No. 202 Squadron RAF

No. 202 Squadron RAF is a long-serving unit of the Royal Air Force with a distinguished history in maritime operations. Originally formed during the First World War, it has served in roles including anti-submarine warfare, air-sea rescue, and maritime patrol. The squadron has been based at RAF Valley in Anglesey for much of its post-war service, operating aircraft such as the Westland Sea King and currently the Airbus Helicopters H135.

History

The squadron's origins trace back to **No. 2 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service**, which was formed in September 1914 at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey. During the First World War, it conducted coastal patrols and anti-submarine missions over the North Sea and the English Channel. Redesignated as **No. 202 Squadron RAF** on 1 April 1918 with the formation of the Royal Air Force, it continued its maritime duties. In the interwar period, the squadron was disbanded and reformed several times, operating from bases like RAF Leuchars in Scotland. Its most significant service came during the Second World War, where it flew long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft, including the Consolidated Catalina, from bases across the Mediterranean such as Gibraltar and Malta, playing a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic and the Siege of Malta. Post-war, it transitioned to the air-sea rescue role, famously operating the Westland Whirlwind and later the Westland Sea King from RAF Valley, saving countless lives around the coasts of Wales and the Irish Sea. The squadron was officially reformed in its current guise in 1971, continuing its search and rescue duties until that role was privatized, after which it took on training and support missions.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its history, the squadron has operated a diverse range of aircraft. Early types included the Short 184 and Sopwith Baby seaplanes during the First World War. In the interwar years, it flew flying boats like the Supermarine Southampton and the Short Singapore. Its most famous wartime aircraft was the Consolidated Catalina, a long-range patrol flying boat, supplemented by the Short Sunderland. For post-war air-sea rescue, it operated successive generations of helicopters: the Westland Dragonfly, the Westland Whirlwind, and the iconic Westland Sea King HAR.3, which served for over four decades. Following the retirement of the **Sea King**, the squadron transitioned to the Airbus Helicopters H135 (known in service as the **Juno HT.1**), which it currently operates for training and support duties from RAF Valley.

Squadron bases

The squadron has been based at numerous locations across the United Kingdom and overseas. Its first base was the RNAS Eastchurch. Significant interwar and Second World War bases included RAF Calshot, RAF Mount Batten, RAF Gibraltar, and RAF Kalafrana on Malta. After the war, it was based at RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland before moving to its long-term home at RAF Valley on Anglesey in 1958. Other temporary post-war locations included RAF Ballykelly and RAF Leconfield. Its association with **RAF Valley** has been the most enduring, spanning the majority of its air-sea rescue and current training operations.

Notable personnel

Several notable individuals have served with the squadron. Among them is **Air Vice-Marshal John Chaplin**, who commanded the squadron during a period of its post-war rescue work. **Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank** VC, although awarded his Victoria Cross while serving with **No. 210 Squadron RAF**, is often associated with the Catalina operations typical of **No. 202 Squadron's** wartime role. Another distinguished member was **Wing Commander Ken Gatward**, known for the famous "Channel Dash" reconnaissance flight, who later served with the squadron. The squadron's long service in rescue also produced many decorated helicopter pilots and winchmen recognized for bravery in the **Queen's Gallantry Medal** and **Air Force Cross** awards.

Squadron badge and motto

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1937, features an eagle volant, wings elevated and addorsed, symbolizing speed, vigilance, and high flight. Its motto, "Semper vigilate", is Latin for "Always watchful", a fitting maxim for a unit dedicated to maritime patrol and life-saving search and rescue over often treacherous seas. The badge and motto reflect the squadron's enduring operational ethos from its early coastal patrols to its modern-day duties.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1914