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No.85 Sqn RAF Founded : 1st August 1917 Country : UK Fate : Disbanded 19th December 1975 Known Aircraft Codes : VY, NO Noctu diuque venamur - We hunt by day and night No. 85 Squadron was formed on the 1st of August 1917 at Uphaven. Shortly afterwards the squadron moved to Mousehold Heath nea Norwich under the command of Major R A Archer. The squadron transferred to Hounslow in November 1917 and in March 1918 received its new commander Major William Avery Bishop VC, DSO, MC. On 1st April 1918 No.85 Squadron was transferred into the new Royal Air Force and went to France in May1918 flying the Sopwith Dolphin and later SE5A's. 85 Squadron duties were fighter patrols and ground attack sorties over the western front until the end of the war. On 21st June 1918 Major Edward Mannock DSO MC became commanding officer. On the 26th July 1918 during a patrol with Lt DC Inglis over the front line Major Mannock failed to return and on the 18th of July 1919 Major Mannock was awarded a posthumous VC. No. 85 Squadron had 99 victories during their stint on the western front, returning to the UK in February 1919, and being disbanded on the 3rd of July 1919. 85 Squadron was reformed on June 1st, 1938, as part of A Flight of 87 Squadron based at RAF Debden commanded by Flight Lieutenant D E Turner. The squadron started training on the Gloster Gladiator until the 4th of September when Hawker Hurricanes were supplied. On the outbreak of World War Two the squadron moved to Boos as part of the Air Component of the BEF 60th Fighter Wing, and their Hurricanes were given the role to support the squadrons of Bristol Blenheims and Fairey Battles. By 1st November 85 Squadron's Hurricanes were moved to Lille Seclin. 85 Squadron scored its first victory of World War Two when Flight Lieutenant R.H.A. Lee attacked an He111 which crashed into the Channel, exploding on impact while on patrol over the Boulogne area. In May 1940, during the German advance, 85 Squadron were in combat constantly and over an 11 day period the squadron confirmed 90 enemy kills. When their operating airfields were overun the squadron's last remaining three Hurricanes returned to England. The squadron lost 17 pilots (two killed, six wounded and nine missing). During the Battle of Britian the squadron took part in the conflict over southern England and in October the Squadron moved to Yorkshire and were given the new role of night fighter patrols. 85 Squadron continued in the night fighter role for most of the war, with only a brief period as bomber support as part of 100 group.

No.85 Sqn RAF

Latest No.85 Sqn RAF Artwork Releases !
Close Combat by Ivan Berryman. (PC)	Defence of the Capital by Gerald Coulson. (B)	Battle of Britain - 85 Squadron Hurricanes by Graeme Lothian. (P)	Hurricanes - 85 Squadron by Graeme Lothian. (P)

No.85 Sqn RAF Artwork Collection Click the images below to view the fantastic artwork we have available to purchase!

Hurricanes - 85 Squadron by Graeme Lothian. (P)

Battle of Britain - 85 Squadron Hurricanes by Graeme Lothian. (P)

Clipped Signature - Edward Crew.

Clipped Signature - 'Tommy' Thompson.

Clipped Signature - Vivian Snell.

Clipped Signature - Doug Nicholls.

Clipped Signature - Cyril Hampshire.

Hurricane Patrol by Graeme Lothian.

Return From Combat by Simon Smith.

Defence of the Capital by Gerald Coulson.

Close Combat by Ivan Berryman.

Defence of the Realm by Robert Taylor.

Hawker Hurricane MkI by Keith Woodcock.

Fury of Assault by Robert Taylor.

Time To Go by Philip West.

Hurricane Scramble by Michael Turner.

The Fly Past by Robin Smith.

Moral Support by Robert Taylor.