List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons

Typhoons representing the RAF Typhoon squadrons – 1 Sqn, 2 Sqn, 3 Sqn, 6 Sqn, 29 Sqn, 11 Sqn, 41 Sqn, 1435 Flight, and BOB75 in the centre to commemorate the Battle of Britain

Squadrons are the main form of flying unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF). These include Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) squadrons incorporated into the RAF when it was formed on 1 April 1918, during the First World War. Other squadrons of the RAF include those from Commonwealth air forces which have served within the RAF structure and squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm before it transferred to the Royal Navy in 1939.

Some squadrons have an individual tradition of presenting their squadron number in Roman numerals or using a suffix to their squadron number (such as "(F)" for "Fighter", "(B)" for "Bomber" or "(AC)" for "Army Co-operation") to indicate a past or present role. An example would be No. 18 (Bomber) Squadron RAF which currently actually operates the heavy-lift Chinook helicopter. However, these practices have, at least in the past, been deprecated at higher levels and generally only apply to certain squadrons with long traditions, especially those numbered from 1 to 20.[1] Historical Squadrons can choose to 'lay up' their standards at RAF Cranwell or in places of worship following disbandment.

Flying training units and operational evaluation squadrons have generally been (Reserve) squadrons, although they are regular active-duty units. The policy of the (Reserve) numberplate was rescinded in February 2018, to coincide with the renaming of 22 (Training) Group to just 22 Group in line with other RAF Groups.

Some Squadron names include the location they were originally formed.

Regular RFC, RNAS, and RAF squadrons (Nos. 1–299)

Squadrons in Bold Type are currently active

Nos. 1–50

Nos. 51–66

Nos. 67–71

During the First World War, in order to avoid confusion with similarly numbered British flying squadrons, units of the separate Australian Flying Corps were known for administrative purposes as 67, 68, 69, and 71 squadrons. Since the Second World War these numbers have always been used by RAF units.

However, the designation 70 (or LXX) Squadron has always been used for RFC/RAF units.

Nos. 72–100

Nos. 101–150

Nos. 151–200

Nos. 201–250

The first squadrons to carry numbers above 200 were former RNAS squadrons that were renumbered upon amalgamation with 200 added to their RNAS squadron number. Independent flights of the RNAS were grouped together in squadrons and given numbers in the 200 series.

Nos. 251–299

Nos. 300–352

Squadrons in the 300–352 series were staffed during the Second World War by volunteers from countries in occupied Europe. In some cases, these RAF squadrons and personnel were regarded by a relevant government-in-exile as serving concurrently with its air force.

Similarly, in 1940–42, three "Eagle Squadrons" were composed of volunteers from the US: No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron, later 334th Fighter Squadron USAAF; No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron, later 335th Fighter Squadron USAAF and No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron, later 336th Fighter Squadron USAAF.

Polish (300–309)

See also Squadrons Nos. 315–318, 663 and Polish Fighting Team (under Other)

Czechoslovakian (310–313)

(Note: the RAF has never had a flying unit named 314 Squadron, although it has used the number for No. 314 Technical Services Unit. A proposed 314 Squadron was allocated squadron code "UY" during the period April to September 1939,[41] but was never formed.)

Polish (315–318)

See also Squadrons Nos. 300–309, 663 and Polish Fighting Team (under Other)

Note: the RAF never had a No. 319 Squadron; the "Polish Fighting Team" was attached to No. 145 Fighter Squadron. A proposed 319 Squadron was allocated squadron codes VE for the period April to September 1939.[41] There was also 663 Artillery Observation Squadron; No. 138 Special Duty Squadron Polish Flight "C" and No. 1586 Polish Special Duty Flight.

Dutch (320–325)

Note: Nos. 323 to 325 Squadrons were not formed, but allocated Squadron Codes GN, PQ and EA respectively for the period April to September 1939.[41] However these numbers were used for post-war Royal Netherlands Air Force squadrons.

French (326–329)

See also Nos. 340–347 Squadron

Norwegian (330–334)

Greek (335–339)

Note: Nos: 337–339 never formed,[42] but were allocated Squadron Codes OK, ML and KN respectively for the period April to September 1939.[41] The Royal Hellenic Air Force 13th Light Bomber Squadron was also under RAF command in World War II.

French (340–347)

See also Nos. 326–329 Squadron

Note: No. 348 Squadron was not formed,[43] but Squadron codes letters FR were allocated for the period April to September 1939.[41]

Belgian (349–350)

Yugoslavian (351–352)

Nos. 353–361

Note: Nos. 362–399 Squadrons were not formed.[44]

Article XV squadrons of World War II (Nos. 400–490)

Under Article XV of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the air forces of Australia, Canada and New Zealand formed squadrons for service under RAF operational control. Most were new formations, however some had already existed prior to the creation of Article XV and had already been operational during the war, including combat operations.

Royal Canadian Air Force (400–443)

  • 400 (City of Toronto)
  • 401 (Ram)
  • 402 (City of Winnipeg)
  • 403 (Wolf)
  • 404 (Buffalo)
  • 405 (Vancouver)
  • 406 (Lynx)
  • 407 (Demon)
  • 408 (Goose)
  • 409 (Nighthawk)
  • 410 (Cougar)
  • 411 (Grizzly Bear)
  • 412 (Falcon)
  • 413 (Tusker)
  • 414 (Sarnia Imperials)
  • 415 (Swordfish)
  • 416 (City of Oshawa)
  • 417 (City of Windsor)
  • 418 (City of Edmonton)
  • 419 (Moose)
  • 420 (Snowy Owl)
  • 421 (Red Indian)
  • 422 (Flying Yachtsman)
  • 423 (Bald Eagle)
  • 424 (Tiger)
  • 425 (Alouette)
  • 426 (Thunderbird)
  • 427 (Lion)
  • 428 (Ghost)
  • 429 (Bison)
  • 430 (City of Sudbury)
  • 431 (Iroquois)
  • 432 (Leaside)
  • 433 (Porcupine)
  • 434 (Bluenose)
  • 435 (Chinthe)
  • 436 (Elephant)
  • 437 (Husky)
  • 438 (Wildcat)
  • 439 (Westmount)
  • 440 (City of Ottawa and Beaver)
  • 441 (Silver Fox)
  • 442 (Caribou)
  • 443 (Hornet)

Note: Although squadron numbers 444 to 449 were also reserved for the RCAF, it did not use them during the Second World War.

Royal Australian Air Force (450–467)

Note: Although squadron numbers 465 and 468 to 479 were also reserved for the RAAF during the Second World War, it did not use them.

Royal New Zealand Air Force (485–490)

Note: Although the squadron numbers 491 to 499 were reserved for RNZAF units during the Second World War, no such squadrons were formed.

Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons (Nos. 500–509)

Formed as "Special Reserve" squadrons but absorbed into the Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Note: No. 505, 506, 507, 508 and 509 Squadrons allocated Squadron codes YF, FS, GX, DY and BQ respectively for the period April to September 1939, but were never formed.[41] A non-flying 505 Squadron was formed as a General Support Squadron in 2015.

Regular RAF squadrons (Nos. 510–598)

Note: No No. 599 Squadron seems to have been formed.[44] There were to have been Reserve squadrons using numbers 551–566 which would have been created by adding 500 to existing Operational Training Unit designations.[45] In the event the plan was never put into effect, although there was some desultory use of some of the numbers by some of the OTUs for a short period. Despite their lack of formal activation, this block of numbers has never been re-allocated for use by other units.

Advanced Training Squadrons (550–565)

In the event of a German Invasion the Operational Training Units would have been re-formed into the Squadrons below, under plans as part of Operation Saracen, formulated in Spring 1940, which were later revised as Operation Banquet. Some reserve Squadron numbers were used by their respective OTU's during operational tasks until at least May 1944.[41]

Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons (600–616)

Note: No. 606 Squadron RAF was allocated Squadron codes BG for the period April to September 1939, but was not formed.[41] A non-flying No. 606 Helicopter Support Squadron of the RAuxAF was later formed in 1999.[48]

Regular RAF squadrons (Nos. 617–650)

Note: Nos. 629, 632–634, 636–638, 641–643 and 645–649 were never formed,[49] but some were allocated Squadron codes for the period April to September 1939 – 629 (LQ), 632 (LO), 636 (VZ), 637 (UK), 638 (PZ), 641 (EV), 645 (KF), 646 (YG), 647 (ZS), 648 (YT) and 649 (HA).[41] However a fictional "633 Squadron" was featured in the eponymous novel and film. In addition, a fictional 641 Squadron featured in the film "Mosquito Squadron". Also, RAF Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (formerly Volunteer Gliding Schools until 2005) have been numbered in the range 611 to 671 since 1955.

Air observation post squadrons

These squadrons were formed during the Second World War to perform artillery spotting and liaison roles, in co-operation with Army units. Most AOP squadron aircrew were provided by the Army. Nos. 661–664 and 666 Squadron were re-formed as Royal Auxiliary Air Force units in 1949. Nos. 651, 652 and 656 Squadron were transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1957.[50]

Regular RAF squadrons (Nos. 667–695)

Note: Nos. 693–694 and 696–699 Squadrons were never formed.[49]

Fleet Air Arm squadrons

While still under the control of the Royal Air Force, flights of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) were organised into squadrons with numbers in the 700 and 800 range. The range 700 to 750 had been previously used for Fleet Air Arm Catapult Flight numbers.[51]

These squadrons were transferred to the Royal Navy (RN) in 1939, becoming Royal Naval Air Squadrons (RNAS).[52] The 700 and 800 range of squadron numbers continued to be used by the Royal Navy for newly formed Royal Naval Air Squadrons.

Training Depot Stations

Training Depot Stations (TDS) were still in use after the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918.[53]

  • No. 1 Training Depot Station
  • No. 2 Training Depot Station
  • No. 3 Training Depot Station
  • No. 4 Training Depot Station
  • No. 5 Training Depot Station
  • No. 6 Training Depot Station
  • No. 7 Training Depot Station
  • No. 8 Training Depot Station
  • No. 9 Training Depot Station
  • No. 10 Training Depot Station
  • No. 11 Training Depot Station
  • No. 12 Training Depot Station
  • No. 13 Training Depot Station
  • No. 14 Training Depot Station
  • No. 15 Training Depot Station
  • No. 16 Training Depot Station
  • No. 17 Training Depot Station
  • No. 18 Training Depot Station
  • No. 19 Training Depot Station
  • No. 20 Training Depot Station
  • No. 21 Training Depot Station
  • No. 22 Training Depot Station
  • No. 23 Training Depot Station
  • No. 24 Training Depot Station
  • No. 25 Training Depot Station
  • No. 26 Training Depot Station
  • No. 27 Training Depot Station
  • No. 28 Training Depot Station
  • No. 29 Training Depot Station
  • No. 30 Training Depot Station
  • No. 31 Training Depot Station
  • No. 32 Training Depot Station
  • No. 33 Training Depot Station
  • No. 34 Training Depot Station
  • No. 35 Training Depot Station
  • No. 36 Training Depot Station
  • No. 37 Training Depot Station
  • No. 38 Training Depot Station
  • No. 39 Training Depot Station
  • No. 40 Training Depot Station
  • No. 41 Training Depot Station
  • No. 42 Training Depot Station
  • No. 43 Training Depot Station
  • No. 44 Training Depot Station
  • No. 45 Training Depot Station
  • No. 46 Training Depot Station
  • No. 47 Training Depot Station
  • No. 48 Training Depot Station
  • No. 49 Training Depot Station
  • No. 50 Training Depot Station
  • No. 51 Training Depot Station
  • No. 52 Training Depot Station
  • No. 53 Training Depot Station
  • No. 54 Training Depot Station
  • No. 55 Training Depot Station
  • No. 56 Training Depot Station
  • No. 57 Training Depot Station
  • No. 58 Training Depot Station
  • No. 59 Training Depot Station
  • No. 60 Training Depot Station
  • No. 61 Training Depot Station
  • No. 98 Depot Squadron
  • No. 99 Depot Squadron
  • No. 190 (Depot) Squadron
  • No. 191 (Depot) Squadron
  • No. 192 (Depot) Squadron
  • No. 198 (Depot) Squadron
  • No. 199 (Depot) Squadron
  • No. 201 Training Depot Station
  • No. 202 Training Depot Station
  • No. 203 Training Depot Station
  • No. 204 Training Depot Station
  • No. 205 Training Depot Station
  • No. 206 Training Depot Station
  • No. 207 Training Depot Station
  • No. 208 (Temporary) Training Depot Station
  • No. 209 (Seaplane) Training Depot Station
  • No. 210 Training Depot Station
  • No. 211 Training Depot Station
  • No. 212 Training Depot Station
  • No. 213 Training Depot Station

University Air Squadrons

The majority of Universities in the United Kingdom are, or have been, represented by Royal Air Force (RAF) University Air Squadrons (UAS),[54][55] where under-graduates can sample elements of the Royal Air Force, and learn to fly, as well as take advantage of scholarship schemes. Previously operating the Bulldog T.1, they now all currently operate the Tutor T.1.[55] Although each UAS retain their own identity an activities, when two are co-located at the same airfield, such as Cambridge UAS and London UAS at RAF Wittering, and Liverpool UAS and Manchester and Salford UAS at RAF Woodvale, the two individual UAS share the same fleet of aircraft. All University Air Squadrons are currently commanded by No. 6 Flying Training School RAF (6FTS).[55][56]

Squadrons below listed in bold are currently active,[54] others are disbanded, or otherwise amalgamated into a current existing UAS.

Air Experience Flights

Air Experience Flights are co-located with University Air Squadrons and operate the Tutor T1 training aircraft.[57]

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons

Initially formed as Gliding Schools (GS), and then renamed Volunteer Gliding Schools (VGS), these squadrons retained their gliding school numbers when reformed as squadrons. Conflicts with the main squadron numbers resolved by the VGS suffix. The currently active squadrons, now part of 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) headquartered at RAF Syerston along with the Central Gliding School, all operate the Viking T1 winch-launched sailplane glider.

Independent Flights

The Royal Air Force (RAF) maintains a number of independent flights; some on a permanent basis, others on an ad-hoc basis as required. Historically, some flights were alphabetically named. For a full list, see the list of Royal Air Force aircraft independent flights. Bold listings are currently active RAF flights.

Dormant Squadrons

RAF College Cranwell stores some Standards for disbanded Squadrons that have the potential to be re-activated in the future, preserving the heritage of historic units. Once a Squadron Standard is 'laid up' in a place of worship, upon the disbandment of the Squadron, that Standard can no longer be reactivated. Many UK churches have Standards from the RAF following a service of Disbandment. However, some Squadrons choose to lay up their Standards in College Hall at RAF Cranwell, the spiritual home of the RAF, and may be reactivated as active Squadrons in the future. Old disbanded squadrons that have laid up their Standards can be presented new Standards to reactivate them, but this is currently extremely rare.

Squadron Standards (and their last operated aircraft) that are on display in the College Hall Rotunda in order of seniority[59] are:

Other Squadrons

The Royal Air force and Royal flying corps has always comprised a certain number of non-numbered Squadrons to fulfil special duties, experimental or one-off tasks.

  • Air Command Southeast Asia (Internal Air Service) Squadron (1945–46)[65]
  • Air Council Inspection Squadron (1918–1920) – became No. 24 Squadron [65]
  • Air Despatch Letter Service Squadron (1944–46)[65]
  • Air Training Squadron (1971–72) – became No. 240 Operational Conversion Unit [66]
  • All-Weather Development Squadron (1956–59)[67]
  • Andover Training Squadron (1983–93)[68]
  • Antler Squadron (1956–1957) became No. 1321 Lincoln Conversion Flight[69]
  • Arrow Squadron (1956–1957) became No. 1321 Lincoln Conversion Flight[70]
  • Artillery Co-operation Squadron (1917–20) became School of Army Co-operation[70]
  • Auxiliary Fighter Squadron (Malaya) (1950) became Penang Fighter Squadron[71]
  • Auxiliary Fighter Squadron (Singapore) (1950–51) became Singapore Fighter Squadron[71]
  • B-29 Training Squadron (1950) became Washington Conversion Unit[72]
  • Burmese Conversion Squadron (1952-?)[73]
  • Composite Fighting Squadron RFC (1917)[74]
  • Composite Royal Naval Air service/Royal Flying Corps Squadron (1916)[75]
  • Communications Electronics Basic Training Squadron[citation needed]
  • Demonstration Squadron (1918-?)[76]
  • Development Squadron, Gosport (1918) became No. 186 Squadron[76]
  • Elementary Flying Training Squadron (1987-?) became Joint Elementary Flying Training School[77]
  • Experimental Armament Squadron (1916–20)[78]
  • Far East Air Force Examining Squadron (1950–51) became Far East Air Force Training Squadron[78]
  • Far East Air Force Training Squadron (1951–55)[78]
  • Ferry Squadron (1958)[79]
  • Ferry Support Squadron (1956–1958) became Ferry Squadron[79]
  • Floatplane Training Squadron (1939–1940)[80]
  • Flying Selection Squadron (1979–1987) became Elementary Flying Training Squadron[81]
  • Glider Exercise Squadron (1941–42) became No. 296 Squadron[82]
  • Glider Training Squadron (1940) became No. 1 and No. 2 Glider Training School[83]
  • Ground Controlled Approach Squadron (1944–46)[84]
  • Guided Weapons Development Squadron (1957–59) became Guided Weapons Trials Squadron[85]
  • No. 1 Guided Weapons Trials Squadron (1959–62) became Fighter Command Missile Practice Camp[85]
  • Headquarters Service Ferry Pools/Squadron (1940–1941)[86]
  • Home Defence Squadron (1916) became No. 16 (Home Defence) Wing[87]
  • Hong Kong Auxiliary Squadron (1950–53) became Hong Kong Fighter Squadron[87]
  • Hong Kong Fighter Squadron (1953)[87]
  • Javelin Instrument Rating Squadron (1957–66)[88]
  • Joint Trials and Training Squadron (1966) became No. 360 Squadron[88]
  • Kuala Lumpur Fighter Squadron (1950–1952) became Kuala Lumpur Squadron[89]
  • Kuala Lumpur Squadron (1952-?)[89]
  • Low Level and Air Defence Training Squadron (No. 6 Flying Training School)[citation needed]
  • Low Flying Operations Squadron[citation needed]
  • Multi-Engine Training Squadron (See No. 6 Flying Training School) (1977–92) became No. 45 Squadron[90]
  • Nimrod Line Squadron[citation needed]
  • Parachute Exercise Squadron (1941–42) became No. 297 Squadron[91]
  • Penang Squadron (1950–1951 & 1955–58) became Penang Fighter Squadron[92]
  • Penang Fighter Squadron (1951–55) became Penang Squadron[92]
  • Radar Research Squadron (1977–88)[93]
  • Refresher Flying Squadron (1977–84) became Refresher Flying Flight[94]
  • Reserve Training Squadron (1952–53)[95]
  • Royal Air Force College Air Squadron (1992–95)[96]
  • Royal Naval Fighter Squadron (1941–42)[97]
  • Seaplane Squadron, Alexandria[94]
  • Seaplane Squadron, Port Said[94]
  • Seaplane Training Squadron (1931–41)[94]
  • Sentry Training Squadron (1990–96) became No. 23 Squadron[98]
  • Service Ferry Squadron (1940–41)[86]
  • Service Ferry Training Squadron (1941) became Ferry Training Unit[98]
  • Signals Command Development Squadron (??-1962)[99]
  • Signals Squadron (1942) became No. 162 Squadron[99]
  • Singapore Squadron (1955–60)[71]
  • Special Transport Squadron (1949–50) became Special Communication Squadron[100]
  • No. 1 Torpedo Training Squadron (1918) became No. 201 Training Depot Station[101]
  • Training Squadron, Sylt (1946–48)[102]
  • Western Union Examining Squadron (1950–51)[72]
  • No. 1435 Squadron (1942–45)[103]
  • 'B' Squadron (1920) became No. 1 Squadron[104]
  • 'B' Squadron, Aegean (1918) became No. 223 Squadron[71]
  • 'C' Squadron, Aegean (1918) became No. 220 Squadron[73]
  • 'D' Squadron, Aegean (1918) became No. 221 Squadron[105]
  • 'S' Squadron (1915 & 1939–40) became No. 244 Squadron[97]
  • 'T' Squadron, Egypt (1919)[106]
  • 'X' (Canadian) Reserve Squadron (1917)[107]
  • 'X' Squadron (1943) became No. 617 Squadron[107]
  • 'X' Squadron, Egypt (1919)[107]
  • 'Y' (Canadian) Reserve Squadron (1917)[107]
  • 'Y' Squadron, Egypt – See No. 4 Flying Training School (1919)[107]
  • 'Y' Squadron, Iraq – See No. 4 Flying Training School (1940)[108]
  • 'Z' Squadron, Aegean (1918) became No. 222 Squadron[108]
  • 'Z' Squadron, Egypt (1919)[108]

Communication Squadrons

To allow rapid transport of Air Officers, staff and other important people many units and Headquarters operated communication Sections, Flights, Squadrons or wings.

Barrage Balloon Squadrons of the Auxiliary Air Force

[109]

Squadron codes

Most units of the Royal Air Force are identified by alphabetical (or similar) characters, known as a "squadron code", that is painted on all aircraft belonging to that unit. When individual units are assigned unusually large numbers of aircraft, multiple squadron codes have been used.

Other air forces, especially those from other Commonwealth countries, have often used similar systems of identification. During the Second World War, when units from other air forces were attached to the RAF – such as the Article XV squadrons (also known as "400 series squadrons") – their squadron codes were often changed, to avoid confusion with RAF units.

Historically, the codes have usually been two letters of the alphabet, painted on the rear fuselage next to the RAF roundel. These formed a suffix or prefix to the call sign of each aircraft (on the other side of the roundel) which was usually a single letter (e. g. "G for George"). In general, when an aircraft is lost or withdrawn from use, its call sign has been applied to its replacement or another aircraft.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Why do some Squadrons have letter after their number? – PPRuNe
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Typhoon FGR4". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Hawk T2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "Chinook". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Voyager". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  6. ^ "12 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  7. ^ "MQ-9A Reaper". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  8. ^ a b "Tutor T1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  9. ^ a b "F-35B Lightning". New RAF website. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  10. ^ "Two historic RAF Squadron Numberplates are set to return". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  11. ^ "20 Squadron numberplate allocated to ASACS OCU". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 15 June 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  12. ^ "22 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  13. ^ "The space domain and UK security". ADS Advance. 6 January 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  14. ^ "XXIV Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  15. ^ "28 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  16. ^ "30 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  17. ^ "First Protector aircraft has arrived at RAF Waddington". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  18. ^ "32 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Puma HC2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  20. ^ "Number 42 Squadron reforms at RAF Lossiemouth". RAF. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  21. ^ "1st Phenom flight under military register for UK military flying training system". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  22. ^ "RC-135W Rivet Joint". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  23. ^ "54 Squadron". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  24. ^ "56 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  25. ^ "LVIII Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  26. ^ "120TP Prefect". New RAF website. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  27. ^ Curtis, Howard J. (2019). Military Aircraft Markings 2019. Manchester: Crécy Publishing Ltd. p. 104. ISBN 9781910809204.
  28. ^ "LXX Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  29. ^ "72 Squadron 'Stood Up' at RAF Valley". DefPost. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  30. ^ "Swanwick (78 Squadron)". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  31. ^ Cacoyannis, Xenia Zubova Sofie (4 April 2023). "Start of a new era at RAF Akrotiri as Pumas replace Griffin helicopters in Cyprus". forces.net. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  32. ^ "92 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  33. ^ "C-17 Globemaster III". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  34. ^ "120 Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  35. ^ See RAF Eagle Squadrons
  36. ^ "201 Squadron". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  37. ^ Curtis, Howard J. (2019). Military Aircraft Markings 2019. Manchester: Crécy Publishing Ltd. p. 105. ISBN 9781910809204.
  38. ^ "206 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  39. ^ "Second Lightning Fight Jet Squadron Arrives In UK". www.raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  40. ^ Jennings, Gareth (31 March 2020). "UK stands-up 'swarming drones' development unit". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  41. ^ a b c d e f g h i Lake, Alan (1999). Flying units of the RAF. Airlife Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84037-086-7.
  42. ^ Axis History Forum: RAF Unit Numbers query?
  43. ^ No 330 – 352 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 23 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ a b Axis History Forum • View topic – RAF Unit Numbers query?
  45. ^ "No 541 – 598 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority". Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
  46. ^ "601 Squadron RAuxAF". Official RAF Website. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  47. ^ "Royal Air Force".
  48. ^ "No 605 – 610 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority". Archived from the original on 2 September 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  49. ^ a b The Royal Air Force – History Section
  50. ^ No 651 – 670 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 31 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  51. ^ "Fleet Air Arm 700-series squadrons". www.FleetAirArmArchive.net. Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  52. ^ "No 712 to 825 squadron histories". www.RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority. Archived from the original on 12 January 2003.
  53. ^ "RAF pathway to pilot in the First World War". www.RAFMuseum.org.uk. Hendon, Greater London, England: Royal Air Force Museum.
  54. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Royal Air Force – our organisation – University Air Squadrons". www.RAF.MoD.uk. Royal Air Force. 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  55. ^ a b c "Royal Air Force news – 6 Flying Training School". www.RAF.MoD.uk. Royal Air Force. 2015. Archived from the original on 12 October 2015.
  56. ^ "RAF College Cranwell – No 6 Flying Training School". www.RAF.MoD.uk. RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, England: Royal Air Force. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  57. ^ "Air Experience Flights". RAF Air Cadets. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  58. ^ "Typhoons arrive in Falklands". www.Falklands.gov.fk. Stanley, Falkland Islands: Falkland Islands Government. 18 September 2009. Archived from the original on 23 February 2010.
  59. ^ "As of 1 January 2019, the 15 most senior RAF flying squadrons are". Ministry of Defence. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  60. ^ "C-130J Hercules". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  61. ^ "Number 47 Squadron - Standard Lodgement". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  62. ^ "Royal Air Force bids farewell to V(AC) Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  63. ^ "And so the final word on 100 Squadron – at least for now". RAF Leeming (Facebook). 5 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  64. ^ "No 39 Squadron standard lodged at RAF Cranwell following disbandment". Royal Air Force. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  65. ^ a b c Lake 1999, p. 14.
  66. ^ Lake 1999, p. 23.
  67. ^ Lake 1999, p. 43.
  68. ^ Lake 1999, p. 28.
  69. ^ Lake 1999, p. 31.
  70. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 34.
  71. ^ a b c d Lake 1999, p. 35.
  72. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 290.
  73. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 41.
  74. ^ Lake 1999, p. 52.
  75. ^ Lake 1999, p. 53.
  76. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 57.
  77. ^ Lake 1999, p. 64.
  78. ^ a b c Lake 1999, p. 66.
  79. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 67.
  80. ^ Lake 1999, p. 101.
  81. ^ Lake 1999, p. 103.
  82. ^ Lake 1999, p. 110.
  83. ^ Lake 1999, p. 111.
  84. ^ Lake 1999, p. 118.
  85. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 127.
  86. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 129.
  87. ^ a b c Lake 1999, p. 131.
  88. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 133.
  89. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 134.
  90. ^ Lake 1999, p. 140.
  91. ^ Lake 1999, p. 154.
  92. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 155.
  93. ^ Lake 1999, p. 159.
  94. ^ a b c d Lake 1999, p. 183.
  95. ^ Lake 1999, p. 173.
  96. ^ Lake 1999, p. 175.
  97. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 179.
  98. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 184.
  99. ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 186.
  100. ^ Lake 1999, p. 188.
  101. ^ Lake 1999, p. 282.
  102. ^ Lake 1999, p. 288.
  103. ^ Lake 1999, p. 276.
  104. ^ Lake 1999, p. 189.
  105. ^ Lake 1999, p. 56.
  106. ^ Lake 1999, p. 279.
  107. ^ a b c d e Lake 1999, p. 292.
  108. ^ a b c Lake 1999, p. 293.
  109. ^ RAF Squadrons 901 – 980, Air of Authority Archived 11 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine

References

  • Halley, James J. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth 1918–1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1988. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
  • Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912. Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988 (second edition 2001). ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
  • Lake, Alan. "Flying Units of the RAF".Airlife Publishing. Shrewsbury. 1999. ISBN 1-84037-086-6

External links

  • a list of current squadrons from the RAF website
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