No. 12 Squadron RAAF

No. 12 Squadron RAAF
A No. 12 Squadron Vengeance in 1943
A No. 12 Squadron Vengeance in 1943
Active1939–1948
1973–1989
CountryAustralia
BranchRoyal Australian Air Force
RoleGeneral purpose (1939–1943)
Bomber (1943–1948)
Transport (1973–1989)
Motto(s)"We roam and we charge"
EngagementsWorld War II
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Charles Eaton (1939–1940)
Insignia
Squadron codeM, NH
Aircraft flown
BomberAnson, Vengeance, Liberator, Lincoln
FighterDemon
HelicopterChinook
TrainerWirraway

No. 12 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) general purpose, bomber and transport squadron. The squadron was formed in 1939 and saw combat in the South West Pacific theatre of World War II. From 1941 to 1943, it mainly conducted maritime patrols off northern Australia. The squadron was based at Merauke in western New Guinea from November 1943 to July 1944, when it was withdrawn from operations. After being re-equipped, it operated as a heavy bomber unit from February 1945 until the end of the war. The squadron continued in this role until it was redesignated No. 1 Squadron RAAF in February 1948. The squadron was reformed in 1973 to operate transport helicopters but was again disbanded in 1989.