response to a campaign of attacks by the IRA, a detached Search and rescue flight of No. 228 Squadron at RAF Aldergrove equipped with three Bristol Sycamore helicopters was re-designated 118 Squadron on 1 September 1959. It flew its Sycamores in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), carrying out short range transport and reconnaissance missions. Other duties of the squadron included experiments in traffic control. On 31 August 1962, with the threat from the IRA ended by a ceasefire, the Squadron was disbanded. Aircraft operated Source except where indicated. Airco DH.6 - 1918 Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 - 1918 Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b - 1918. Supermarine Spitfire I - 1941 Supermarine Spitfire IIA - March 1941 to September 1941. Supermarine Spitfire VB - September 1941 to January 1944. Miles Martinet - at least one operated as target tug in January 1943. Supermarine Spitfire VI - one or two operated September 1943. Supermarine Spitfire IX - January 1944 to March 1944. Supermarine Spitfire V - March 1944 to July 1944. Supermarine Spitfire VII - March 1944. Supermarine Spitfire IX - July 1944 to January 1945. North American Mustang - January 1945 to March 1946. De Havilland Vampire FB.5 - May 1951 to November 1953. De Havilland Venom FB.1 - November 1953 to March 1955. Hawker Hunter F.4 - March 1955 to July 1957. Bristol Sycamore HR.14 - September 1959 to August 1962. References Bibliography External links http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/118squadron.cfm Official History on RAF.mod.uk http://www.rafweb.org/Squadrons/Sqn116-120.htm No. 116–120 Squadron Histories http://www.rafjever.org/118squadhistory2.htm "I Kill And Return": The Story of No 118 Squadron Royal Air Force Royal Flying Corps squadrons Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons