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Motto: "Possunt quia posse videntur - 'They can because they think they can'.
Badge: Between wings elevated and conjioned in base, a dolphin heads downward.
 

History

World War 2

Initially the Squadron was employed largely on convoy patrols, until joining the fierce air battles over Dunkirk.  During this period, the first engagement took place on 11 May 1940 when a Ju88 was shot down.  On 11 Sep 1940, the heaviest aerial fighting was encountered, proving to be the turning point of the Battle of Britain, and on this day the Sqn accounted for 13 aircraft destroyed and 5 ‘probables’ with the loss of only 4 Spitfires.  The first canon-equipped Spitfire Mk 1 Bs arrived at the end of Jun 1940 but at first suffered reliability problems.  Early in Sep 1940, however, the Sqn was re-equipped with 8-gun models and formed part of the Duxford Wing along with 242 and 310 Sqns.  By the end of 1940, the Sqn tote had increased to 93 aircraft destroyed, 18 probables and 9 damaged. 

By summer 1941, the RAF was going over to the offensive and 19(F) Sqn’s long-range Spitfire 11As were used increasingly to escort bombers, or join fighter sweeps, operating from southern airfields such as West Malling, Biggin Hill, Perranporth and Middle Wallop.  Throughout the remaining years of the war, the Sqn re-equipped with Spitfire 5Bs and Spitfire Mk 9s.  In Jan 1944 the Sqn took up the dive-bombing role when Mustangs replaced Spitfires. 

On D-Day, 6 Jan 1944, operating under the 2^nd Tactical Air Force, the Sqn became actively engaged in the roles of Close Air Support to the ground forces and Fighter Cover.  A large number of air combat engagements took place, the enemy aircraft proving no match for the Mustang, and the tally of kills was accordingly increased.  The Sqn’s tour with the 2^nd TAF ended on 29 Sep 1944 when they returned to Matlask in England.  This move brought about a change in their role from tactical to long-range escorts for strategic heavy bombers, carrying out daylight raids on the Ruhr. 

A move to Peterhead in Scotland was made on 14 Feb 1945.  Escorts were provided for Mosquitoes and Beaufighters carrying out shipping strikes off Norway and in the Kattegat areas.  The occasional fighter sweep also took place and more enemy aircraft were intercepted and destroyed.  By 8 May 1945 (VE Day), the Sqn’s total ‘bag’ for World War 2 was 145 ½ aircraft destroyed, 24 probables and 57 damaged.

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Relevant Websites

19 Squadron Association
 

Casualties of the squadron, buried in the Netherlands.