Extract from the 98 Sqn History for this period:

"98 Squadron mobilised on 1st March 1918, and on the 23rd the ground personnel embarked for France, but were brought back on 28th to Lympne, in Kent." Extract from the 98 Sqn History for this period:

"On 25th March the aircraft flew down to Lympne and despite several accidents the squadron and eighteen aeroplanes left Lympne for St Omer on 1st April, the birthday of the Royal Air Force.
Two days later, the squadron flew to Clairmarais an airfield only a few miles away." Extract from the 98 Sqn History for this period:

"Battle of the Lys

     On 9th April the Battle of the Lys began and with it the first great battle fought by the new Royal Air Force. The squadron began operations on 11th April detailing fifteen aircraft to bomb Wervicq. One crashed on take-off and two returned with engine trouble, the remaining twelve dropped twenty-four 112-lb bombs and fired 1170 rounds at captive balloons and ground targets. No enemy aeroplanes were seen and no aircraft was damaged by enemy action. The next day the squadron really found itself involved in the war. It was the day that Haig issued his famous "Backs to the Wall" order. 98 was sent to attack the German lines of communication at Wervicq, Quesnoy, Comines, Frelinghein and Haubourdin in the morning and the Merville area in the afternoon. The squadron dropped a total of seventy-seven 112-lb bombs on enemy troops and transport. Headquarters congratulated 98 Squadron on their splendid performance. That evening due to the advance of the Germans, the squadron moved to Alquines, an airfield 22 kilometres west of St. Omer." Extract from the 98 Sqn History for this period:

"The following message of congratulation was issued on 18th April:

"The General Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force in the Field, wishes me to express his thanks and good wishes to the Officers, NCOs and men of No 98 Squadron for their fine work at the start of the present battle. He hopes that the same spirit of doggedness, determination and sacrifice will still be maintained by the Squadron as a whole in the battles that are to come, and looks to No 98 Squadron to keep up the reputation it has already gained never failing.
(signed)
H. MacD, O'Malley,
Major
Commanding No 98 Squadron
Royal Air Force
April 18th, 1918                                              In the Field"

The last two words "Never Failing" were in 1937 to form the motto beneath the squadron crest." Extract from the 98 Sqn History for this period:

"During the following days, many targets were attacked mainly at Armentieres and Gheluwe, but also Bailleul, Merlin and Rouliers.

     On 25th April in the afternoon four aeroplanes took off to attack Gheluwe. One returned with rigging trouble. The remaining three were attacked by seven Pfalz scouts and C. 6079 was shot down. The crew, Lt C. J. Gillan and Lt W. Duce, were taken prisoner. This was the first Squadron loss to the enemy."