213 SQDN RAF DEVERSOIR
A BRIEF HISTORY OF No. 213 (FIGHTER) SQUADRON
As Remembered By Raymond Marsland
Formed as a Seaplane Defence Flight as No. 13 Sqdn R.N.A.S., the unit became No. 213 Sqdn on the formation of the R.A.F. Disbanded in 1919, No. 213 Sqdn reformed in 1937 and shortly after won the Flight Attack Competition of the Sassoon Trophy.
The outbreak of World War II saw the Squadron equipped with Hurricane aircraft, with which they took part in the Battle of Britain. During this action, the Squadron had destroyed 150 enemy aircraft.
In May 1941, the Squadron proceeded to the Middle East where they have served continuously since. The Squadron saw action in Syria, the Third Libyan Campaign and at El Adem. Whilst engaged in the defence of Cyprus the Squadron achieved its 200th ‘kill’. Later in 1943, the Squadron joined the Balkam Air Forces where they achieved considerable success. After being based in Palestine the Squadron finally came to rest at Deversoir in 1949 when they re-equipped with Vampires. Whilst based at Deversoir, No. 213 Sqdn carried out a Goodwill Flight to Greece in 1950 and also a visit to Khartoum.
In 1951, the Squadron was absorbed into the Canal Zone Fighter Defence Force. During 1953, the Squadron visited Khartoum and later in the year Cyprus where they took part in the Coronation Fly Past. In October, the Squadron carried out an operation to South Africa and back. The end of the year was fittingly marked by the Squadron achieving the Command record for air to air firing with an average of 21%.
During 1954, the Squadron took part in the Annual Malta Defence
Exercise and also led the Queen’s Birthday and ‘Battle of Britain’
Canal Zone Fly-Pasts. As a final effort before disbandment the Squadron was
selected to take part in the ‘Battle of Britain’ Flying Display
at Nicosia.
Review of No. 213 Squadron R.A.F. by
Air Vice Marshall D.H.F. Barnett, CBE, DFC
Air Officer Commanding No. 205 Group R.A.F. on the
Occasion of the Squadron’s Disbandment
22nd September 1954
I worked in the hanger at Deversoir servicing the aircraft of 213 Sqdn. One day one of the Vampires had a mid-air collision but got back to base. It came into the hanger where we stripped it down and rebuilt it to fly again. The only person that I can remember working on it with me was Cpl Jewkes. Who and where are the rest of the team?