Skip to main content
Edit entry 

No 121 'Eagle' Squadron

Squadron

  • Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF sits on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald Wilson MacLeod in order to reach the Stars and Stripes , 27 November 1941. Passed for publication 27 Nov 1941. Printed caption on reverse: 'Not For Publication Before 00.30 Hrs Sat. Nov 29th. First Pictures Of Second Eagle Squadron. 27.11.42. These are the first pictures to be taken of the second of the three American Eagle Squadrons to be formed in this country as units of the RAF Fighter Command. Since it was formed some three months ago the squadron has flown many hours on important convoy protection patrol off the British coast. It has also taken part in many other offensive operations. The Squadron is equipped with cannon firing Spitfires, and is led by an Englishman, S/L R.P.R. Powell, DFC. The picture shows:- Pilot Officer Kenneth Leror Holder, of Buena Park, California, stands on the shoulders of P/O Donald Wilson MacLeod (Blackstone, Mass.) to adjust the American flag.' On reverse: Central Press Photo Agency, Air Adviser and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF sits on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald Wilson MacLeod in order to reach the Stars and Stripes , 27 November 1941. Passed for publication 27 Nov 1941. Printed caption on reverse: 'Not For Publication Before 00.30 Hrs Sat. Nov 29th. First Pictures Of Second Eagle Squadron. 27.11.42. These are the first pictures to be taken of the second of the three American Eagle Squadrons to be formed in this country as units of the RAF Fighter Command. Since it was formed some three months ago the squadron has flown many hours on important convoy protection patrol off the British coast. It has also taken part in many other offensive operations. The Squadron is equipped with cannon firing Spitfires, and is led by an Englishman, S/L R.P.R. Powell, DFC. The picture shows:- Pilot Officer Kenneth Leror Holder, of Buena Park, California, stands on the shoulders of P/O Donald Wilson MacLeod (Blackstone, Mass.) to adjust the American flag.' On reverse: Central Press Photo Agency, Air Adviser and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • Soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group march across the parade ground at Debden, Essex in front of the guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

    Soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group march across the parade ground at Debden, Essex in front of the guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • Guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories review soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group on the parade ground at Debden, Essex. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

    Guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories review soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group on the parade ground at Debden, Essex. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder stands on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald William McLeod to reach out for an American flag flying from a flag pole. A group of American airmen look on. They wear the insignia of the RAF Eagle Squadrons, the forerunners of the squadrons of the 4th Fighter Group. Passed for publication on 27 November 1941. Printed caption on reverse: 'Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder from Buena Park, California, stands on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald William McLeod from Blackstone, Massachusetts, to fix the American flag at the squadron's flying headquarters in Britain.'

    Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder stands on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald William McLeod to reach out for an American flag flying from a flag pole. A group of American airmen look on. They wear the insignia of the RAF Eagle Squadrons, the forerunners of the squadrons of the 4th Fighter Group. Passed for publication on 27 November 1941. Printed caption on reverse: 'Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder from Buena Park, California, stands on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald William McLeod from Blackstone, Massachusetts, to fix the American flag at the squadron's flying headquarters in Britain.'

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • The grave of Richard Fuller Patterson, No 2 Eagle Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force. Inscription: 'In Memory of Richard Fuller Patterson, Flying Officer Royal Canadian Air Force member 2nd Eagle Squadron, Born September 21, 1915, killed in action overseas, December 7 1941,

    The grave of Richard Fuller Patterson, No 2 Eagle Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force. Inscription: 'In Memory of Richard Fuller Patterson, Flying Officer Royal Canadian Air Force member 2nd Eagle Squadron, Born September 21, 1915, killed in action overseas, December 7 1941, "I pity those, who living, live in fear of death."' 2nd Eagle Sqn = 121[Eagle] Sqn RAF.

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF sits on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald W McLeod in order to reach the Stars and Stripes , 27 November 1941. Passed for publication 27 Nov 1941. Printed caption on reverse: 'The Second Eagle Squadron. E.M.MCN. This Squadron as the second of the three American Eagle Squadrons to be formed in this country as units of the R.A.F. Fighter Command. Since it was formed some three months ago the Squadron has flown many hours on important convoy protection patrols off the British coast; it has also taken part in offensive operations over the Channel and Northern France. Convoy protection is a vital part of Fighter Command's work and the Second Eagle Squadron is regularly and efficiently playing an important part in this. Squadron Leader R.A.F. Powell, DFC, who is 25, born in Penang, Straits Settlements, is their British C.O. FOX. 27th November, 1941. For First Publication In Morning Papers, Saturday 29th Nov. 1941. Photo Shows:- Members of the Second Eagle Squadron hoist the Stars and Stripes. Fox. 27.11.41. 266562.' On reverse: Air Adviser and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF sits on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald W McLeod in order to reach the Stars and Stripes , 27 November 1941. Passed for publication 27 Nov 1941. Printed caption on reverse: 'The Second Eagle Squadron. E.M.MCN. This Squadron as the second of the three American Eagle Squadrons to be formed in this country as units of the R.A.F. Fighter Command. Since it was formed some three months ago the Squadron has flown many hours on important convoy protection patrols off the British coast; it has also taken part in offensive operations over the Channel and Northern France. Convoy protection is a vital part of Fighter Command's work and the Second Eagle Squadron is regularly and efficiently playing an important part in this. Squadron Leader R.A.F. Powell, DFC, who is 25, born in Penang, Straits Settlements, is their British C.O. FOX. 27th November, 1941. For First Publication In Morning Papers, Saturday 29th Nov. 1941. Photo Shows:- Members of the Second Eagle Squadron hoist the Stars and Stripes. Fox. 27.11.41. 266562.' On reverse: Air Adviser and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • William J 'Diamond Jim' Daley of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF with his Spitfire Mk. V. Handwritten caption on reverse: '121 E.S. Fox Studio Photo U.K. Jim Daley, Pilot.'

    William J 'Diamond Jim' Daley of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF with his Spitfire Mk. V. Handwritten caption on reverse: '121 E.S. Fox Studio Photo U.K. Jim Daley, Pilot.'

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • Everett W Stewart and pilots of the 4th Fighter Group, formerly of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF with Spitfire Mk V VA-V.

    Everett W Stewart and pilots of the 4th Fighter Group, formerly of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF with Spitfire Mk V VA-V.

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel B. Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '24-6-43.' 271401 Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, the Duchess of Kent, and Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the field; all looking into a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (52) On reverse: Keystone Press [Stamp].

    The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel B. Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '24-6-43.' 271401 Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, the Duchess of Kent, and Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the field; all looking into a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (52) On reverse: Keystone Press [Stamp].

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  • The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Ross G. Hoyt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: The Duchess of Kent; General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia; and Col. Ross G. Hoyt, of Detroit, Michigan. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (14).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Ross G. Hoyt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: The Duchess of Kent; General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia; and Col. Ross G. Hoyt, of Detroit, Michigan. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (14).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 123
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

'On 14 May 1941, No. 121 was reformed at Kirton-in-Lindsey as the second 'Eagle' Squadron to be manned by American volunteers. Equipped with Hurricanes, it began defensive patrols in October but in November it converted to Spitfires. It moved to North Weald in December 1941 and in February 1942 began to take part in fighter sweeps over northern France. These continued until the Squadron was transferred to the US Army Air Force on 29 September 1942, becoming the 335th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group at Debden.'
From raf.mod.uk

Commanding officers

  • Robin Powell

    Military | Wing Commander | Pilot
    Air ace with 7 destroyed, 2 shared, 1 unconfirmed destroyed, 3 probables and 4 damaged. ...

Structure

Part of
  • Royal Air Force

    Royal Air Force


    Formed on 1 April 1918, The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the UK's aerial warfare force. The RAF has undertaken support, combat and reconnaissance roles in conflict since 1918, and continues to do so today.

Encompassing
Not yet known
Previously was
Not yet known
Became
  • 335th Fighter Squadron

    335th Fighter Squadron

    Squadron
    The 335th Fighter Squadron was the offspring of No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron RAF. Formed on 21 May 1941, No. 121 was the second of the three Eagle Squadrons composed of American volunteers flying out of England. They were known as the "Chiefs" and were...

Stations

Station Location Date
Based Kirton-in-Lindsey 14 May 1941 – September 1941
Based Southend-on-Sea June 1942 – September 1942
Based Debden September 1942

Connections

People

  • Thomas Allen

    Military | Flight Lieutenant | Pilot
    Joined RCAF, service pilot training in US, shipped overseas to ETO, operational training at OTU, assigned 121 [Eagle] Sqn RAF June 41, 12-4-41 1 x damaged and 1 x probable Bf109, ...

  • Fred Almos

    Military | Flying Officer | Pilot
    Joined RAFVR, Spitfire pilot 121 [Eagle] Sqn RAF. Delivered Spitfire [1 of 47] to Malta from USS Wasp 20th Apr 42. Joined 126 Sqn RAF on Malta.

  • Frederick Austin

    Military | Flight Sergeant | Pilot
    Flight Sgt Frederick Carleton Austin (1918-1942), born Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A.; prior to the war was employed as an Investigator by Pinkerton Detective Agency; enlisted Royal Canadian Air Force, 30-8-40; carried out his pilot training at No. 8 F.T.S. ...

  • Ernest Beatie

    Military | First Lieutenant | Fighter Pilot
    Joined RAFVR via Knight committee CA, USA, service pilot training in US, shipped overseas to ETO, operational training at OTU 30Hrs Hurricanes, assigned to 121S P/O, ...

  • Leon Blanding

    Military | Lieutenant Colonel | Fighter pilot | 495th Fighter Training Group
    Leon Blanding joined the RCAF and began flying as a sergeant pilot with No. 121 'Eagle' Squadron, and he rose to the rank of Major over the course of two tours with the 4th fighter Group. ...

  • Carl Bodding

    Military | Pilot Officer | Pilot
    Joined RAFVR, service pilot training in US, shipped overseas to ETO, operational training at OTU, assigned to 121 [Eagle] Sqn RAF, abandoned Spitfire AD289 on fighter sweep nr Dunkerque 28-4-42 pilot P/O Carl G Bodding killed in action (KIA).

  • Douglas Booth

    Military | First Lieutenant | Fighter Pilot
    Joined RAFVR via knight committee, service pilot training in US, Dallas Aviation school, ...

  • Frank Boyles

    Military | Captain | Pilot
    Joined RAFVR, service pilot training in US, shipped overseas to ETO, operational training at OTU, assigned to 121 [Eagle] Sqn RAF, transferred to 335 FS, 4th FG, 8AF USAAF 16-9-42, promoted to 1st Lieutenant 26-10-42, promoted to Captain 1-9-43,...

  • Robert Brossmer

    Military | Pilot Officer | Pilot
    Joined RCAF, service pilot training at Spartan Aviation College, shipped overseas to ETO, operational training at OTU, assigned to 133 squadron from October 28, 1941 to December 1, 1941 then 121 Squadron from late March 1942 to May 4, 1942. He was...

  • John Brown

    Military | Captain | Pilot
    Joined RAFVR, service pilot training in US, shipped overseas to ETO, operational training at OTU, assigned to 121S, transferred to 82FS, 78FG, 8AF, Tour expired ETD.

Show more

Aircraft

  • W3899

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire W3899 Mk Vb, Const # 2098, Built at Eastleigh. LFLRVb ...

  • AA841

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AA841 Mk Vb, Const #2125 Built at Eastleigh. ...

  • AB908

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AB908 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • AB975

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AB975 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • AD388

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AD388 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • AB974 'Bombay and Baroda Central Indian Railway III’'

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AB974 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • AD199

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AD199 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • BM590 'Olga'

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire BM590 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • AD511

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire AD511 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

  • EN918

    Spitfire
    Supermarine Spitfire EN918 Mk Vb, Built at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory. ...

Show more

Citations

None

Air Force
Not yet known
Type
Combat
Type category
Fighter
Nicknames
Not yet known
Motto
For liberty.
Insignia
An Indian warrior's head with head dress.
Aircraft used
  • Hurricane
  • Spitfire

Revisions

Date Contributor Update
28 February 2016 14:52:22 Al_Skiff Changes to category, commanding officers associations and stations
Sources

Addition of sqn commander.
Date Contributor Update
23 February 2016 22:44:37 Al_Skiff Changes to person associations
Sources

AAM DB Entry transfer.
Date Contributor Update
23 February 2016 17:01:59 Lucy May Created entry with type, name, motto, insignia, description, aircraft types and unit became association
Sources

http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/121squadron.cfm

Share