8 Squadron, RAAF - History

Number 8 Squadron was formed in England in October 1917 - to train Australian Flying Corp pilots for operations on the Western Front.

Japan's entry into World War II found this squadron in the process of relocating to Kuantan, Malaya. It was operated with Lockheed Hudson aircraft, and was immediately used in raids against Japanese invasion forces. Despite their opposition to landings, the Squadron was forced to withdraw to Singapore after their base was destroyed.

After again moving to Java (in January 1942), the squadron continued to conduct reconnaissance and attack missions. With numbers dwindling, 8 Squadron was evacuated to Australia at the end of February.

In March 1943, the Squadron was re-equipped with the DAP Beaufort and moved to Goodenough Island where it began torpedo operations in addition to its bombing roles.

The squadron later operated from bases in Nadzab and Tadji. After the Japanese surrender, 8 Squadron remained at Tadji until its disbandment in January 1946.

Detached at:
Vivigani, Papua New Guinea

8 Squadron operated from the following bases with their DAP Beauforts:

Picture/Description - Location/Reference Source - Date/Source