No. 24 Squadron RAF

No. 24 Squadron RAF. It is one of the Royal Air Force's longest-serving squadrons, with a history spanning over a century from its formation during the First World War to its final disbandment in 2022. Originally established as a training unit, the squadron evolved through numerous roles, including fighter operations, transport, and most famously as the primary communications squadron for the British Armed Forces. Its legacy is defined by its critical support duties, operating a wide variety of aircraft from the Airco DH.9A to the BAe 146, and by the many distinguished aviators who served within its ranks.

History

No. 24 Squadron was formed at RAF Hounslow on 21 September 1915, initially as a training unit for the Royal Flying Corps. During the First World War, it later deployed to France for reconnaissance and bombing missions, flying aircraft like the Airco DH.2 and the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2. In the interwar period, the squadron was based at RAF Kenley and re-equipped with fighters such as the Gloster Gauntlet, transitioning to a Home Defence role. Its most enduring chapter began in the post-Second World War era when it was tasked with operating the King's Flight and providing VIP air transport, a duty it performed for decades from RAF Northolt. This role saw it support every Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and member of the British Royal Family, becoming an integral part of the nation's command and control infrastructure during events like the Falklands War and operations in the Persian Gulf.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the squadron operated a remarkably diverse fleet. Early types included the Airco DH.9A and the de Havilland DH.84 Dragon for transport. For its VIP duties, it flew iconic aircraft such as the de Havilland Devon, the Hawker Siddeley Andover, and the Hawker Siddeley HS 748. Later, it became synonymous with the British Aerospace 125 and the BAe 146 jet, the latter known as the "RAF Force 146". It also operated helicopters including the Westland Wessex and the Aérospatiale Gazelle for short-range communications tasks. The squadron's final operational aircraft before disbandment was the Airbus A400M Atlas, which it used briefly for training and support flights.

Notable personnel

Many notable figures in aviation and public life have served with or been associated with the squadron. Early members included Lanoe Hawker, a Victoria Cross recipient and early commander. During the Second World War, the squadron's transport role saw it carry key figures like Winston Churchill and General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Distinguished pilots include Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, who flew with the unit early in his career, and Air Vice-Marshal Donald Bennett, known for his work with the Pathfinder Force. Later, as the communications squadron, its passengers encompassed numerous Chiefs of the Defence Staff, Foreign Secretaries, and visiting dignitaries from allied nations like the United States and NATO.

Squadron bases

The squadron was peripatetic, occupying numerous bases across its history. Its first home was RAF Hounslow. Key interwar and Second World War stations included RAF Kenley, RAF Hendon, and RAF Bassingbourn. For the majority of its post-war communications role, it was permanently based at RAF Northolt in London, a location central to its government transport duties. Other significant postings included RAF Lyncham during its operation of larger transports and, in its final years, RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire as part of the RAF Air Mobility Force.

Battle honours

The squadron was awarded the following battle honours, reflecting its long and varied service: * Western Front (1916–1918) * Home Defence (1940–1944) * Normandy (1944) * Arnhem (1944) * Rhine (1945) These honours, approved by the Air Ministry and later the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), recognise its combat contributions in two world wars, particularly during the Battle of Britain and the D-Day campaign. The honour "Home Defence" specifically acknowledges its fighter patrols over Southern England during the Blitz.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1915 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 2022