No. 73 Squadron RAF

No. 73 Squadron RAF
Active1 July 1917 – 2 July 1919
15 March 1937 – 3 February 1969
CountryUnited Kingdom
BranchRoyal Air Force
Motto(s)Latin: Tutor et Ultor
("Protector and Avenger")
Battle honoursWestern Front, 1918*, Marne, 1918*, Lys, Amiens, Arras, Hindenburg Line, France & Low Countries, 1939–40*, Battle of Britain, 1940*, Egypt & Libya, 1940–43*, Mediterranean, 1941–43*, El Alamein*, El Hamma, South East Europe 1943–45*, Italy 1943–45
Honours marked with an asterisk are those emblazoned on the Squadron Standard
Insignia
Squadron Badge heraldryA demi-Talbot rampant, charged on the shoulder with a maple leaf.
During World War Two the squadron was commanded by Major Hubbard and his aircraft carried a representation of Old Mother Hubbard's dog looking into an empty cupboard. In order to retain its association with this unofficial badge the squadron adopted a heraldic dog and put a maple leaf on it to associate with its Canadian personnel.
Squadron CodesHV Oct 1938  Sep 1939
TP Sep 1939  Nov 1940

No. 73 Squadron, Royal Air Force was formed on 2 July 1917 during the First World War. It was disbanded in 1969.