No. 38 Group (RAF)

No. 38 Group (RAF). It was a specialist transport and special operations formation of the Royal Air Force, originally established during the Second World War. The group played a crucial role in airborne operations, including major Allied assaults like Operation Overlord and Operation Market Garden. Reformed in the post-war era, it evolved into a key component of the RAF's global air mobility and tactical support capabilities.

History

The group was first formed on **15 September 1943** at RAF Netheravon, under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Leslie Hollinghurst. Its creation consolidated various RAF and Allied transport and glider units to provide dedicated support for the burgeoning airborne forces. It operated under the umbrella of RAF Fighter Command before later transferring to the newly formed RAF Transport Command. Following the end of the Second World War, the group was disbanded in **June 1945**, only to be reformed in **1960** as part of the RAF's reorganization to meet Cold War commitments, initially based at RAF Upavon.

Operational role

During the Second World War, its primary mission was to deliver and support British airborne forces, utilizing a mix of tug aircraft and military gliders like the Airspeed Horsa and General Aircraft Hamilcar. Post-war, the reformed group's role expanded significantly within RAF Transport Command, and later RAF Air Support Command, to encompass worldwide strategic airlift, tactical air transport, and aerial refueling. It was instrumental in supporting British Army deployments, United Nations peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian relief efforts across continents like Africa and Asia.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the group operated a diverse fleet. Its wartime aircraft included the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle, Handley Page Halifax, and Short Stirling for towing gliders and dropping paratroops. After **1960**, it transitioned to modern jet and turboprop transports, such as the Blackburn Beverley, Armstrong Whitworth Argosy, and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Later, it operated the Vickers VC10 and Lockheed TriStar for strategic transport and aerial refueling, with its squadrons often based at key stations like RAF Brize Norton and RAF Lyneham.

Notable operations

The group executed numerous critical missions. Its first major test was the massive airborne element of the D-Day landings during Operation Overlord in **June 1944**. It later played a substantial part in the ill-fated Operation Market Garden, dropping troops at Arnhem. In the post-war period, it supported operations during the Suez Crisis, the Indonesian Confrontation, and the Falklands War, where its Hercules fleet performed vital long-range logistics flights from Ascension Island. It also conducted frequent relief flights during crises like the Biafran airlift.

Commanding officers

Command was held by several notable Royal Air Force officers. The first commander was Air Vice-Marshal Leslie Hollinghurst (**1943–1944**), followed by Air Vice-Marshal James Scarlett-Streatfeild (**1944–1945**). Upon its reformation, commanders included Air Vice-Marshal John Severne (**1962–1965**) and later officers such as Air Vice-Marshal David Emmerson (**1978–1980**). These commanders oversaw the group's integration into NATO structures and its adaptation to evolving global demands.

Disbandment and legacy

No. 38 Group was disbanded for a final time on **1 April 1993**, following the end of the Cold War and a major reorganization of the RAF's support forces. Its squadrons and responsibilities were absorbed into the newly formed No. 2 Group within RAF Strike Command. The group's legacy endures in the RAF's continued emphasis on air mobility, with its former home, RAF Brize Norton, remaining the service's premier air transport hub. Its history is commemorated by the **No. 38 Group RAF Association**. Category:Royal Air Force groups Category:Royal Air Force in World War II Category:Military units and formations established in 1943