No. 21 Squadron RAF

No. 21 Squadron RAF is a distinguished Royal Air Force squadron with a long and varied history spanning over a century. Initially formed during the First World War, it has operated in roles including army cooperation, bomber, fighter, and reconnaissance. The squadron is currently based at RAF Waddington, serving as a Test and Evaluation unit for the Boeing E-3 Sentry AEW&C aircraft.

History

The squadron was formed at RAF Netheravon on 23 July 1915, initially equipped with the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.7 for artillery spotting duties on the Western Front. During the Second World War, it flew Bristol Blenheim light bombers in the Battle of France and later transitioned to the de Havilland Mosquito, conducting precision raids such as the Operation Jericho attack on Amiens Prison. In the post-war era, the squadron operated English Electric Canberra jets in the bomber and reconnaissance roles during the Cold War, including deployments to RAF Gütersloh in West Germany. It was later equipped with the Panavia Tornado GR1 at RAF Marham, participating in operations during the Gulf War and over Iraq in the 1990s. Following a period operating the English Electric Lightning in the fighter role at RAF Binbrook, the squadron was reformed in 2011 as the Operational Conversion Unit for the Boeing E-3 Sentry.

Aircraft operated

The squadron's first operational aircraft was the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.7, followed by the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 and the Airco DH.9A. Its inter-war period saw the use of the Westland Wapiti and Hawker Hector. In the Second World War, it operated the Bristol Blenheim I and IV before its celebrated conversion to the de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI and B.IX. Post-war jets included the English Electric Canberra B.2 and PR.7, the Gloster Meteor FR.9, and the English Electric Lightning F.3 and F.6. From the 1970s, it flew the Panavia Tornado GR1 and, most recently, the Boeing E-3 Sentry AEW1, known as the Sentry AEW1 in Royal Air Force service.

Notable personnel

Notable commanders have included Wing Commander Percy Pickard, who led the Operation Jericho raid and was later killed in action. Distinguished pilots include Flight Lieutenant John Nettleton, a Victoria Cross recipient for his actions during the Augsburg raid while serving with No. 44 Squadron RAF. Ace Arthur Clowes achieved several aerial victories while flying the Sopwith Camel with the squadron during the First World War. Other notable members include Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, though his most famous work was with No. 617 Squadron RAF, and Air Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson, the Royal Air Force's top fighter ace of the Second World War, who had an early posting with the unit.

Squadron badges and motto

The squadron badge, approved by King George VI in 1937, features an eagle preying on a heron, symbolizing speed and aggressive attack. The motto, Viribus vincimus ("By strength we conquer"), reflects the unit's offensive spirit. The heron in the badge is a canting reference to the squadron's association with the Heron aircraft, a naval variant of the Westland Wapiti it once operated. The imagery and motto have been retained throughout numerous role changes, embodying the squadron's enduring identity within the Royal Air Force.

Bases and deployments

The squadron's first base was RAF Netheravon in 1915, before moving to France for service on the Western Front. Key inter-war stations included RAF Bircham Newton and RAF Upper Heyford. During the Second World War, it operated from airfields such as RAF Watton and RAF RAF Horsham St Faith. Post-war, it was based at RAF Gütersloh in West Germany and later at RAF Scampton with the V bomber force. During its time with the Panavia Tornado, it was stationed at RAF Laarbruch and RAF Marham. Its current home, since its reformation for the Sentry AEW1, is RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Significant overseas deployments have included operations from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, Muharraq Airfield in Bahrain, and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

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