No. 2 Squadron RAF

No. 2 Squadron RAF. No. 2 Squadron is one of the oldest and most distinguished units in the Royal Air Force, having been formed as part of the Royal Flying Corps in 1912. Throughout its long history, the squadron has operated a wide variety of aircraft in roles ranging from army cooperation and reconnaissance to air defence and strike operations. It is currently based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, flying the advanced Eurofighter Typhoon in a multi-role capacity.

History

The squadron's origins trace back to its formation at Farnborough Airfield on 13 May 1912, initially equipped with a mix of aircraft including the Bristol Boxkite. It deployed to France shortly after the outbreak of World War I, conducting vital reconnaissance missions during key battles such as the Battle of Mons and the First Battle of the Marne. In the interwar period, the unit specialized in army cooperation, a role it continued into World War II, operating from bases in France and later North Africa during the Western Desert campaign. Post-war, it transitioned to jet aircraft, seeing action in conflicts from the Gulf War and Kosovo War to the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War. The squadron was a key component of RAF Germany during the Cold War, tasked with nuclear and conventional strike roles against the Warsaw Pact.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the squadron has operated a diverse fleet. Early aircraft included the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 and the Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8 during World War I. The interwar and early World War II period saw the use of the Westland Lysander and the Curtiss Tomahawk. Its jet age began with the Gloster Meteor and the English Electric Canberra, followed by the Hawker Hunter and the McDonnell Douglas Phantom. For over two decades, it operated the Panavia Tornado in various ground-attack and reconnaissance variants, participating in numerous combat operations. In 2015, the squadron transitioned to its current aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon, at RAF Lossiemouth.

Notable personnel

Many distinguished aviators have served with the squadron. Among its early commanders was Major Hugh Dowding, who later, as Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, led RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. World War I ace Lanoe Hawker, who was awarded the Victoria Cross, served with the unit early in the conflict. Another notable member was Arthur Harris, who later, as Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris, led RAF Bomber Command. In more recent times, high-ranking officers such as Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford have also served tours with the squadron.

Squadron badges and markings

The squadron's official badge, approved by King George VI in 1937, features an Ostrich holding a horseshoe in its beak. The ostrich symbolizes speed and the global reach of its reconnaissance missions, while the horseshoe represents luck and the squadron's traditional close support of the British Army. Its long-standing nickname, "Shiny Two", is believed to originate from the highly polished buttons and buckles of its early uniform. Aircraft markings have evolved over time, but traditionally include the squadron number "II" and, on the Eurofighter Typhoon, a distinctive fin flash.

Bases and deployments

The squadron has been based at numerous locations across the globe. Its first headquarters was at Farnborough Airfield. Significant postings include lengthy periods in Germany as part of RAF Germany, at bases such as RAF Gütersloh and RAF Laarbruch. In the UK, it has been stationed at RAF Marham in Norfolk and RAF Cotishall in Norfolk. Since 2015, its home has been RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland. Key operational deployments have seen the squadron operate from Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait during the Gulf War, Gioia del Colle Air Base in Italy for the Kosovo War, and Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1912