No. 230 Squadron RAF

No. 230 Squadron RAF is a long-serving Royal Air Force squadron with a distinguished history in transport and maritime operations. Initially formed during the First World War, it saw extensive service in the Far East during the Second World War and later transitioned to helicopter operations. The squadron is currently based at RAF Benson and operates the Westland Puma HC2 in support of UK military operations worldwide.

History

The squadron was first formed on 20 August 1918 at RAF Felixstowe as a flying boat unit, but was disbanded in February 1919 without seeing combat. It was reformed on 1 December 1934 at RAF Pembroke Dock and equipped with Short Singapore flying boats for maritime patrol duties. During the Second World War, No. 230 Squadron operated Short Sunderland aircraft from bases including Alexandria and East Africa, conducting vital anti-submarine patrols over the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. It played a key role in the Battle of the Mediterranean, supporting the Eighth Army and the Royal Navy during the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign. Post-war, the squadron was deployed to Singapore during the Malayan Emergency and later saw action in Borneo during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. After converting to helicopters in the late 1960s, it served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and provided crucial support during the Falklands War from RAF Ascension Island. More recent deployments include operations in the Balkans, the Gulf War, Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Aircraft operated

Throughout its history, the squadron has operated a diverse range of aircraft. Its early flying boat era included the Short Singapore, Supermarine Southampton, and the iconic Short Sunderland. After the war, it briefly operated the Short Sealand before transitioning to land-based transports like the Douglas Dakota. Its helicopter lineage began with the Westland Whirlwind, followed by the Westland Wessex and the Aérospatiale Puma, which it first received in 1971. The squadron has operated various marks of the Puma, including the current Westland Puma HC2, which it flies in the tactical transport role for the RAF Air Mobility Force.

Bases

The squadron has been based at numerous locations across the globe. Its early and interwar homes included RAF Felixstowe, RAF Pembroke Dock, and RAF Calshot. Wartime deployments saw it stationed at Abu Sueir in Egypt, Koggala in Ceylon, and Langebaanweg in South Africa. Post-war, it was based at RAF Seletar in Singapore and RAF Odiham in Hampshire. Its helicopter operations have been centered at RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland, RAF Gütersloh in West Germany, and since 2009, its home has been RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.

Notable personnel

Several distinguished aviators have served with the squadron. Among them was Squadron Leader John L. W. Ellacombe, a Battle of Britain pilot who later commanded the squadron in the post-war period. Another notable commander was Wing Commander John G. H. Thomas, who led the squadron during its operations in Borneo. Renowned aviation author and Battle of Britain historian, Larry Forrester, also served with No. 230 Squadron during the Second World War.

Squadron badges and markings

The squadron's badge, approved in August 1937, features an elephant, chosen to reflect its long association with the Far East and India, where it served for many years. The motto Ad portas volamus ("We fly to the gates") underscores its transport and support role. During its flying boat era, aircraft typically carried the standard Royal Air Force maritime camouflage and the squadron code "DQ". In the helicopter era, its Westland Puma aircraft have been painted in various tactical grey schemes and typically display a small elephant motif near the cockpit, maintaining a link to its historic insignia.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1918