No. XXIV Squadron RAF

No. XXIV Squadron RAF. It is one of the Royal Air Force's longest-serving squadrons, with a history dating to the First World War. Originally formed as a training unit, it evolved into a premier air transport and air-to-air refuelling specialist, playing crucial roles in global conflicts and humanitarian aid operations. Today, based at RAF Brize Norton, it serves as the Operational Conversion Unit for the RAF's strategic mobility fleet.

History

The squadron was formed at RAF Hounslow on 21 September 1915, initially operating a variety of types like the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 and Avro 504 to train pilots for service on the Western Front. During the Second World War, it became a dedicated transport squadron, flying vital missions across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia with aircraft such as the Douglas Dakota. In the post-war era, it participated in the Berlin Airlift and later operated Handley Page Hastings during the Malayan Emergency and Korean War support operations. The Cold War saw it transition to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, undertaking duties during the Falklands War and numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions. Its most recent chapter began in the 21st century, expanding its remit to include air-to-air refuelling training on the Airbus Voyager.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the squadron has operated a diverse fleet. Early aircraft included the Airco DH.6 and Bristol F.2 Fighter. Its transport heritage was cemented with the Vickers Vernon and Vickers Victoria in the inter-war years. The Second World War saw extensive use of the Douglas Dakota and Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle. Post-war, it flew the Handley Page Hastings before a long association with the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, in both C1 and C3 variants. For training and support, it has also operated the Scottish Aviation Bulldog and British Aerospace 125. Its current inventory includes the Airbus A400M Atlas for tactical airlift training and the Airbus Voyager KC2/KC3 for strategic transport and air-to-air refuelling instruction.

Notable personnel

Several distinguished aviators have served with the squadron. Early members included John Tremayne Babington, a future Air Vice-Marshal and pioneer. Arthur Travers Harris, later known as "Bomber Harris" and Commander-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War, served with the unit in its early years. Renowned Battle of Britain pilot and Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader had a posting with No. XXIV Squadron during his instructional duties. The squadron also counts among its alumni Air Chief Marshal Sir David Lee, a former Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Squadron badges and markings

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1937, features an African Hornbill volant, chosen for its association with long-distance travel and reliability, reflecting the unit's transport role. The Latin motto In omnia parati translates to "Prepared for all things." For many years, its aircraft carried the squadron code "OY". A notable marking tradition was the application of a distinctive Scottish lion rampant on the tails of its Handley Page Hastings aircraft during the 1950s and 1960s. Today, its training aircraft typically carry standard Royal Air Force roundels and serials, sometimes with a small hornbill motif.

Bases and deployments

The squadron's first base was RAF Hounslow. During the inter-war period, it was based at RAF Kenley and RAF Northolt. Key Second World War deployments included operations from RAF Hendon and forward bases in Egypt and India. Post-war, it operated from RAF Lyneham for nearly five decades with the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, a period that included detachments to Cyprus, Brunei, and the Falkland Islands. Since 2015, its home has been RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, the RAF's hub for air mobility. Its training missions regularly deploy across the United Kingdom and to allied nations for multinational exercises.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1915