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#1108 Merlin HC3

Merlin HC3
Purchased products will not feature the Squadron Prints watermark
£10.00 €11.99 $12.67
43.8 cm x 29.2 cm
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Print
Merlin HC3
ZJ119 'C'
78 Sqn
RAF Benson
UK - Air Force
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Description

Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1108 - Merlin HC Mk3, ZJ119 \'C\', 78 Squadron, RAF Benson. No. 78 Squadron was formed at Harrietsham, Kent on 1st November 1916 in direct response to the threat posed to the UK by German Gotha Bombers and Zeppelin Airships. From bases across South East England, the role of Home Defence duties was conducted using a variety of aircraft, which included: BE2c, BE2e, BE12, BE12a, the SE5a and the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, Camel and Snipe. No. 78 Squadron disbanded at Suttons Farm, Essex on 31st December 1919. Reformed on 1st November 1936, No. 78 Squadron operated the Heyford but converted onto Whitley’s in 1937. It became a frontline Bomber Command asset in 1940. Mid 1942 saw a further change as No. 78 Squadron converted onto the Handley Page Halifax. In September 1945, No. 78 Squadron transferred from Bomber to Transport Command, and left the UK for the next 62 years. Based in Almaza, Egypt, No. 78 Squadron operated the Dakota MkIV and Vickers Valetta in the Suez conflict until disbandment on 30th September 1954 at Fayid. On 15th April, 1956, No. 78 Squadron reformed at RAF Khormaksar, Aden, operating the Scottish Aviation Pioneer and subsequently the Twin Pioneer in short range tactical transport duties in support of the British Army. In June 1956, No. 78 Squadron’s long association with helicopters began with the arrival of the Westland Wessex HC2. In 1967, No. 78 Squadron moved to Sharjah in the Persian Gulf until disbandment on 21st December 1971. No. 78 Squadron reformed on 1st May 1986 at Mount Pleasant Airfield, Falkland Islands and uniquely operated both the Chinook and Sea King in a dual Support Helicopter / Search and Rescue role for the British Forces South Atlantic Islands. No. 78 Squadron disbanded again on 31st November 2007. On 3rd December 2007, No. 78 Squadron reformed at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire as the second RAF Squadron to operate the Merlin helicopter in the Battlefield Support Helicopter role. An active role was undertaken assisting the British Army during Operation TELIC in Iraq, and thus task continues with Operation HERRICK in Afghanistan.
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