No. 120 Squadron RAF

No. 120 Squadron RAF. It is a distinguished squadron of the Royal Air Force with a long and varied history, primarily renowned for its critical role in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Currently operating the Boeing Poseidon MRA1 from RAF Lossiemouth, the squadron has been reformed multiple times, serving in roles from maritime patrol to air-to-air refuelling. Its service spans conflicts from the First World War to contemporary operations, earning numerous battle honours for its contributions to Allied campaigns.

History

The squadron was first formed on 1 January 1918 at RAF Catterick as a day bomber unit intended for service on the Western Front, but it disbanded in June 1919 without seeing combat. It was reborn in June 1941 at RAF Nutts Corner in Northern Ireland, equipped with the Consolidated Liberator, and immediately began vital long-range anti-submarine warfare patrols over the Atlantic Ocean. Under the command of Coastal Command, its Very Long Range (VLR) Liberators were instrumental in closing the Mid-Atlantic gap, providing air cover for crucial Arctic convoys and hunting Kriegsmarine U-boats. The squadron was credited with sinking several U-boats and shared in the destruction of others, significantly aiding the Allied war effort. After the war, it disbanded but was subsequently reformed on several occasions, including service during the Cold War with the Avro Shackleton and later the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, conducting maritime reconnaissance. It operated the Vickers VC10 in an air-to-air refuelling role before disbanding in 1991, and was most recently reformed in 2009 to operate the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in a strategic transport capacity prior to transitioning to its current maritime patrol role.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the squadron has operated a diverse fleet of aircraft. Its initial equipment in 1918 included the Airco DH.9 and the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8. Its defining aircraft was the Consolidated Liberator Mk.I, III, V, and VI, especially the very long-range B-24 variants that were pivotal in the Battle of the Atlantic. Post-war, it flew the Avro Lancaster GR.3 and the Avro Lincoln before transitioning to the maritime patrol Avro Shackleton MR.1, MR.2, and MR.3 during the 1950s and 1960s. From 1965, it operated the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR.1 and MR.2 for over two decades. In its air-to-air refuelling incarnation, it was equipped with the Vickers VC10 K.2 and K.3. Following its 2009 revival, it initially flew the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III before transitioning to the Boeing Poseidon MRA1 for maritime patrol duties.

Notable personnel

Several notable aviators have served with the squadron. Among its commanding officers was Wing Commander Terence Bulloch, a highly decorated and successful U-boat hunter who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross. Another distinguished member was Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for an action in July 1944 while serving with No. 210 Squadron RAF, having previously flown with No. 120 Squadron. The squadron also counted Air Vice-Marshal John L. W. Ellacombe among its wartime pilots, who later had a significant post-war career in the Royal Air Force.

Bases and deployments

The squadron has been based at numerous RAF stations across the United Kingdom and overseas. Its initial wartime home was RAF Nutts Corner, before moving to RAF Aldergrove and then RAF Ballykelly in Northern Ireland, from where it conducted its Atlantic patrols. Later, it deployed to RAF Reykjavik in Iceland and RAF Lagens in the Azores to extend its patrol range. Post-war bases included RAF Leuchars in Scotland, RAF Kinloss, and RAF St. Mawgan in Cornwall. During its time with the Vickers VC10, it was based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Its current and historical home for maritime patrol operations is RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

Squadron insignia and motto

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1943, features an eagle volant, symbolizing speed and the high-altitude, long-range nature of its duties. The motto is "Endeavour", reflecting the determined effort required for its arduous maritime patrols over vast oceans. The badge and motto were earned through the squadron's relentless efforts during the Second World War, particularly in the protection of Allied shipping from enemy threats in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1918