No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron RAF

No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron RAF. It is the oldest squadron in the Royal Air Force, having been formed on 1 April 1912 at Farnborough as part of the Royal Flying Corps. The squadron has served in almost every major conflict involving British forces, operating a succession of iconic fighter aircraft. Today, based at RAF Waddington, it flies the Eurofighter Typhoon in the Quick Reaction Alert and air defence roles.

History

The squadron's origins lie in an airship and kite detachment formed at Larkhill in 1911, which was officially constituted as No. 1 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps the following year. During the First World War, it operated initially as a reconnaissance unit with the British Expeditionary Force before transitioning to fighter duties with aircraft like the Nieuport 17 and Sopwith Camel, achieving numerous aerial victories. In the interwar period, the squadron was stationed in British India and later re-equipped with modern Hawker Hurricanes prior to the Second World War. It fought throughout the Battle of Britain from bases like Northolt and Tangmere, later supporting the Allied invasion of Normandy and advancing across North-West Europe. Post-war, it operated jet aircraft like the Hawker Hunter from bases in Germany during the Cold War, and saw combat in the Gulf War with the Panavia Tornado. The squadron was famously the first to operate the Eurofighter Typhoon in 2006.

Aircraft

Throughout its long service, the squadron has operated a wide array of aircraft types. Its early mounts included the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2, Airco DH.2, and the Sopwith Snipe. Between the wars, it flew the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin and the Hawker Fury. Its primary fighter during the Second World War was the Supermarine Spitfire, transitioning from the Hawker Hurricane. In the jet age, it operated the Gloster Meteor, Hawker Hunter, and the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. From 1975, it flew the Hawker Siddeley Harrier in the close air support role before converting to the Panavia Tornado GR1 in 1989. Since 2006, its sole aircraft has been the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4.

Battle honours

The squadron holds a vast array of battle honours, reflecting its continuous frontline service. Honours from the First World War include Western Front, Somme, and Cambrai. Its Second World War honours are extensive, covering the France and Flanders, the Battle of Britain, Normandy, and the Ardennes. Post-1945 honours include the Gulf War and Iraq 2003. The squadron was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre for its actions in 1918. These honours are emblazoned on the squadron's standard, a tradition in the Royal Air Force.

Notable personnel

Many distinguished aviators have served with the squadron. Early aces include Major Lanoe Hawker, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions in 1915. Another notable First World War commander was Harold B. Hudson. During the Battle of Britain, the squadron was commanded by Squadron Leader David Pemberton, and its pilots included the ace James MacLachlan. In the jet age, notable commanders have included Wing Commander Johnnie Johnson, a top Allied ace, and Squadron Leader Nigel Walmsley, a Harrier pilot decorated during the Falklands War. The squadron has also been associated with senior RAF officers like Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford.

Current role and operations

Currently based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire as part of No. 1 Group RAF, the squadron operates the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4. Its primary mission is to maintain the United Kingdom's Air Policing and Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) services, ready to scramble against unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace. The squadron also regularly deploys on international exercises and NATO air policing duties across Europe, such as in Romania and the Baltic states. Furthermore, it has seen sustained combat operations, contributing aircraft and personnel to Operation Shader, the coalition campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1912