No. 153 Squadron RAF

A Boulton-Paul Defiant of 153 Squadron in daylight colour scheme

Brief History

No. 256 Squadron's 'A' Flight was used to form No. 153 Squadron on 14 Oct 1941. The squadron moved to Ballyhalbert in Northern Ireland, equipped with the Boulton Paul Defiant interceptor aircraft. During 1942 it was re-equipped with Bristol Beaufighter aircraft and in December 1942 moved to Algeria where it operated in a night-fighter role. The Squadron re-located in July 1944 to Sardinia, to provide intruder missions over Northern Italy and to assist allied forces landings in Southern France. With this accomplished, the Squadron was disbanded on 5th September 1944.

The Squadron re-formed as a heavy bomber squadron at Kirmington on 7th October 1944,and equipped with Avro Lancasters. It operated in a heavy bomber role until war's end, but after less than a year, it was again disbanded on 28th Sep 1945.

Five Australians serving with this Squadron lost their lives during the war.

Squadron personnel

• Roy Joseph Smith Feb 1943 - Apr 1944

Individual Honours (Australian personnel)

• 2 x Distinguished Flying Cross