No. 310 (Czechoslovak) Fighter Squadron
Aircraft Code: NN | Motto: “We Fight To Rebuild” National Motto: Pravda vítězí — “Truth Prevails”
No. 310 Squadron, formed of Czechoslovak airmen serving under the Royal Air Force, arrived at RAF Exeter, Clyst Honiton, in May 1942 and remained until June 1943. At the time of their deployment, the squadron was equipped with Supermarine Spitfire 5b and 5c aircraft, later upgrading to the high-altitude Spitfire 6 towards the end of their tenure at Exeter.
During their time at RAF Exeter, No. 310 Squadron operated as a fighter unit, contributing to the defence of Britain’s southern airspace and participating in offensive patrols. In 1943, the squadron transitioned to a fighter-bomber role, reflecting the evolving demands of the air war over Europe.
The squadron flew under the aircraft code ‘NN’, as seen in contemporary photographs, and carried the motto “We Fight To Rebuild”—a poignant reflection of their mission and national hope. Their service was deeply rooted in the Czechoslovak national ideal, encapsulated by the enduring phrase Pravda vítězí (“Truth Prevails”), which symbolised the resilience of their homeland under occupation.
In August 1945, following the end of hostilities, No. 310 Squadron returned to Czechoslovakia and was based in Prague for the remainder of the year. Their formal service with the RAF concluded on 15 February 1946, marking the end of a distinguished chapter in Allied air operations.
Below - Spitfire Mk 5c (AR462 NN-N) taxying at Exeter. Photo taken from the book Czechs In The RAF by Zdenek Hurt (c).
Below - Spitfire Mk 5b taxies out of its dispersal at Exeter. Photo taken from the book Czechs In The RAF by Zdenek Hurt (c).
Below - On 26 June 1943 all personnel boarded No. 271 Squadron transports and were flown from Exeter to Castletown, Scotland. Here a Handley Page Harrow, coded BJ-E, can be seen over the tail of Spitfire Mk. 5b R7298 NX-Q, still in No. 131 Squadron markings. Later the 'X' was over-painted with an 'N'.
Photo taken from the book Czechs In The RAF by Zdenek Hurt (c).
Below - Wing Commander Karel Mraz̆ek DFC, the Czech Wing Leader, seen here on the award of his DFC at RAF Exeter. Mraz̆ek flew Spitfire 5c AR502 on 28 August 1942, sharing in the destruction of 1F/123 BF109F - 410188. Mraz̆ek flew this aircraft almost exclusively from its delivery to 310 Squadron in June 1942 to October 1942, when Flying Officer Jan Doucha began to fly the aircraft.
Photo credited to Pavel Vanc̆ata. Information sourced from the book 'A Tale of Ten Spifires' Andrew Critchell.
Below - A well weathered Spitfire 5c AR501 at restat Old Warden prior to its restoration. The Spitfire is shown wearing the NN-A markings it wore while serving alongside AR502 and AR503 with 310 Squadron at RAF Exeter.
Sourced from the book 'A Tale of Ten Spitfires' by Andrew Critchell.
Below - Spitifre 5c AR501 wearing its authentic 312 (Czech) Squadron paintwork making one of its regular appearances at Old Warden before going in for its major restoration.
Sourced from Shuttleworth’s ‘missing’ gem - Aviation Classics
Nick Blacow
Below - This is Spitfire 5c, AR491, from July 1942, at Exeter. It was originally coded NN-B. On 28 April 1943 it sustained damage to its rudder when attacking an enemy convoy sailing east of Sept Isles. Sergeant Augustin Mejer returned safely to Exeter, where the machine was declared Cat. B and repaired locally.
Sourced from Czechs in the RAF book
by Zdenek Hurt.
Below - This is a unique piece of memorabilia courstesy of Suzannah Holwell, Clyst St George, Devon. Members of the 310 Czechoslovak squadron presented this scroll to the then landlord of the St George and Dragon pub/restaurant, Mr Harold Lobb, in 1942. All squadron members signed this as a token of their appreciation for his service.
Watch part 1 of a rare 310 Czechoslovak squadron footage at RAF Exeter and other locations here -
https://youtu.be/mFUt5GB1Jrc?si=aXexvcv4fxtDzV_d
and part 2 here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCrK1p4P48&t=54s
The rare video footage below is of Rudy Klecka who was a US Army GI who worked at Digby in Exeter, Devon. He is filmed at RAF Exeter, Devon with the 310 Czech Squadron who served there from 1942-1943 flying Spitfire Vc aircraft.
This page was last updated 20 March 2026.