No. 100 Squadron RAF

No. 100 Squadron RAF
Unit name	No. 100 Squadron RAF
Dates	23 February 1917 – 24 June 1919, 1 March 1924 – 21 December 1945, 1 May 1952 – 31 December 1959, 1 January 1962 – 10 July 1984, 1 April 1984 – 31 March 1991, 1 January 1992 – 20 January 1992, 1 April 1992 – 1 July 1999
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Motto	Sarang Tebuan Jangan Dijolok, (Malay: "Never stir up a hornets' nest")
Battles	First World War, Second World War, Cold War
Identification symbol label	Squadron badge heraldry

No. 100 Squadron RAF is a long-standing and distinguished unit of the Royal Air Force with a history spanning multiple conflicts and roles. First formed during the First World War as a night bombing squadron, it saw extensive service in both world wars, particularly in the Far East during the Second World War. Throughout the Cold War, the squadron operated in various bomber, maritime, and training capacities, embodying the adaptability of the RAF's frontline forces.

History

No. 100 Squadron was originally formed at RAF Hingham in Norfolk on 23 February 1917, as part of the Royal Flying Corps. It deployed to France equipped with the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b for night bombing missions against targets such as German Army airfields and supply lines. Disbanded after the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it was reformed in 1924 at RAF Spitalgate flying the Airco DH.9A, before transitioning to the Fairey III and later the Hawker Horsley in the torpedo-bomber role. The squadron's most famed chapter began with its deployment to the Far East prior to the Pacific War, where it fought valiantly during the Malayan Campaign and the Battle of Singapore with the Bristol Blenheim.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the squadron has operated a diverse array of aircraft. Its early years featured the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b, Airco DH.9A, and Fairey III. In the interwar period, it flew the Hawker Horsley and Vickers Vildebeest. During the Second World War, its primary aircraft were the Bristol Blenheim and later the Avro Lincoln. In the post-war era, it transitioned to jet aircraft, operating the English Electric Canberra in the bomber role, followed by the Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer in a maritime strike capacity. Its final operational aircraft was the British Aerospace Hawk, used for weapons training.

Notable personnel

Several notable aviators have served with No. 100 Squadron. Among them was Wing Commander Johnnie Checketts, a Royal New Zealand Air Force Spitfire ace who later commanded the squadron. Another distinguished member was Squadron Leader John Nettleton, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership in the Augsburg raid while serving with No. 44 Squadron RAF, but had earlier service with No. 100. Air Vice-Marshal John Grandy also served with the squadron early in his career, later becoming Chief of the Air Staff.

Squadron bases

The squadron has been based at numerous RAF stations across the globe. Its first home was RAF Hingham. Key operational bases include RAF Seletar in Singapore, from where it fought in the defence of Malaya, and RAF Kuala Lumpur. During the Second World War, it also operated from bases in Sumatra and Java. Post-war bases included RAF Hemswell, RAF Wittering, and RAF Marham. Its final home before disbandment was RAF Leeming, where it flew the British Aerospace Hawk.

Operations and deployments

The squadron's operational history is extensive. In the First World War, it conducted night bombing raids over the Western Front. Its most critical deployment was to the Far East in 1941, where it suffered heavy losses opposing the Japanese invasion of Malaya. Post-war, it was involved in operations during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation flying the Avro Lincoln and English Electric Canberra. During the Cold War, it performed maritime strike and reconnaissance duties over the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea with the Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer, and later served as a tactical weapons training unit.

Squadron badge and motto

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1936, features a hornet, reflecting its service in Malaya. The motto, Sarang Tebuan Jangan Dijolok, is in Malay and translates to "Never stir up a hornets' nest". This directly alludes to the squadron's fierce reputation in combat and its historical connection to operations in Southeast Asia, a theme consistently represented in its heraldry.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1917