No. 70 Squadron RAF

No. 70 Squadron RAF
Unit name	No. 70 Squadron RAF
Dates	22 April 1916 – 22 January 1920, 1 February 1920 – 1 April 1945, 1 September 1946 – 15 December 1950, 1 November 1953 – 30 June 1975, 1 July 1998 – 31 March 2010
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	UK
Type	Flying squadron
Role	Bomber, transport, training
Motto	Usquam, (Latin: "Anywhere")
Battles	First World War, Second World War, Suez Crisis, Gulf War

No. 70 Squadron RAF is a former squadron of the Royal Air Force with a long and distinguished history spanning both world wars and the Cold War. Initially formed as a Royal Flying Corps unit, it operated various bomber and transport aircraft from theatres including the Western Front, the Mediterranean, and the Far East. The squadron was last active in the training role before its final disbandment in 2010.

History

No. 70 Squadron was originally formed at Farnborough on 22 April 1916 as a unit of the Royal Flying Corps. It deployed to France during the First World War, flying F.E.2 pusher aircraft on reconnaissance and bombing missions over the Western Front. Disbanded after the war, it was re-formed in 1920 at RAF Spitalgate and subsequently served for many years in Iraq and Egypt as part of Britain's imperial policing commitments. During the Second World War, the squadron operated Vickers Wellington bombers from North Africa, participating in the Siege of Malta and the Allied invasion of Sicily. Post-war, it transitioned to transport aircraft like the Vickers Valetta and Handley Page Hastings, seeing action during the Suez Crisis. Its final incarnation was as a training unit for the British Army's Army Air Corps at RAF Aldergrove before disbanding in 2010.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the squadron operated a diverse range of types. Its first operational aircraft in 1916 was the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2, followed by the Sopwith 1½ Strutter and the Airco DH.4. In the inter-war period, it flew biplanes like the Vickers Vernon and the Fairey III while stationed in the Middle East. Its primary bomber during the Second World War was the Vickers Wellington, notably the Mk Ic and Mk X variants. Post-war transport duties were conducted with the Vickers Valetta and the Handley Page Hastings. In its final years as a training unit, it operated the Westland Gazelle helicopter.

Notable personnel

Several notable aviators served with the squadron. Early commanders included Major T. O'B. Hubbard, who led the unit in France. Among its Victoria Cross recipients is Lieutenant Dennis Hewitt, who was awarded the honour posthumously for actions in 1917 while flying an Airco DH.4 on a bombing raid. Another distinguished member was Wing Commander Hugh Malcolm, awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross in 1942 for leading a low-level Vickers Wellington attack in North Africa. Renamed RAF Scampton commander Guy Gibson also served briefly with the squadron early in the Second World War before his famous leadership of No. 617 Squadron RAF.

Squadron bases

The squadron was based at numerous locations across the globe. Its first home was RAF Farnborough. Wartime deployments took it to airfields in France like Lys-lez-Lannoy and Bailleul. Extensive inter-war service was conducted from RAF Hinaidi in Iraq and RAF Helwan in Egypt. During the Second World War, it operated from bases such as RAF Kabrit in Egypt and LG 224 on Malta. Post-war, it was based at RAF Kabrit again, then RAF Fayid, and later in the United Kingdom at RAF Fairford and RAF Lyncham. Its final home was RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland.

Operations and deployments

The squadron's operational history is extensive. In the First World War, it conducted tactical bombing and artillery spotting over the battlefields of Flanders and during the Battle of the Somme. Between the wars, it was engaged in colonial policing and mail transport across the Middle East. Its Second World War service included the strategic bombing of Axis targets in Libya and Italy, supply drops during the Siege of Malta, and support for the Allied invasion of Sicily. During the Suez Crisis, it performed tactical transport missions. In the 1990s, as a training unit, it supported operations in Northern Ireland and prepared aircrew for the Gulf War.

Squadron insignia and identity

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1938, features an Anubis, the ancient Egyptian jackal-headed god, reflecting its long service in Egypt. The motto is Usquam, Latin for "Anywhere", signifying its wide-ranging deployments. During the Second World War, its Vickers Wellington aircraft often carried individual code letters, and in the jet age, its Handley Page Hastings transports were marked with standard Royal Air Force roundels and serials.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1916 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 2010