No 80 Squadron

Equipped with Kittyhawks, No 80 Squadron formed at Townsville, Queensland in September 1943. The Unit deployed to Nadzab in New Guinea beginning combat operations in February 1944.

No 80 Squadron operated from a succession of bases throughout the South West Pacific, participating mainly in ground attack operations. In April 1944, the Squadron was deployed to Aitape to cover the Allied landings at Hollandia and provided air support for subsequent landings at Wakde and Biak.

Following these operations, No 80 Squadron aircraft remained grounded at Morotai during the allied landings at Tarakan - an action that caused considerable dismay amongst the Squadron's pilots.

After Tarakan the Squadron flew close support missions for the Army until the Japanese surrender four months later. No 80 Squadron returned to Australia in December 1945 and disbanded at Deniliquin, New South Wales in July the following year.

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