No. 7 Squadron RAF

No. 7 Squadron RAF is a long-serving squadron of the Royal Air Force with a distinguished history spanning over a century. Operating today as an operational conversion unit for the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft from RAF Waddington, its service has encompassed both world wars and numerous modern conflicts. The squadron has evolved through roles including reconnaissance, bombing, and electronic warfare, adapting to the changing demands of aerial combat.

History

The squadron was first formed at Farnborough in May 1914, initially equipped with B.E.2 aircraft for aerial reconnaissance. During the First World War, it served extensively on the Western Front, providing vital intelligence for the British Army and later undertaking light bombing missions. Disbanded after the Armistice, it reformed in 1923, operating DH.9A and later Fairey IIIF aircraft on colonial policing duties in the Middle East. In the Second World War, flying Stirling and later Lancaster heavy bombers from bases like RAF Oakington, it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany as part of RAF Bomber Command. Post-war, it transitioned to Canberra jets for high-altitude photographic reconnaissance during the Cold War, before operating the Avro Vulcan in a strategic nuclear role. More recently, it flew the E-3D Sentry (AWACS) in conflicts including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and over Afghanistan, providing critical battle management before transitioning to its current Wedgetail platform.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the squadron has operated a diverse array of aircraft. Early types included the R.E.5 and the B.E.2c. The inter-war period saw the use of the Vimy and the Fairey Gordon. Its wartime heavy bombers were the Stirling I and Lancaster B.I and B.III. In the jet age, it operated the Canberra PR.7 and PR.9 for reconnaissance and the Vulcan B.2 as part of the V bomber force. From 1991 to 2023, it was synonymous with the E-3D Sentry (AWACS). Its current and future aircraft is the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which it will operate as the RAF's sole AEW&C platform.

Notable personnel

Several notable individuals have served with the squadron. Air Vice-Marshal Don Bennett, the renowned leader of the Pathfinder Force, commanded it early in the Second World War. Highly decorated bomber pilot Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire, VC, OM, DSO & Two Bars, DFC flew operations with the unit during the conflict. Another distinguished member was Squadron Leader John Nettleton, VC, who earned the Victoria Cross for his leadership during the famous Augsburg raid of 1942 while serving with the squadron. In later years, Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford, who would become Chief of the Air Staff, served as a pilot on the squadron's Vulcan aircraft.

Squadron badges and motto

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1936, features a shield bearing a Pegasus in flight. This emblem symbolizes the squadron's aviation role and its historical connection to reconnaissance and communication. The unit's Latin motto, "**Per Diem Per Noctem**", translates to "By Day and By Night". This reflects the squadron's enduring operational readiness and its historical service across all hours, from its early reconnaissance flights over the Western Front to its modern airborne early warning missions.

Bases and deployments

The squadron has been based at numerous locations throughout its history. Its early homes included Farnborough and Netheravon. Key Second World War stations were Oakington and Bourn in Cambridgeshire. Post-war, it operated from Upwood with Canberras and Scampton with Vulcans. For over three decades, its primary home was Waddington in Lincolnshire, from where it flew the E-3D Sentry. The squadron has also been frequently deployed overseas, including to Cyprus, Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, and Qatar. It continues to be based at Waddington as it stands up the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail fleet.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1914