Squadron Motto: “Nous Y Serons” (We Shall Be There)
Squadron Nickname: “Lowestoft’s ‘own’ Squadron”
Squadron Codes: BZ then OM
107 Squadron was formed at Catterick on 8th October 1917 as a day bomber squadron, and had a successful career during the First World War.
107 Squadron arrived at Wattisham on 11th May 1939 with their Blenheim Mk.I light bombers as part of Bomber Command’s 2 Group. They quickly upgraded to the Blenheim Mk.IV in time for war to be declared on 3rd September 1939.
On the 4th September 1939 Wattisham launched the very first RAF bombing raid of the Second World War, when 107 Squadron and 110 Squadron each sent 5 Blenheims from Wattisham to attack German battleships near Wilhelmshaven. 107 Squadron lost 4 of its aircraft during the mission. This raid also accounted for Britain’s first Prisoner of War when 107 Squadron navigator Sergeant George Booth was captured by the Germans after his Blenheim was shot down.
The squadron’s commanding officer, Wing Commander Basil Embry, was shot down and captured during 1940. The story of his escape from captivity was published in book form as “Wingless Victory: The Story of Sir Basil Embry’s Escape from Occupied France in the Summer of 1940“.
107 Squadron continued to attack ground and sea targets from Wattisham through 1940, suffering significant losses, before departing Wattisham during 1941.
