No. 616 Squadron had a very brief spell at RAF Exeter, Clyst Honiton, serving from the 17 September 1943 until 18 March  1944. The Officer Commanding during that period was S/Ldr. L.W. Watts, DFC. The Squadron was equipped with the Spitfire VII during their time at RAF Exeter. 

No. 616 Squadron was formed on 1 November 1938 at RAF Doncaster, originally designated for a bomber role and equipped with Hawker Hind aircraft. However, this role was soon revised, and by January 1939 the squadron received its first operational fighter aircraft—Gloster Gauntlet biplanes—marking the beginning of its transition into a fighter unit.

In May 1939, Fairey Battle monoplane light bombers were introduced for training purposes, helping prepare the squadron for its next major evolution: re-equipment with the cutting-edge Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I. This transition began in October 1939, coinciding with the squadron’s move to RAF Leconfield. By the end of November, No. 616 Squadron had fully converted to the modern fighter, ready to take its place among the RAF’s frontline units as war loomed ever closer.

​No.616 became the first operational squadron to use a jet aircraft when it was equipped with the Gloster Meteor during 1944.

Further Squadron information can be found here