No. 53 Squadron RAF

Originally intended to be a training squadron, it was sent to France to operate reconnaissance in December that year.

The squadron reformed on 28 June 1937 at RAF Farnborough with the Hawker Hector for Army Cooperation; specialising in night reconnaissance.

The squadron was given the Bristol Blenheim light bomber in January 1939 and moved to France in September.

It returned to Cornwall, RAF Davidstow Moor and was given Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys in early 1943.

It moved on to stations in Norfolk but by May was operating the Consolidated Liberators at RAF Thorney Island, Hampshire.

53 Squadron Lockheed Hudsons in 1942.
A 53 Squadron Blackburn Beverley in 1957
Short Belfast heavy transport operated by 53 Squadron 1966-1976