No. 19 Squadron RAF

No. 19 Squadron RAF. It is one of the Royal Air Force's most distinguished front-line units, with a history spanning over a century. The squadron has operated a wide array of iconic aircraft and played pivotal roles in major conflicts, from the Western Front to the Cold War. Currently based at RAF Coningsby, it serves as an operational conversion unit for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

History

The squadron was originally formed as part of the Royal Flying Corps at RAF Castle Bromwich on 1 September 1915. Deploying to France in July 1916, it conducted vital reconnaissance and artillery spotting duties over the Battle of the Somme and other engagements on the Western Front. Disbanded after World War I, it was reformed in 1923 and became a key fighter unit, famously being the first to operationally deploy the Supermarine Spitfire in 1938. During the Battle of Britain, it was heavily engaged from its base at RAF Duxford, suffering significant losses while defending London and South East England. Post-war, the squadron transitioned to jet aircraft, operating the Gloster Meteor and later the Hawker Hunter from bases in West Germany as part of RAF Germany. In the 1960s, it re-equipped with the English Electric Lightning for high-speed interception duties before transitioning to the McDonnell Douglas Phantom in the 1970s. The squadron later operated the Panavia Tornado F3 for NATO air defence before converting to its current role on the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Aircraft operated

The squadron's operational history is marked by a succession of landmark British fighter aircraft. Its initial equipment included the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12 and the Airco DH.9. In the inter-war period, it flew biplanes like the Gloster Grebe and the Bristol Bulldog. Its most famous pre-war aircraft was the Supermarine Spitfire, which it flew through the Battle of Britain and beyond, using variants from the Spitfire Mk I to the Spitfire Mk XIV. The jet age began with the Gloster Meteor F.3 in 1951, followed by the Hawker Hunter F.5 and Hawker Hunter F.6. From 1962, it operated the English Electric Lightning F.2 and Lightning F.2A. Later types included the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 and the Panavia Tornado F3. Since 2011, its sole aircraft has been the Eurofighter Typhoon T3 and Typhoon FGR4.

Notable personnel

Many distinguished aviators have served with the squadron. Early commanders included Major Lionel Rees, a Victoria Cross recipient from his service with No. 32 Squadron RAF. Among its Battle of Britain aces was Flight Lieutenant Brian Lane, author of Spitfire!. Another notable World War II pilot was Squadron Leader H. J. L. "Johnnie" Johnson, the RAF's top scoring fighter ace against the Luftwaffe, who commanded the unit in 1943. Post-war commanders included Wing Commander Johnnie Johnson and later officers who rose to senior ranks within the Royal Air Force. The squadron also counts several Distinguished Flying Cross recipients among its alumni from various conflicts.

Squadron badges and markings

The squadron's official badge, approved by King George VI in 1937, features a dolphin. This symbol was chosen to represent the unit's characteristics of "speed and vigilance". The dolphin is depicted naiant, or swimming horizontally. For many years, the squadron's aircraft carried the code letters "QV", first applied in the pre-war period and used extensively during the Battle of Britain on its Spitfires. This code is among the most recognizable of the conflict. After 1951, the marking was simplified to the numeral "19", which has been displayed on its Gloster Meteor, Hawker Hunter, English Electric Lightning, and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, often in a distinctive style on the tail fin.

Bases and deployments

The squadron has been based at numerous locations across the United Kingdom and overseas. Its first operational base abroad was Fienvillers in France during World War I. Key inter-war stations included RAF Duxford and RAF Biggin Hill. During the Second World War, it operated from several RAF Fighter Command airfields, most notably RAF Duxford, RAF Fowlmere, and later RAF Gravesend. Post-war, it was stationed in West Germany as part of RAF Germany, at bases such as RAF Gütersloh and RAF Wildenrath. In the UK, it has been associated with RAF Leuchars in Scotland for Panavia Tornado air defence duties. Since 2008, its home has been RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, where it forms part of the Typhoon Force. The squadron has also deployed on exercises and operations across Europe and to locations like RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

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