13th Reconnaissance Squadron (13th RS)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF), 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG)

Background
On November 20, 1940 constituted as 13th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) in the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) at Langley Field, Virginia with a cadre of personnel from the 41st Reconnaissance Squadron and trained with them until more personnel were assigned. During July 1940 assigned their first aircraft a single B-18 Bolo and two PT-17s for flight training. On January 15, 1941 activated as part of the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG). On June 20, 1941 became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). On August 23, 1941 moves to Bangor, Maine until the United States entry into World War II.

Wartime History
On January 18, 1942 departs Bangor and are embarked aboard SS Argentina as part of "Poppy Force" on a voyage bound for Australia. On February 27, 1942 arrives Melbourne and were initially based at Camp Darley. On March 3, 1942 an advance team of 40 men led by 2nd Lt. Charles A. Scott arrived at Laverton Airfield to prepare for the rest of the squadron. On Mach 14, 1942 moves to Laverton Airfield and the ground crews begins inspection, mantelpiece and and repairs war weary B-17s and began flight training. On April 22, 1942 redesignated as the 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS).

References
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II (1982) pages 493 (13th Reconnaissance Squadron) [PDF pages 505]
Ken's Men Against The Empire The Illustrated History of the 43rd Bombardment Group During World War II Volume I: Prewar to October 1943 The B-17 Era (2016) pages 18-19 (18th RS Jan-Aug 1941), 42 (18th RS Feb-Mar 1942)