Homepage2

The Real 79 Squad RAF

The Real 79 RAF

Motto: Nil nobis obstare potest - 'Nothing can stand without us'

Badge: A salamander salient. The salamander is always ready to face any danger.

No 79 Squadron was formed at Gosport on 1 august 1917 and moved to France as a fighter unit in December. Until the end of the war it carries out fighter patrols and ground attack missions with Dolphins and after the Armistice moved to Germany as part of the occupation forces, disbanding there on 15 July 1919.

On 22 March 1937, B Flight of No 32 Squadron at Biggin Hill became No 79 Squadron and flew Gauntlets until the arrival of Hurricanes at the end of 1938. After the outbreak of war, it flew defensive patrols and in May 1940 was sent to France for ten days when the German offensive opened. After taking part in the Battle of Britain the squadron moved to South Wales until the end of 1941, when it began to prepare for a move to India. On 4 March 1942 it sailed for the Far East arriving in India on 20 June. Until December it flew defensive patrols before beginning to take part in sweeps over Burma. These continued until July 1943 and were resumed in December after a period of rest and refitting. In May 1944, No. 79 was withdrawn for re-equipment with Thunderbolts which were taken into action in September. Ground attack and escort missions occupied the Squadron until the end of the war and it disbanded on 30 December 1945.

On 15 November 1951, No. 79 reformed at Gutersloh as a fighter-reconnaissance unit. Swifts replaced the Squadron's Meteors in the summer of 1956 and were flown until it was renumbered 4 Squadron on 1 January 1961.

79vRAF

The History of 79vRAF

79vRAF was formed in 2003 when the CFS1 squad that the founders were in disbanded. Most of these members are still with us today as a testament to the bonds that are formed in what we feel is the best online squadron.

When 79vRAF was formed we flew in two theatres, CFS1 and CFS3 where we enjoyed flying in the "WeekEnd Challenge", or WEC. WEC was a dogfight league where the online squadrons fought it out in tense dogfights to determine who was the top dog. With the top teams fighting it out in single round elimination.

It was here that we first gained our reputation as one of the most honourable, aggressive, talented, and friendly squads in the virtual skies.

Unfortunately CFS3 did not live up to expectations and the concept of WEC never really took off in IL2 despite all ours, and others, efforts to make it happen.

79vRAF is a multi national squadron of the most gifted pilots from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, Canada and the USA.. We look forward to hearing from you for challenges or possible recruitment.