History of 85 RAF Squadron . 85 Squadron shown in aviation art prints by leading aviation artist Philip West. Philip Wests art print Safely Home by Philip E West. The dawn of a new day illuminates a Lancaster of 57 Squadron returning to East Kirkby from night ops over occupied Europe, escorted by a Swannington based Mosquito night-fighter of 85 Squadron Every print is signed by 57 Sqn Lancaster pilot Flt Lt Phil Ainley DFC and the RAF's top (21 victories) night-fighter pilot Sqn Ldr Branse Burbridge DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar.

DE HAVILAND MOSQUITO  Used as a night fighter, fighter bomber, bomber and Photo-reconnaissance, with a crew of two, Maximum speed was 425 mph, at 30,300 feet, 380mph at 17,000ft. and a ceiling of 36,000feet, maximum range 3,500 miles. the Mosquito was armed  with four 20mm Hospano cannon in belly and four .303 inch browning machine guns in nose.  Coastal strike aircraft had eight 3-inch Rockets under the wings, and one 57mm shell gun in belly.

The Mossie at it was known made its first flight on 25th November 1940, and the mosquito made its first operational flight for the Royal Air Force as a reconnaissance unit based at Benson.  In early 1942, a modified version  (mark II) operated as a night fighter with 157 and 23 squadron's. In April 1943 the first De Haviland Mosquito saw service in the Far east and in 1944 The Mosquito was used at Coastal Command in its strike wings.  Bomber Commands offensive against Germany saw many Mosquitos, used as photo Reconnaissance aircraft, Fighter Escorts, and Path Finders.  The Mosquito stayed in service with the Royal Air Force until 1955. and a total of 7781 mosquito's were built.