAF Driffield to RAF East Moor in June 1942, subsequently moving to RAF Rufforth in November 1942, and finally to RAF Lissett in February 1943. The sequence stated in the question is incorrect.
On November 11, 1945, a Stirling C.5 of No. 158 Squadron RAF crashed on takeoff from RAF Stradishall.
Answer: False
Explanation: On November 11, 1945, a Stirling C.5 operated by the squadron crashed on takeoff from RAF Castel Benito in Libya, following an ignition of its wing, not from RAF Stradishall.
In the Stirling C.5 crash in Libya, only crew members were killed, with no soldiers aboard.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the Stirling C.5 crash in Libya, 21 soldiers and five crew members perished, with one individual surviving the incident, indicating that soldiers were indeed aboard and among the fatalities.
No. 158 Squadron RAF was based at RAF Lissett, Yorkshire, for the longest continuous period during its WWII bomber operations.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF maintained its longest continuous base at RAF Lissett, Yorkshire, from February 28, 1943, to August 17, 1945.
Which of the following airfields was NOT a base for No. 158 Squadron RAF during its World War II bomber operations?
Answer: RAF Scampton
Explanation: The squadron operated from RAF Driffield, RAF East Moor, and RAF Rufforth during its World War II bomber operations. RAF Scampton is not listed as one of its bases.
What was the total number of fatalities in the Stirling C.5 crash that occurred in Libya?
Answer: Twenty-one
Explanation: In the Stirling C.5 crash in Libya, 21 soldiers and five crew members perished, with one individual surviving the incident.
What was the longest continuous period No. 158 Squadron RAF was based at a single location during World War II?
Answer: RAF Lissett
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF maintained its longest continuous base at RAF Lissett, Yorkshire, from February 28, 1943, to August 17, 1945.
What was the specific purpose of the detachment from RAF Rufforth for No. 158 Squadron RAF?
Answer: For operations with RAF Coastal Command.
Explanation: A detachment from RAF Rufforth was stationed at RAF Manston, Kent, between November 7 and November 25, 1942, specifically for operations conducted with RAF Coastal Command.
From what date did No. 158 Squadron RAF operate from RAF Stradishall until its disbandment?
Answer: August 17, 1945
Explanation: No. 158 Squadron RAF operated from RAF Stradishall, Suffolk, from August 17, 1945, until its disbandment on December 31, 1945.
What information is primarily cataloged within the navigation box associated with the article?
Answer: Other Royal Air Force flying squadrons.
Explanation: The navigation box primarily lists various Royal Air Force flying squadrons, encompassing currently active, inactive, and those formed from Commonwealth or non-Commonwealth personnel during World War II, in addition to Volunteer Gliding Squadrons.
What types of resources are provided within the external links section pertaining to No. 158 Squadron RAF?
Answer: The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC).
Explanation: The external links offer access to the 158 Squadron association, historical data on the squadron, details concerning RAF Lissett, the International Bomber Command Centre, and a tribute website dedicated to a specific flight officer.