No. 273 Squadron
Royal Air Force (RAF)

Background
On July 30, 1918 formed as No. 273 Squadron in the Royal Flying Corps under the command of Major A. S. Maskell equipped with DH.4, DH.9 and Sopwith Camels at Burgh Castle, Norfolk as a reconnaissance unit in World War I. The squadron motto was "Toujours Prêt", French meaning "Always Ready". On July 5, 1919 disbanded at Great Yarmouth.

Wartime History
On August 1, 1939 reformed at China Bay Airfield in Trincomalee on Ceylon (Sri Lanka) as a torpedo bomber unit equipped with the Vickers Vildebeest with code HH with A Flight under the command of F/O B. B. Wilmot. During March 1942 equipped with Fairey Fulmars. On April 9, 1942 during the Japanese carrier strike against Trincomalee the squadron intercepts and claimed several bombers shot down for the loss of one plane. In August 1942 equipped with Hawker Hurricanes.

During March 1944 equipped with Spitfire Mark VIII with code MS and moved to India as part of the No. 224 Group (RAF) under RAF Third Tactical Air Force and supported the Allied advance in the Arakan region of Burma (Myanmar) flying grounds support and air combat. In July 1944 moves to Chittagong Airfield in India (Bangladesh). In September 1994 moves to Cox's Bazar in India (Bangladesh). During January 1945 moves to Maunghnama. In February 1945 moves to Ramree Island and continued to support ground operations. In early May 1945 moves to Mingaladon Airfield north of Rangoon in Burma and conducts patrol missions. During July 1945 engaged in combat over the Sittang River between Burma and Saim (Thailand). Between March 1944 until the end of the Pacific War, the squadron lost fourteen pilots killed.

Postwar
In the middle of September 1945 moves to Don Muang Airfield in Bangkok, Saim (Thailand). During late September 1945 moves to Tan Son Nhat Airfield in French Indo-China (Vietnam). Due to a lack of adequate fuel for their Spitfires, the squadron briefly operated a surrendered Tachikawa Army Type 1 Advanced Trainer Isshiki / Ki-54 (Hickory). In November 1945 equipped with Spitfire Mark XIV. On December 11, 1945 flew their only combat mission to support French forces at Buon Ma Thuot that were surrounded by Viet Minh. In late January 1946 disbanded at Tan Son Nhut Airfield.

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Major A. S. Maskell (August 1918–January 1919)
F/O B. B. Wilmot (August 1, 1939–April 1942)
S/L A. N. Constantine (Apr 1942–June 1943)
Sqn Ldr R. C. Graves (June 1943–December 1943)
S/L C. S. Courtney-Clarke (December 1943–January 1944)
S/L R. Mayes (January 1944–December 1944)
S/L I. N. Bayles (Dec 1944–April 1945)
S/L L. A. Thorogood (April 1945–June 1945)
S/L G. B. Sylvester (Jun 1945–November 1945)
S/L W. J. Hibbert (November 1945–January 1946

References
Royal Air Force 273 Squadron via Wayback Machine March 19, 2017
Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation - No 273 Squadron