No. 12 Squadron (RAF)

No. 12 Squadron (RAF) is a longstanding and distinguished squadron of the Royal Air Force, first formed during the First World War. It has operated a wide variety of aircraft across numerous conflicts, evolving from a reconnaissance unit to a key player in airborne early warning and control. The squadron is renowned for its motto "Leads the Field" and its distinctive badge featuring a fox's mask.

History

No. 12 Squadron was formed at RAF Netheravon on 14 February 1915, initially equipped with the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 for army co-operation duties on the Western Front. During the Second World War, the squadron transitioned to the Vickers Wellington and later the Avro Lancaster, participating heavily in Bomber Command's strategic offensive against Nazi Germany, including raids on targets like Berlin and the Ruhr. In the post-war era, it operated the English Electric Canberra and Avro Vulcan as part of the V bomber force, seeing action during the Falklands War with the latter. More recently, it operated the Panavia Tornado in the reconnaissance role during the Gulf War and Iraq War, before transitioning to its current mission.

Aircraft operated

The squadron's operational history is defined by its diverse fleet. Early types included the B.E.2, Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8, and the Fairey Battle. Its World War II service was conducted with the Vickers Wellington and, most famously, the Avro Lancaster. During the Cold War, it flew the English Electric Canberra and the delta-winged Avro Vulcan. From the 1990s, it operated the Panavia Tornado GR1 and Tornado GR4 in the reconnaissance role. In 2024, the squadron began operating the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail (designated E-7 AEW1 in RAF service), an advanced airborne early warning and control platform based at RAF Waddington.

Notable personnel

Several decorated aviators have served with the squadron. Among them is Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire, a renowned Victoria Cross recipient and Bomber Command pathfinder who commanded the squadron during part of World War II. Another notable commander was Group Captain Johnnie Johnson, the Royal Air Force's top-scoring fighter ace against the Luftwaffe, who led the squadron post-war. The esteemed pilot and author Paul Brickhill, who wrote *The Dam Busters*, also served with No. 12 Squadron during the conflict.

Squadron badges and markings

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in July 1937, features a fox's mask, symbolising the squadron's cunning and resourcefulness in its original reconnaissance role. Its motto, "Leads the Field" (Latin: *Leads the Field*), was approved in the same year. During its Lancaster era, aircraft often carried the squadron code "PH". In its Panavia Tornado period, the squadron's tail flash typically featured a red fox's mask on a light blue background, a design that has been adapted for its new Boeing E-7 Wedgetail fleet.

Bases and deployments

The squadron has been based at numerous stations across the United Kingdom and deployed globally. Key historical bases include RAF Bicester, RAF Binbrook, and RAF Lossiemouth. Its most significant overseas deployment was to RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands following the Falklands War, where it operated the Avro Vulcan and later the Panavia Tornado for air defence. For decades, its home was RAF Marham in Norfolk, from where it deployed on operations to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Its current and future home is RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, a centre for the RAF's ISTAR and control capabilities.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1915