No. 10 Squadron RAF
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| No. 10 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 10 Squadron RAF |
| Dates | 1915–1964, 1994–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Strategic transport / VIP transport |
| Command structure | RAF Brize Norton |
| Garrison | RAF Brize Norton |
| Motto | "Strive to Excel" |
| Equipment | Boeing 737 Business Jet |
| Identification symbol | A closed gauntlet grasping a wing |
| Identification symbol label | Squadron badge heraldry |
| Identification symbol 2 label | Squadron codes |
No. 10 Squadron RAF is a squadron of the Royal Air Force with origins in the First World War and a continuing role in strategic and VIP transport in the twenty‑first century. The unit has operated a succession of types from biplanes such as the Bristol F.2 Fighter to jet transports including the Boeing 737 family, and has been based at stations including RAF Northolt, RAF Brize Norton, and RAF Syerston. The squadron has participated in conflicts and operations spanning the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Cold War, and twenty‑first century expeditionary deployments.
History
Formed in 1915 at Filton as part of the Royal Flying Corps, the squadron deployed to the Western Front in 1916 where it operated over the Battle of the Somme and later supported operations during the Battle of Passchendaele and the German Spring Offensive. Reconstituted in the interwar period, it transitioned through roles supporting the Royal Navy and performing maritime reconnaissance over the North Sea and English Channel during the 1930s. During the Second World War the unit converted to bombers and later to transport duties, participating in operations connected to the Battle of Britain, the Dieppe Raid, and the Allied advance following D‑Day. Post‑1945 the squadron supported Berlin Airlift style logistical operations and rotary reorganisation during the Korean War era, and it became central to VIP and government transport with flights connecting Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, and overseas capitals. The Cold War period saw the squadron operate jet transports on NATO commitments and support deployments to Falklands War logistics and later Gulf War operations. Disbanded and reformed multiple times, the squadron was re‑established in the 1990s and equipped to provide dedicated executive transport and aeromedical evacuation for senior officials and heads of state.
Aircraft operated
Across its history the squadron has flown a wide variety of types. Early equipment included the Bristol F.2 Fighter and Royal Aircraft Factory BE2, transitioning in the interwar years to types such as the Avro Anson and Handley Page Heyford. During the Second World War the unit operated Vickers Wellington medium bombers and converted to transport types including the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle and the Douglas Dakota. Postwar operations used long‑range transports such as the Avro York and the Handley Page Hastings, followed by turboprops and jets including the De Havilland Comet, the Vickers VC10, and versions of the Boeing 707. In the modern era the squadron has flown executive transports derived from the Boeing 737 family and specially configured VIP transport variants used for government and diplomatic missions.
Home stations and deployments
The squadron has been based at numerous RAF stations and forward locations. Early training and formation occurred at Filton and RFC stations in Lincolnshire, with frontline postings to RAF Saint‑Omer and airfields along the Western Front. Between wars the unit moved through bases including RAF Northolt and RAF Leuchars for maritime work. During the Second World War it operated from RAF Leeming and RAF Syerston among others, supporting deployments over France and North Africa. Postwar basing included RAF Lyneham, RAF Brize Norton, and overseas detachments to RAF Akrotiri, RAF Gibraltar, and RAF Ascension Island for strategic lift. Contemporary operations are primarily staged from RAF Brize Norton, with frequent temporary detachments to RAF Northolt for VIP movements and to international hubs such as Heathrow Airport, Andrews Air Force Base, and capitals across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Operations and combat service
The squadron saw combat in the First World War air war over France and supported major WWI battles. In WWII it undertook bombing, reconnaissance, and later transport sorties supporting operations associated with the Battle of Britain, Operation Jubilee (the Dieppe Raid), and Operation Overlord (the Normandy landings). Postwar, the squadron contributed to strategic airlift for NATO during the Cold War and participated in operational air bridge tasks during the Suez Crisis and logistical support during the Korean War era. In late twentieth and early twenty‑first century conflicts the unit provided executive transport and aeromedical evacuation for operations coordinating with Operation Granby, Operation Herrick, and humanitarian efforts responding to crises such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
Squadron identity and insignia
The squadron badge features a closed gauntlet grasping a wing, symbolising control and aerial capability; the badge was authorised under the College of Arms procedures and registered with RAF heraldry. Colours and markings have evolved with aircraft types, with postwar identity incorporating squadron codes painted on fuselage sides during the Second World War era and later replaced by civil registration and VIP liveries on jet transports. The unit motto "Strive to Excel" reflects a tradition of professional service tied to ceremonial duties for institutions such as Buckingham Palace and governmental offices.
Notable personnel and commanders
Commanding officers and notable aircrew have included veterans from the Royal Flying Corps era and decorated leaders who served in the Royal Air Force through the world wars and Cold War. Figures associated with the squadron have been recognised by awards such as the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom), and international honours for diplomatic flights. Several commanders later held senior appointments within RAF Transport Command and on the staff of NATO, contributing to doctrine on strategic airlift and VIP air services.