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No. 88 Squadron was initially formed as part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in July 1917.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron was initially formed as part of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) on 24 July 1917. The Royal Air Force (RAF) was established later, on 1 April 1918.
No. 88 Squadron operated under the RAF from April 1918 until August 1919 before its first disbandment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the establishment of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918, No. 88 Squadron continued its operations under the RAF until its initial disbandment on 10 August 1919.
No. 88 Squadron RFC was formed at RAF Cranwell before being deployed to France.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's initial formation occurred at Gosport, Hampshire, prior to its deployment to France for service during World War I.
During its First World War service in France, No. 88 Squadron primarily conducted bombing missions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon deployment to France in April 1918, No. 88 Squadron was primarily engaged in fighter-reconnaissance duties.
No. 88 Squadron was involved in the development of air-to-air wireless telegraphy during WWI.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its First World War service, the squadron contributed to the development of air-to-air wireless telegraphy.
No. 80 Wing, which included No. 88 Squadron, specialized in attacking German bomber formations.
Answer: False
Explanation: No. 80 Wing, to which No. 88 Squadron belonged during a specific period, specialized in conducting attacks against German airfields.
No. 88 Squadron claimed over 150 victories during its First World War service.
Answer: False
Explanation: During its service in the First World War, No. 88 Squadron achieved approximately 147 aerial victories.
During WWI, No. 88 Squadron suffered significant casualties, including over twenty killed in action.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's casualties during World War I were relatively light, comprising two killed in action, five wounded in action, and ten listed as missing.
A total of twelve flying aces served with No. 88 Squadron during the First World War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron had a notable contingent of eleven flying aces who served with it during the First World War.
The first aircraft type operated by No. 88 Squadron in March 1918 was the Bristol F.2b.
Answer: True
Explanation: The initial aircraft operated by No. 88 Squadron upon its deployment in March 1918 was the Bristol F.2b.
When was No. 88 Squadron first formed?
Answer: July 24, 1917, as part of the RFC
Explanation: No. 88 Squadron was first formed on 24 July 1917 as part of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC).
Which location served as the formation site for No. 88 Squadron RFC before its deployment to France?
Answer: Gosport, Hampshire
Explanation: The squadron's initial formation occurred at Gosport, Hampshire, prior to its deployment to France for service during World War I.
What were the primary duties of No. 88 Squadron upon its deployment to France in April 1918?
Answer: Fighter-reconnaissance
Explanation: Upon deployment to France in April 1918, No. 88 Squadron was primarily engaged in fighter-reconnaissance duties.
Which technological development was No. 88 Squadron involved in during its First World War service?
Answer: Air-to-air wireless telegraphy
Explanation: During its First World War service, the squadron contributed to the development of air-to-air wireless telegraphy.
How many victories did No. 88 Squadron claim during its First World War service?
Answer: Exactly 147
Explanation: During its service in the First World War, No. 88 Squadron achieved approximately 147 aerial victories.
How many flying aces served with No. 88 Squadron during the First World War?
Answer: Eleven
Explanation: The squadron had a notable contingent of eleven flying aces who served with it during the First World War.
No. 88 Squadron used the squadron code "RH" exclusively from April 1939 until April 1945.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron code was "HY" from April 1939 to September 1939, and then changed to "RH" from September 1939 until April 1945.
No. 88 Squadron reformed in 1937 at RAF Waddington, initially equipped with the Fairey Battle.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon its reformation in 1937 at RAF Waddington, No. 88 Squadron was initially equipped with the Hawker Hind biplane.
At the start of World War II, No. 88 Squadron was one of the first units deployed to France.
Answer: True
Explanation: At the outbreak of World War II, No. 88 Squadron was assigned to the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force and was among the initial units dispatched to France.
Sergeant F Letchford of No. 88 Squadron claimed the first RAF "kill" of World War II on September 20, 1939.
Answer: True
Explanation: On September 20, 1939, Sergeant F Letchford, flying with No. 88 Squadron, claimed the first recorded RAF "kill" of the Second World War.
After retreating from France in June 1940, No. 88 Squadron was based at RAF Sydenham in Belfast.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the retreat from France in June 1940, No. 88 Squadron returned to the United Kingdom and was based at RAF Sydenham in Belfast.
While based in Belfast, No. 88 Squadron exclusively operated Bristol Blenheim IVs.
Answer: False
Explanation: During its time based at RAF Sydenham in Belfast, the squadron operated a varied inventory that included Bristol Blenheim IVs alongside other types such as Fairey Battles and Douglas Boston Is.
The Fairey Battle aircraft replaced the Hawker Hind in No. 88 Squadron's inventory in December 1937.
Answer: True
Explanation: In December 1937, No. 88 Squadron re-equipped with the Fairey Battle, which replaced the Hawker Hind biplanes previously in its inventory.
No. 88 Squadron reformed in 1937 equipped initially with which aircraft?
Answer: Hawker Hind
Explanation: Upon its reformation in 1937 at RAF Waddington, No. 88 Squadron was initially equipped with the Hawker Hind biplane.
What aircraft type replaced the Hawker Hind in No. 88 Squadron's inventory in December 1937?
Answer: Fairey Battle
Explanation: In December 1937, No. 88 Squadron re-equipped with the Fairey Battle, which replaced the Hawker Hind biplanes previously in its inventory.
What significant event involving No. 88 Squadron occurred on September 20, 1939?
Answer: The first recorded RAF "kill" of WWII was claimed by one of its pilots.
Explanation: On September 20, 1939, Sergeant F Letchford, flying with No. 88 Squadron, claimed the first recorded RAF "kill" of the Second World War.
Which aircraft type replaced the Hawker Hind in No. 88 Squadron's inventory in December 1937?
Answer: Fairey Battle
Explanation: In December 1937, No. 88 Squadron re-equipped with the Fairey Battle, which replaced the Hawker Hind biplanes previously in its inventory.
No questions available for this topic.
Post-war, No. 88 Squadron was reformed in Hong Kong by redesignating No. 1430 Flight.
Answer: True
Explanation: On 1 September 1946, No. 1430 Flight, based at RAF Kai Tak in Hong Kong, was redesignated as No. 88 Squadron, marking its post-war reformation.
The post-war No. 88 Squadron operated Short Sunderland flying boats.
Answer: True
Explanation: From September 1946 to October 1954, the post-war iteration of No. 88 Squadron operated the Short Sunderland GR.5 flying boat.
Initially, the reformed No. 88 Squadron in Hong Kong focused on maritime patrol duties.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon its reformation in Hong Kong in September 1946, No. 88 Squadron's initial duties primarily involved transport operations, ferrying personnel and freight to support the British Commonwealth Occupation Force.
No. 88 Squadron's duties as a General Reconnaissance unit included anti-piracy operations.
Answer: True
Explanation: As a General Reconnaissance unit, the squadron's responsibilities expanded to include maritime patrol and anti-piracy operations in the Far East.
During the Yangtze Incident in 1949, a No. 88 Squadron Sunderland aircraft delivered medical supplies to HMS Amethyst.
Answer: True
Explanation: In April 1949, during the Yangtze Incident, a No. 88 Squadron Sunderland flying boat successfully delivered medical supplies to HMS Amethyst.
From Iwakuni during the Korean War, No. 88 Squadron conducted marine reconnaissance and weather patrols.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Korean War, detachments of No. 88 Squadron operating from Iwakuni conducted vital marine reconnaissance and weather patrols.
As part of Operation Firedog, No. 88 Squadron conducted bombing and strafing missions over the Malayan jungle.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 88 Squadron participated in Operation Firedog, the RAF's contribution to the Malayan Emergency, undertaking bombing and strafing missions within the Malayan jungle.
No. 88 Squadron provided support against piracy in Borneo but not in the Philippines or Brunei.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's support against piracy and smuggling extended to Borneo, the Philippines, and Brunei.
No. 88 Squadron was disbanded for the second time in 1954 due to the end of the Malayan Emergency.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's second disbandment in October 1954 was primarily a consequence of the conclusion of the Korean War, which removed its principal operational justification.
After WWII, No. 88 Squadron was reformed in September 1946 at which location?
Answer: RAF Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Explanation: On 1 September 1946, No. 1430 Flight, based at RAF Kai Tak in Hong Kong, was redesignated as No. 88 Squadron, marking its post-war reformation.
What type of aircraft did the post-war No. 88 Squadron operate?
Answer: Short Sunderland flying boats
Explanation: From September 1946 to October 1954, the post-war iteration of No. 88 Squadron operated the Short Sunderland GR.5 flying boat.
What were the initial duties of the reformed No. 88 Squadron in Hong Kong?
Answer: Transport duties supporting the British Commonwealth Occupation Force
Explanation: Upon its reformation in Hong Kong in September 1946, No. 88 Squadron's initial duties primarily involved transport operations, ferrying personnel and freight to support the British Commonwealth Occupation Force.
How did No. 88 Squadron support HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident?
Answer: By delivering medical supplies via a landed Sunderland
Explanation: In April 1949, during the Yangtze Incident, a No. 88 Squadron Sunderland flying boat successfully delivered medical supplies to HMS Amethyst.
No. 88 Squadron was disbanded for the second time in October 1954 primarily because:
Answer: The Korean War ended.
Explanation: The squadron's second disbandment in October 1954 was primarily a consequence of the conclusion of the Korean War, which removed its principal operational justification.
No. 88 Squadron had four distinct periods of active service throughout its history.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron experienced five distinct periods of active service: July 1917–August 1919, June 1937–April 1945, September 1946–October 1954, January 1956–December 1962, and its final period leading to renumbering.
Upon reforming for the third time in 1956, No. 88 Squadron was based at RAF Wildenrath and equipped with English Electric Canberra B(I)8s.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 88 Squadron reformed for its third period of service on 15 January 1956 at RAF Wildenrath, operating English Electric Canberra B(I)8 aircraft.
In January 1958, No. 88 Squadron gained the capability for nuclear strike using US-supplied bombs.
Answer: True
Explanation: In January 1958, the squadron's operational capabilities were enhanced with the addition of nuclear strike capacity, utilizing US-supplied Mark 7 nuclear bombs under Project E.
No. 88 Squadron was deployed to Cyprus in 1958 due to the Suez Crisis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's deployment to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, in July 1958 was a response to fears of escalation during the Lebanon crisis, not the Suez Crisis.
In December 1962, No. 88 Squadron was renumbered to become No. 15 Squadron.
Answer: False
Explanation: On 17 December 1962, No. 88 Squadron was renumbered, continuing its service under the designation No. 14 Squadron.
The final aircraft type operated by No. 88 Squadron before its renumbering was the English Electric Canberra B(I).8.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prior to its renumbering in December 1962, the final aircraft type operated by No. 88 Squadron was the English Electric Canberra B(I).8.
When No. 88 Squadron reformed for the third time in 1956, it was based at RAF Wildenrath and equipped with:
Answer: English Electric Canberra B(I)8s
Explanation: No. 88 Squadron reformed for its third period of service on 15 January 1956 at RAF Wildenrath, operating English Electric Canberra B(I)8 aircraft.
What additional capability did No. 88 Squadron gain in January 1958?
Answer: Nuclear strike capability
Explanation: In January 1958, the squadron's operational capabilities were enhanced with the addition of nuclear strike capacity, utilizing US-supplied Mark 7 nuclear bombs under Project E.
What happened to No. 88 Squadron on December 17, 1962?
Answer: It was renumbered as No. 14 Squadron.
Explanation: On 17 December 1962, No. 88 Squadron was renumbered, continuing its service under the designation No. 14 Squadron.
What was the final aircraft type operated by No. 88 Squadron before it was renumbered?
Answer: English Electric Canberra B(I).8
Explanation: Prior to its renumbering in December 1962, the final aircraft type operated by No. 88 Squadron was the English Electric Canberra B(I).8.
The nickname associated with No. 88 Squadron RAF is "Hong Kong".
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 88 Squadron RAF is nicknamed "Hong Kong", a designation that became particularly relevant during its post-war service in that region.
The motto of No. 88 Squadron, "En garde", translates to "Always Ready" in English.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's motto, "En garde," is French and translates to "Be on your guard," signifying readiness and vigilance.
The badge of No. 88 Squadron features a lion rampant, symbolizing courage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron's badge is based on that of a French Air Service squadron and features a serpent gliding, rather than a lion rampant.
King George VI approved the squadron's badge in November 1939.
Answer: True
Explanation: The squadron's official badge received approval from King George VI in November 1939.
A No. 88 (Battle) Squadron was formed within the Air Training Corps in 2014, named after the Fairey Battle aircraft.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2014, the Air Training Corps established No. 88 (Battle) Squadron, choosing the designation in memory of the Fairey Battle aircraft operated by the original No. 88 Squadron.
What was the primary designation of the squadron discussed in the article?
Answer: No. 88 Squadron of the Royal Air Force
Explanation: The squadron discussed throughout the historical overview is primarily identified as No. 88 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF).
What is the nickname associated with No. 88 Squadron RAF?
Answer: Hong Kong
Explanation: No. 88 Squadron RAF is nicknamed "Hong Kong", a designation that became particularly relevant during its post-war service in that region.
What does the motto "En garde" of No. 88 Squadron mean?
Answer: Be on your guard
Explanation: The squadron's motto, "En garde," is French and translates to "Be on your guard," signifying readiness and vigilance.
Why was the number 88 chosen for the Air Training Corps squadron formed in 2014?
Answer: In memory of the Fairey Battle aircraft.
Explanation: In 2014, the Air Training Corps established No. 88 (Battle) Squadron, choosing the designation in memory of the Fairey Battle aircraft operated by the original No. 88 Squadron.
What award did No. 88 (Battle) Squadron ATC receive in 2019?
Answer: The Marshall Trophy
Explanation: In 2019, No. 88 (Battle) Squadron was recognized as the most improved Air Cadet Squadron in the UK, receiving the Marshall Trophy.