No. 287 Squadron RAF
# No. 287 Squadron RAF

No. 287 Squadron was an anti-aircraft co-operation squadron of the Royal Air Force from 1941 to 1946.

## History

The squadron was formed at RAF Croydon on 19 November 1941 from No. 11 Group RAFs Anti-Aircraft Co-Operation Flight. The squadron flew various aircraft, including Westland Lysanders and Bristol Blenheims. The role of No. 287 Squadron was to provide target towing and to carry out attack simulations during World War II. This was to enable continuation training for anti-aircraft units in the South of England. After spending a large period of time in Croydon, No. 287 Squadron moved to RAF North Weald in 1944, RAF Bradwell Bay in 1945 and RAF West Malling in September 1945. After Lysanders and Blenheims, No. 287 Squadron began to develop its aircraft strength, taking on board Miles Masters, Boulton Paul Defiants and Airspeed Oxfords in 1942, Miles Martinets and Spitfire VB's in 1943, Bristol Beaufighters, Spitfire IX's and Tempest V's in 1944 and Spitfire XVI's in 1945. The squadron was disbanded on 15 June 1946.

## Aircraft operated

Aircraft operated by No. 287 Squadron RAF :

| From | To | Aircraft | Version |
| - | - | - | - |
| November 1941 | January 1942 | Bristol Blenheim | Mk.IV |
| November 1941 | March 1942 | Lockheed Hudson | Mk.III |
| November 1941 | April 1942 | Westland Lysander | Mk.III |
| November 1941 | March 1945 | Hawker Hurricane | Mks. I, IIb, IV |
| February 1942 | August 1942 | Miles Master | Mk.III |
| March 1942 | October 1943 | Boulton Paul Defiant | Mk.I |
| March 1942 | June 1946 | Airspeed Oxford | |
| January 1943 | October 1943 | Boulton Paul Defiant | Mk.III |
| July 1943 | June 1946 | Miles Martinet | |
| November 1943 | March 1944 | Supermarine Spitfire | Mk.Vb |
| September 1944 | July 1945 | Bristol Beaufighter | Mk.VI |
| November 1944 | September 1945 | Supermarine Spitfire | Mk.IX |
| November 1944 | June 1946 | Hawker Tempest | Mk.V |
| August 1945 | June 1946 | Supermarine Spitfire | Mk.XVI |

## Squadron bases

Bases and airfields used by No. 287 Squadron RAF :

| From | To | Base | Remarks |
| - | - | - | - |
| 19 November 1941 | 4 July 1944 | RAF Croydon | Detachments at RAF Debden, RAF Hornchurch, RAF Merston, RAF Martlesham Heath, RAF Fairlop, RAF Biggin Hill, RAF Northolt, RAF Ipswich, RAF Ford, RAF Honiley, RAF Hunsdon, RAF Southend and RAF Farnborough |
| 4 July 1944 | 27 August 1944 | RAF North Weald | Detachments at RAF Farnborough and RAF Gatwick |
| 27 August 1944 | 20 January 1945 | RAF Gatwick | Detachment at RAF North Weald |
| 20 January 1945 | 3 May 1945 | RAF Redhill | Detachment at RAF North Weald |
| 3 May 1945 | 15 June 1945 | RAF Hornchurch | Detachments at RAF Hunsdon and RAF North Weald |
| 15 June 1945 | 10 September 1945 | RAF Bradwell Bay | |
| 10 September 1945 | 15 June 1946 | RAF West Malling | |
