No. 11 Group (RAF)

No. 11 Group (RAF)
Unit name	No. 11 Group
Dates	1918–1923, 1936–1961, 1968–1996, 2006–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Type	Group
Role	Air defence and fighter operations
Command structure	RAF Fighter Command, RAF Air Command
Garrison	RAF Uxbridge, RAF Bentley Priory, RAF Northolt
Notable commanders	Keith Park, Trafford Leigh-Mallory, James Robb

No. 11 Group (RAF). It is one of the most famous formations in the history of the Royal Air Force, primarily renowned for its pivotal role in the defence of London and South East England during the Battle of Britain. Initially formed in 1918, the group was later reactivated in the interwar period and became a cornerstone of RAF Fighter Command. Its operational legacy spans the Second World War, the Cold War, and into the 21st century, adapting to roles in air defence and offensive counter air operations.

History

The group was first established on 1 April 1918, coinciding with the formation of the Royal Air Force itself, as part of the reorganisation following the disbandment of the Royal Flying Corps. It was initially based at RAF Andover and controlled fighter and army cooperation units in the United Kingdom. Following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, its squadrons were rapidly disbanded, and it was itself disbanded in 1923. The group was reformed on 22 May 1936 as a key component of the newly created RAF Fighter Command, with its headquarters established at RAF Uxbridge. This period saw the group's area of responsibility defined as London and the Home Counties, a strategic assignment that would define its destiny.

Second World War

During the Second World War, No. 11 Group achieved legendary status under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park. As the frontline group during the Battle of Britain, it bore the brunt of the Luftwaffe's attacks, directing iconic squadrons like No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron and No. 92 Squadron RAF from airfields such as RAF Biggin Hill and RAF Hornchurch. The group's operations room at RAF Uxbridge was famously visited by Winston Churchill. Following the battle, the group participated in offensive operations like Circus and Ranger missions over Occupied France. In 1943, command passed to Air Vice-Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory, who later commanded the Allied Expeditionary Air Force for the Normandy landings.

Post-war era

After the war, the group remained a vital part of RAF Fighter Command, transitioning to jet aircraft and confronting the new threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It operated the first generation of British jet fighters like the Gloster Meteor and later the Hawker Hunter. The group was disbanded in 1961 as part of a reorganisation, but was reactivated in 1968 within RAF Strike Command to control all UK-based fighter squadrons. During this period, it operated aircraft such as the English Electric Lightning and the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. It was disbanded again in 1996, before being reformed in 2006 within RAF Air Command to provide deployable expeditionary air combat and support forces.

Airfields and stations

Throughout its history, the group has been headquartered at several significant RAF stations. Its most famous headquarters was the underground bunker at RAF Uxbridge, which housed the group's operations room during the Battle of Britain. Post-war, the group's headquarters moved to RAF Bentley Priory, the former home of RAF Fighter Command. Later, it was also based at RAF Northolt. Its operational airfields have included many famous Battle of Britain airfields such as RAF Tangmere, RAF Kenley, and RAF Debden, as well as major Cold War bases like RAF Binbrook and RAF Wattisham.

Commanders

The group has been led by many notable Royal Air Force officers. Its most celebrated commander is Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park, who led it during the Battle of Britain. He was succeeded by Air Vice-Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory. Other distinguished commanders include Air Vice-Marshal Richard Atcherley, Air Vice-Marshal James Robb, who later served as Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Vice-Marshal Harold Bird-Wilson, a Battle of Britain ace. More recent commanders have included Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall.

Aircraft operated

The group has operated a vast array of aircraft types. During the Battle of Britain, its primary fighters were the Hawker Hurricane and the Supermarine Spitfire. In the post-war era, it transitioned to jets, operating the Gloster Meteor, the Hawker Hunter, and the de Havilland Vampire. During the Cold War, it controlled squadrons flying the English Electric Lightning interceptor and the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. In its later incarnations, it has been associated with the Panavia Tornado and, in its current expeditionary role, it provides command for units operating the Eurofighter Typhoon and other modern types.

Category:Royal Air Force groups Category:Military units and formations established in 1918 Category:Aviation in the United Kingdom