No. 48 Squadron RAF

No. 48 Squadron RAF. It is one of the most senior squadrons of the Royal Air Force, with a history stretching back to the First World War. Initially formed as a Royal Flying Corps unit, it has operated a diverse range of aircraft in roles from reconnaissance and bombing to transport and air-to-air refuelling. Throughout its service, the squadron has been deployed in numerous major conflicts, earning a distinguished reputation for its operational effectiveness.

History

The squadron was originally formed at Netheravon on 15 April 1916, moving to France in March 1917 equipped with the Airco DH.4 for day bomber and reconnaissance duties over the Western Front. During the Second World War, it transitioned to Avro Ansons for maritime patrol before becoming one of the first units to operate the Lockheed Hudson, performing anti-submarine patrols from bases like RAF Gibraltar and RAF Langham. Post-war, it flew the Handley Page Hastings as part of RAF Transport Command, seeing action during the Korean War and the Suez Crisis. The squadron later operated the Lockheed Hercules, playing crucial roles in the Falklands War and Operation Granby during the Gulf War. After a period operating the Vickers VC10 in the air-to-air refuelling role, it was reformed in 2006 to fly the C-130J Hercules, supporting Special Forces and global transport tasks from RAF Brize Norton.

Aircraft operated

The squadron's operational history features a wide array of aircraft. Early service included the Airco DH.4, Airco DH.9A, and Fairey III during the inter-war period. Its Second World War inventory featured the Avro Anson, Lockheed Hudson, and later the Douglas Dakota. In the post-war era, it transitioned to larger transports like the Handley Page Hastings and the Lockheed Hercules (C.1 and C.3 variants). For a significant period, it operated the Vickers VC10 (K.2, K.3, and K.4 variants) as a tanker before its reformation to fly the modern C-130J Hercules.

Notable personnel

Several distinguished aviators have served with the squadron. Air Vice-Marshal Donald Bennett, later founder of the Pathfinder Force, commanded the unit during its early Lockheed Hudson operations. Wing Commander Hughie Edwards, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, also served with the squadron. Notable Royal Air Force officers such as Air Chief Marshal Sir Kenneth Cross and Air Marshal Sir John Curtiss had early postings with the unit. Squadron Leader John Nettleton flew Ansons with the squadron before earning his Victoria Cross with No. 44 Squadron RAF.

Squadron bases

The squadron has been based at numerous Royal Air Force stations across the globe. Early bases included Netheravon, Béthune, and Aire-sur-la-Lys in France. During the Second World War, it operated from RAF Thorney Island, RAF Gibraltar, RAF Langham, and RAF Downham Market. Post-war stations featured RAF Oakington, RAF Changi in Singapore, and RAF Lyncham. Its tanker operations with the Vickers VC10 were conducted from RAF Brize Norton, which remains its current home since reforming with the C-130J.

Battle honours

The squadron has been awarded numerous battle honours reflecting its long and varied service. For the First World War, these include Western Front (1917–1918), Cambrai (1917), and the Somme (1918). Its Second World War honours encompass Atlantic (1939–1945), Channel & North Sea (1939–1945), Biscay (1940–1945), and Normandy (1944). Later conflicts are recognised with honours for the Falklands War (1982) and the Gulf War (1991).

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons