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The Eagle Squadrons of World War 2

07/13/2026

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The Eagle Squadrons of World War 2

The Royal Air Force (RAF) Eagle Squadrons were formed using volunteer pilots from the United States during the early days of WW2, this was prior to America's entry into the war in December 1941. At this point, the United States was still neutral, so any prospective American pilots who wanted to learn to fly and fight simply crossed the border into Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). A wealthy businessman by the name of Charles Sweeney persuaded the British Government to form an RAF squadron composed purely of American pilots and the idea of the Eagle Squadron was born.

American pilots of No 71 Eagle Squadron rush to their Hawker Hurricanes at Kirton0in-Lindsey, 17th March 1941.

Three Eagle Squadrons were formed between September 1940 and July 1941, the first being No 71 Squadron which was formed in September 1940 as part of the RAF's buildup to the Battle of Britain. This squadron became fully operational in defense duties during February 1941 initially at RAF Church Fenton, then moving to RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey in April 1941. The war of course had its casualties, the first of these for the Eagle Squadrons was Mike Kolenorski who was killed during a fighter sweep over the Netherlands. Another, 22 year-old Nathaniel Maranz became the first American pilot to become a prisoner of war. He was shot down by a Bf109 over the English Channel and was picked up by a German patrol boat after swimming for an hour and a half. The squadron's first confirmed victory came on 21st July 1941 when P/O William R Dunn destroyed a Bf109F over Lille in France.

Three Spitfire Vbs coming into land at RAF Rochford in Essex after a fighter sweep over Northern France, August 1942.

The second Eagle Squadron was No 121 and was formed at Kirton-in-Lindsey in May 1941, closely followed by No 133 Squadron which was formed in July 1941 at RAF Coltishall in Norfolk. The squadrons were initially equipped with Hawker Hurricanes and Spitfire Mk2s before being re-equipped with the later Spitfire MkVs. The squadrons soon established themselves a high reputation with numerous air kill claims being made during fighter sweeps over the channel and Europe during the summer and autumn of 1941.

Spitfire Mk Vb of the 334th Fighter Squadron.

When the Eagle Squadron volunteers were informed of the attack on Pearl Harbor on the 7th December 1941, most of the pilots wanted to immediately join the fight against the Japanese. They appealed to the RAF Fighter Command to go to Singapore to fight the Japanese, but this appeal was turned down. With America's entry into the war on the 29th September 1942, the three Eagle Squadrons were officially transferred from the RAF to the Eighth Air Force of the United States Army Air Force. During their time in the Eagle Squadrons, the Eagle pilots earned 12 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and one Distinguished Service Order.

In dedication, and to remember these brave young American pilots, Durafly has produced a replica Spitfire of one of the Eagle Squadron fighters. This highly detailed RC flying model represents Spitfire P7308, a Mk2a which was flown by No 71 Squadron from Kirton-in-Lindsey in 1941. The Durafly model features an airframe molded in tough EPO foam, a factory-installed motor, ESC, servos, and retractable landing gear. It also has faithfully reproduced split flaps, a scale outline, fine surface detail, an LED lighting system, and authentic scale decals. This model is a must for all WWII warbird fans, with its 4S setup it enables the Mk2a to perform a full "Airshow" routine including big loops, low banked passes, Split-S', and all the maneuvers expected of a WW2 warbird including of course the iconic Spitfire “Victory Roll”. Just like the full-size aircraft, the Durafly Spitfire Mk2a is a joy to fly.