No. 2 Group (RAF)

No. 2 Group (RAF)
Unit name	No. 2 Group
Dates	1918–1920, 1936–1945, 1947–2000
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	UK
Command structure	RAF Bomber Command, RAF Second Tactical Air Force
Role	Light Bomber, Tactical Strike
Notable commanders	Arthur Harris, Basil Embry

No. 2 Group (RAF). A long-standing and adaptable formation of the Royal Air Force, No. 2 Group served with distinction in multiple roles across the 20th century. Initially part of RAF Bomber Command during the early years of the Second World War, it later became a key component of the RAF Second Tactical Air Force for the invasion of Europe. The group was characterized by its use of light and medium bombers for precision strikes and tactical support of ground forces.

History

The group was first established in April 1918 within the Royal Flying Corps structure, just before the formation of the independent Royal Air Force. It was disbanded in the post-war reductions of 1920. Reactivated in 1936 under the expanding RAF Bomber Command, it was equipped with aircraft like the Bristol Blenheim and played a significant role in the early war years, including the Battle of France. Following heavy losses in unescorted daylight raids, it was transferred to the newly formed RAF Second Tactical Air Force in June 1943 to specialize in tactical operations. Post-war, it was re-formed within RAF Germany during the Cold War, operating from bases like RAF Gütersloh and RAF Laarbruch before final disbandment in 2000.

Structure

Throughout its existence, the group's composition was fluid, comprising numerous operational squadrons and wings. During the Second World War, it controlled stations such as RAF Horsham St Faith and RAF Swanton Morley. Its squadrons, including No. 21 Squadron RAF and No. 107 Squadron RAF, were often organized into wings for specific operations. In its post-war incarnation within RAF Germany, the group commanded front-line squadrons flying aircraft like the Hawker Hunter and later the Panavia Tornado, forming a vital part of NATO's air defence and strike capability in Central Europe.

Aircraft

The group operated a wide variety of aircraft types suited to its evolving missions. Its early war inventory featured light bombers such as the Bristol Blenheim, Fairey Battle, and Lockheed Ventura. For its tactical role after 1943, it utilized the fast, twin-engine de Havilland Mosquito for precision raids and the Douglas Boston for medium bombing. Post-war jets included the English Electric Canberra for reconnaissance and strike, the Gloster Javelin for all-weather interception, and ultimately the multi-role Panavia Tornado GR1, which served as its primary weapon system until disbandment.

Commanders

Notable officers who commanded the group include several prominent figures in Royal Air Force history. The first Air Officer Commanding upon its 1936 reactivation was Air Vice-Marshal Charles Blount. During the critical early war period, it was led by Air Vice-Marshal James Robb. Perhaps its most famous commander was Air Vice-Marshal Arthur Harris, later the head of RAF Bomber Command, who led the group in 1939. Later, the highly respected Air Vice-Marshal Basil Embry commanded during its transformation into a tactical force in 1943.

Operations

The group's operational history is extensive. In 1939, its Bristol Blenheims flew some of the Royal Air Force's first reconnaissance missions over Germany. It participated in the Battle of France and the unsuccessful Raid on the Maas bridges. After joining the RAF Second Tactical Air Force, it became instrumental in Operation Overlord, conducting "Roadstead" anti-shipping strikes and attacking V-1 flying bomb launch sites during Operation Crossbow. Its de Havilland Mosquito squadrons executed pinpoint attacks on key targets like the Amsterdam Gestapo headquarters and provided vital tactical support during the Battle of Normandy and Operation Market Garden.

Disbandment and legacy

No. 2 Group was disbanded on 1 April 2000, as part of wider restructuring following the end of the Cold War and the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. Its assets and responsibilities in RAF Germany were absorbed by other commands. The group's legacy is one of remarkable adaptability, transitioning from strategic light bombing to specialized tactical air support. Its operational techniques, particularly the low-level precision strike missions perfected with the de Havilland Mosquito, influenced Royal Air Force doctrine for decades. The numberplate was later revived for No. 2 Group (Air Combat) within RAF Air Command.

Category:Royal Air Force groups