A hawk diving, holding in the beak a firebrand[2] The badge symbolises two of the unit's wartime functions - high-level bombing and target marking for the main heavy bomber force.[1]
The squadron was formed on 12 November 1943 at RAF Oakington from part of 139 Squadron.[5] It was equipped with the de Havilland Mosquito twin-engined fighter-bomber it flew operations as part of No. 8 Group's light bomber force.[6] As well as normal bombing missions it also carried out Pathfinder duties and was involved in attacks on Berlin in early 1944.[6] In April 1944 it was transferred to No. 5 Group as a specialised target marking squadron, although it also carried out armed reconnaissance and normal bombing duties.[6]
It was disbanded on 1 October 1945 at RAF Woodhall Spa when it was re-numbered 109 Squadron.[2][5][6]
The Blue Bell. A Lincolnshire country inn with a history dating back to ca.1250. Reputedly haunted, visited by King Henry VIII and popular with 617 and 627 squadrons RAF during the war.
Bases and airfields used by No. 627 Squadron RAF[1][2][5]
Bowyer, Chaz (1984). Mosquito Squadrons of the Royal Air Force. Shepperton, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Ltd. ISBN0-7110-1425-6.
Bowyer, Michael J.F.; Rawlings, John D.R. (1979). Squadron Codes, 1937–56. Cambridge, UK: Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN0-85059-364-6.
Flintham, Vic; Thomas, Andrew (2003). Combat Codes: A Full Explanation and Listing of British, Commonwealth and Allied Air Force Unit Codes since 1938. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd. ISBN1-84037-281-8.
Halley, James J. (1988). The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth, 1918–1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN0-85130-164-9.
Jefford, C.G. (2001). RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912 (2nd ed.). Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd. ISBN1-85310-053-6.
Moyes, Philip J.R. (1976). Bomber Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London: Macdonald and Jane's (Publishers) Ltd. ISBN0-354-01027-1.
Ward, Cris (1998). Royal Air Force Bomber Command Squadron Profiles, Number 123: 627 Squadron. "At First Sight". Berkshire, UK: Ward Publishing.
Webb, Alan B. (1991). At First Sight: A Factual and Anecdotal Account of No.627 Squadron Royal Air Force 1943-1945. St.Albans, UK: The Mosquito Aircraft Museum. ISBN0-9517534-0-1.