No. 15 Squadron RAF

No. 15 Squadron RAF. It is one of the Royal Air Force's oldest and most distinguished front-line squadrons, having been formed during the First World War. Throughout its long history, the squadron has operated a wide variety of military aircraft across numerous conflicts, evolving from a reconnaissance unit to a modern multi-role combat force. Currently based at RAF Lossiemouth and flying the Eurofighter Typhoon, it remains a key component of the United Kingdom's air defence and expeditionary capabilities.

History

The squadron was formed at RAF South Farnborough on 1 March 1915 and deployed to France that December for reconnaissance duties with the Royal Flying Corps. During the First World War, it participated in major offensives including the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras, providing vital aerial photography and artillery spotting. Disbanded after the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it was re-formed in 1924 at RAF Martlesham Heath, flying Airco DH.9A aircraft on army co-operation tasks. In the Second World War, initially equipped with the Fairey Battle, the squadron suffered heavy losses during the Battle of France before converting to the Vickers Wellington and later the Avro Lancaster as part of RAF Bomber Command, conducting strategic bombing raids over Nazi Germany. Post-war, it operated the English Electric Canberra and Avro Vulcan during the Cold War, before transitioning to the Panavia Tornado in the 1990s, seeing action in the Gulf War and the Iraq War. In 2023, the squadron was officially re-established as the third frontline Eurofighter Typhoon unit at RAF Lossiemouth.

Aircraft operated

The squadron's first operational aircraft was the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c, used for reconnaissance. In the inter-war period, it operated types like the Airco DH.9A, Fairey III, and Hawker Audax. Its first monoplane was the Fairey Battle, used at the start of the Second World War. It then transitioned to the Vickers Wellington Mk.IC and later the Short Stirling, before becoming a highly effective Avro Lancaster unit. In the jet age, it flew the English Electric Canberra B.2 and B.6, followed by the Avro Vulcan B.2 as part of the V-force. From 1991, it operated the Panavia Tornado GR.1/GR.4 in the strike/attack role for over three decades. In 2023, it began conversion to the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4.

Squadron bases

The squadron's first base was RAF South Farnborough. Its first operational war station was Moislains in France. Key inter-war bases included RAF Martlesham Heath and RAF Abingdon. During the Second World War, it operated from stations such as RAF Alconbury, RAF Wyton, and RAF Mildenhall. Post-war, it was based at RAF Coningsby with the Avro Vulcan and later at RAF Honington with the Panavia Tornado. For the majority of its Panavia Tornado service, it was stationed at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, a base it returned to upon reforming with the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Notable personnel

Notable commanders include Wing Commander J. N. H. Whitworth, who led the squadron during its Avro Lancaster operations. Among its decorated Second World War aircrew was Squadron Leader John Grey, a DFC-awarded Avro Lancaster pilot. The renowned aviation author and pilot, Captain W. E. Johns, creator of the Biggles character, served with the squadron during the First World War. Another distinguished member was Flight Lieutenant R. H. Middleton, a Victoria Cross recipient who, although awarded for actions with No. 149 Squadron RAF, represents the calibre of RAF Bomber Command personnel. Post-war, Air Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson, the top Allied fighter ace, held a senior posting overseeing the squadron's region.

Squadron badge and motto

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1938, features an Egyptian Sacred Ibis volant. This symbol was chosen in reference to the squadron's service in Egypt and Sudan during the 1920s and 1930s, where the bird was a common sight. The unit's Latin motto, "***Aim Sure***", reflects the precision required in its original artillery spotting role and has been retained through its evolution into a bomber and strike squadron. The badge and motto are proudly displayed on the squadron's Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.