No. 2622 (Highland) Squadron

No. 2622 (Highland) Squadron
Unit name	No. 2622 (Highland) Squadron
Branch	Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Type	Field Squadron
Role	Airfield Damage Repair
Dates	1 October 1950 – 10 March 1957, 1 April 1986 – present
Garrison	RAF Leuchars
Motto	Siol na Fearna, (Gaelic: Seed of the Alder)
Identification symbol	An eagle's head erased
Identification symbol label	Squadron Badge

No. 2622 (Highland) Squadron is a specialist field squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF). Based at RAF Leuchars in Fife, its primary role is Airfield Damage Repair (ADR), a critical function for maintaining operational airfields. The squadron has a discontinuous history, first formed in the post-war era before being disbanded and later reactivated during the Cold War.

History

The squadron was originally formed on 1 October 1950 as part of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's post-World War II expansion, specifically within the RAF Regiment. Its initial role was as a light anti-aircraft squadron, equipped with Bofors 40 mm L/60 guns to defend Royal Air Force airfields from aerial attack. This period coincided with heightened tensions of the early Cold War and the Korean War. The squadron was disbanded on 10 March 1957 following the 1957 Defence White Paper, which led to the dissolution of the entire Royal Auxiliary Air Force fighter and regiment units. It was reactivated in its current form on 1 April 1986 at RAF Leuchars, reflecting a renewed emphasis on UK home defence and specialist support capabilities within the modern Royal Air Force structure.

Role and operations

As a field squadron, its principal function is Airfield Damage Repair, a vital force protection and generation task. This involves the rapid assessment and repair of craters, damaged runways, and infrastructure on operational airfields caused by enemy attack or accidents, ensuring that air operations can continue. The squadron regularly trains alongside regular RAF Regiment field squadrons and other British Armed Forces engineering units, participating in major exercises such as Exercise Joint Warrior. Its personnel, drawn from across Scotland, are RAuxAF volunteers who maintain a high state of readiness to support the Royal Air Force in the UK and on deployed operations worldwide.

Aircraft operated

The squadron does not operate aircraft. As a ground-based RAF Regiment field squadron, its equipment consists of engineering plant, vehicles, and specialist tools for explosive ordnance disposal, demolition, and construction tasks. This includes items such as excavators, dump trucks, and rapid runway repair materials, aligning with its core ADR mission in support of Royal Air Force flying units like those operating the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Squadron bases

* RAF Leuchars, Fife (1 October 1950 – 10 March 1957; 1 April 1986 – present). The squadron has been permanently based at RAF Leuchars throughout both its active periods. This station has historically been a key Royal Air Force fighter base, home to units flying aircraft such as the English Electric Lightning and later the Panavia Tornado.

Commanding officers

Command is held by a Squadron Leader of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Due to the auxiliary nature of the unit, commanding officers are typically civilian volunteers with military commissions. Notable past commanders have included officers who also served in regular Royal Air Force or British Army formations.

Squadron badge and motto

The squadron badge, approved by Queen Elizabeth II, features an eagle's head erased. The motto is Siol na Fearna, Gaelic for "Seed of the Alder". The alder tree is known for its resilient wood, symbolising the squadron's role in robust and rapid repair operations. The heraldic eagle's head reflects attributes of vigilance and strength, connecting to the squadron's origins in the air defence-focused RAF Regiment.

Category:Royal Auxiliary Air Force Category:Royal Air Force Regiment Category:Military units and formations in Scotland Category:Military units and formations established in 1950