No. 12 Squadron RAAF
| No. 12 Squadron RAAF | |
|---|---|
A No. 12 Squadron Vengeance in 1943 | |
| Active | 1939–1948 1973–1989 2025–Present |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Role | General purpose (1939–1943) Bomber (1943–1948) Transport (1973–1989) Maritime patrol (2025–present) |
| Mottos | "We roam and we charge" |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Charles Eaton (1939–1940) |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron code | M, NH |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Bomber | Anson, Vengeance, Liberator, Lincoln |
| Fighter | Demon |
| Helicopter | Chinook |
| Patrol | P-8A Poseidon |
| Trainer | Wirraway |
No. 12 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) maritime patrol squadron squadron based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. It has previously been tasked as a general purpose, bomber and transport squadron at various times. The squadron was originally formed in 1939 and saw combat in the South West Pacific theatre of World War II. From 1941 to 1943, it mainly conducted maritime patrols off northern Australia. The squadron was based at Merauke in western New Guinea from November 1943 to July 1944, when it was withdrawn from operations. After being re-equipped, it operated as a heavy bomber unit from February 1945 until the end of the war. The squadron continued in this role until it was redesignated No. 1 Squadron RAAF in February 1948. The squadron was reformed in 1973 to operate transport helicopters but was again disbanded in 1989. The squadron was again reformed in 2025 to operate the Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft.