No. 253 Squadron RAF
| No. 253 (Hyderabad State) Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
The heraldic badge of the squadron as it appears on the Battle of Britain Monument in London. | |
| Active | 7 Jun 1918 – 31 May 1919 30 Oct 1939 – 16 May 1947 18 Apr 1955 – 2 Sep 1957 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Nickname | Hyderabad State |
| Patron | The Nizam of Hyderabad |
| Mottos | Come one, Come all |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron badge heraldry | The back of a dexter arm embowed, fessewise, in Mogul armour, the hand holding an Indian battle-axe. |
| Squadron code | TL (April to September 1939) |
| 1950s squadron roundel | |
No. 253 (Hyderabad State) Squadron was a flying squadron of the Royal Air Force between 1918 and 1947. Originally formed in 1918, it served in WW1 flying coastal reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrols. Later in WW2 it took part in the Battle of France, the Battle of Britain, and then fought in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations in Algeria. The squadron was disbanded on 16 May 1947, and briefly revived as a night-fighter squadron from 18 April 1955 to 2 September 1957.