No. 320 (Netherlands) Squadron RAF

No. 320 (Netherlands) Squadron was a Royal Air Force squadron formed during the Second World War, composed primarily of personnel from the Netherlands. Officially formed on 1 June 1943 at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales, the squadron initially operated the North American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber. Its formation stemmed from the merging of two previous Dutch-manned units within the RAF, namely No. 320 (Dutch) Squadron, which had flown maritime reconnaissance, and a Dutch-manned bomber flight attached to No. 2 Group.

The squadron’s primary role shifted from maritime duties to tactical bombing and ground attack in support of the Allied advance across Europe following D-Day. Flying primarily in formations, No. 320 Squadron participated in key battles and operations, including the Battle of Normandy, the liberation of the Netherlands, and the advance into Germany.

Following the end of the Second World War in Europe, No. 320 (Netherlands) Squadron was disbanded on 7 October 1945 at Gilze-Rijen Air Base in the Netherlands. Its personnel were largely transferred to the Royal Netherlands Air Force, contributing to the rebuilding of the Dutch air arm after the war. The squadron is remembered for its contribution to the Allied war effort and its representation of Dutch airmen fighting for the liberation of their homeland.