73 Squadron headed for France on the 9th of September 1939 with Numbers 1, 85, and 87 Squadrons forming Number 60 (Fighter) Wing, initially flying escort for the Air Component; units tasked with close support of the Army.

However, on 10th October 1939 No. 1 and No. 73 were transferred to the Advanced Air Striking Force and formed Number 67 (Fighter) wing, replacing the French fighter units which had proved to be incapable of providing protection for the RAF Battles and Blenheims operating over Germany. In the case of 73 Squadron this involved transfer to Rouvre, while No. 1 was based at Vassincourt.

After the German Breakthrough at Sedan, the AASF was left outside the ring encircling the BEF, and took no part in the action over Dunkirque. They continued to be active, supplying fighter protection to the remaining British ground forces in France, falling back from airfield to airfield until forced to withdraw from Echemines and back over the channel on June 7th 1940. Tragically, The squadron's best known ace, Pilot Officer Edgar James "Cobber" Kain was killed in an accident the day they left.

No. 73 Squadron was one of the first British squadrons into action in France, and one of the last to leave.

 

Download 73 Squadron's Battle of France Skinset

Note: although this skinset is not historical, but are the customised skins of No.73 Virtual Squadron, it contains two historical skins representing the aircraft of E.J. Kain and Flight Liutenant R.E. Lovett, DFC, by 1_JaVA_Serval.

Original Hurricane templates by 1_JaVA_Serval and paviac

Download 73 Squadron's base for "Forgotten Battles"

by Sulla, Includes sample mission.