page_title: No. 73 Squadron RAF
section_title: World War II
hierarchical_section_title: No. 73 Squadron RAF / World War II
caption_attribution_description: English: Royal Air Force- France, 1939-1940. A Hawker Hurricane Mark I flown by Flight Lieutenant J E "Ian" Scoular, commander of 'B' Flight, No. 73 Squadron RAF, being refuelled and re-armed between sorties at Reims-Champagne.
context_page_description: No. 73 Squadron, Royal Air Force was formed on 2 July 1917 during the First World War. It was disbanded in 1969.
context_section_description: The squadron reformed on 15 March 1937 equipped with Hawker Furys, they then relocated to RAF Digby where they were re-equipped with Gloster Gladiators, and then Hawker Hurricanes.
  In September 1939, 73 Squadron, along with No. 1 Squadron were then posted to North-East France on the outbreak of war as part of the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force. Early in the campaign the squadron controlled the Cherbourg Peninsula, before a move to Rouvres in October. One of the outstanding pilots on the squadron at this time was F/O. E. J. 'Cobber' Kain, who destroyed a Do 17 at 27,000 feet. 'Cobber' was killed in a flying accident on 7 June 1940. Another 'ace' in the squadron at this time was F/O Newell 'Fanny' Orton.
  After the German attack on 10 May 1940, No. 73 provided cover over Allied airfields and bases, falling back as its airfields were overrun by enemy columns. On 17 June 1940 the squadron had withdrawn from France. The squadron suffered tragedy during the withdrawal when RMS Lancastria was sunk off the coast of St. Nazaire with the loss of around 40 ground crew.
  During the Battle of Britain No.73 Squadron, operating from Debden on 5 September until late October, when the unit withdrew in preparation for a move to the Middle East.
  The squadron Hurricanes were shipped to Takoradi on the Gold Coast on board HMS Furious, and were then flown in stages across Africa to Egypt. The squadron took part in the series of campaigns in the Western Desert and Tunisia, helping cover the supply routes to Tobruk and taking part in ground-attack operations. In December 1942 the squadron recorded their 300th victory when F/S Beard shot down a Ju 88 over the sea of Benghazi.
  In June 1943 the squadron converted to the Spitfire, and were posted to Italy in October. In April 1944 the squadron began to operate over the Balkans, in the fighter-bomber role. In December 1944 part of the squadron was moved to Greece to take part in the fighting against the Communist resistance attempting to seize power. In January 1945 the squadron returned to Italy, and in April moved to Yugoslavia, where it remained until the end of the war moving to Malta in July 1945. Initially at Hal Far, the squadron soon moved to Takali.
caption: A Hawker Hurricane Mark I flown by Flight Lieutenant J E "Ian" Scoular, commander of 'B' Flight, No. 73 Squadron RAF, being refuelled and re-armed between sorties at Reims-Champagne, 1939 or 1940
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