No. 21 Squadron RAF
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| No. 21 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
 Royal Air Force · Public domain · source | |
| Unit name | No. 21 Squadron RAF |
| Caption | Hawker Hart of 21 Squadron in 1930s markings |
| Dates | 1915–1919; 1920–1946; 1958–1961; 1962–1994 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Bomber, Reconnaissance, Transport |
| Command structure | Royal Air Force Bomber Command; RAF Coastal Command; RAF Transport Command |
| Garrison | RAF Northolt, RAF Leuchars, RAF Upwood |
| Motto | Proceed To Do |
| Identification symbol | An eagle volant affrontée |
No. 21 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force squadron formed during the First World War that served in varied bomber, reconnaissance, and transport roles through the Second World War and the Cold War. The unit operated across the Western Front, the Mediterranean, and home defence, employing types from the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 to the de Havilland Comet and the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. Its service intersected with major events and institutions including the First World War, the Second World War, RAF Bomber Command, RAF Coastal Command, and post-war NATO air transport operations.
History
Formed in 1915 at Brooklands under the remit of Royal Flying Corps expansion, the squadron deployed to the Western Front during the Battle of Loos and supported British Expeditionary Force operations with reconnaissance and light bombing. Reconstituted in 1920 amid Royal Air Force reorganisation, it operated from RAF Bircham Newton and later transferred to Mediterranean theatres, participating in interwar policing actions linked to British Empire commitments in the Levant and Iraq. During the 1930s the squadron re-equipped for night bombing duties as tensions rose with the Nazi Party and rejoined RAF Bomber Command for strategic operations at the outbreak of the Second World War. Under RAF Coastal Command control the unit carried out anti-shipping strikes and maritime patrols in the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel, later converting to transport roles supporting Allied invasion of Sicily and Operation Overlord logistics. Post‑war, the squadron joined RAF Transport Command and flew trooping and mail routes during the early Cold War before disbanding and re-forming several times until final disbandment in 1994 amid RAF restructuring tied to Options for Change.
Aircraft operated
The squadron's early types included the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2, the Airco DH.4, and the Airco DH.9A during the First World War. Interwar machines comprised the Hawker Hart, the Hawker Hind, and the Westland Wapiti on colonial duties. In the late 1930s it received the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley and later the Vickers Wellington for strategic bombing under RAF Bomber Command. Maritime conversions saw operation of the Consolidated Liberator and coastal variants used by RAF Coastal Command. Transport and post‑war types included the Handley Page Hastings, the De Havilland Comet, and the Armstrong Whitworth Argosy on trooping and diplomatic airlift tasks supporting NATO and United Kingdom interests.
Operational roles and deployments
As a reconnaissance and bomber unit, the squadron supported British Expeditionary Force operations and participated in counter‑insurgency sorties in the Middle East. In the Second World War it undertook night bombing raids over Germany, anti‑U‑boat patrols in conjunction with Royal Navy convoys, and air transport in the Mediterranean theatre during campaigns such as Operation Husky. Post‑1945 roles included strategic airlift for United Nations relief missions, trooping flights to the Far East, and support for British Forces Aden and Cold War deployments tied to SACEUR requirements. The squadron’s shifting remit reflected doctrinal changes across RAF Bomber Command, RAF Coastal Command, and RAF Transport Command.
Notable engagements and honours
Personnel and crews took part in prominent operations including early Western Front reconnaissance during the Battle of the Somme, strategic raids supporting Operation Millennium predecessors, and coastal interdiction during the Battle of the Atlantic. The squadron earned campaign credits for service in the Western Front (World War I), the European theatre of World War II, and Mediterranean operations associated with North African Campaign and Allied invasion of Sicily. Individual members received awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, and campaign medals issued by the United Kingdom and Allied governments for valour and leadership during major engagements.
Commanders and personnel
Commanding officers included senior aviators drawn from Royal Flying Corps veterans and interwar RAF leadership, many of whom had associations with institutions like RAF College Cranwell and the Air Ministry. Notable squadron members went on to serve in higher command within RAF Bomber Command, diplomatic air attaché roles, and staff appointments at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. The unit trained crews in navigation, night bombing, and maritime reconnaissance techniques developed later by Bomber Command Development Unit and Coastal Command Tactical Development Unit.
Bases and stations
Initial formation occurred at Brooklands, with wartime deployment to advanced aerodromes in France such as Le Havre and Douai. Interwar postings included RAF Bircham Newton, RAF Upwood, and overseas detachments at RAF Hinaidi (Iraq) and bases in Egypt and the Suez Canal Zone. During the Second World War the squadron operated from RAF Leuchars, RAF St Eval, and Mediterranean airfields in Malta and Algiers for North African campaigns. Cold War transport operations used peacetime hubs including RAF Northolt and RAF Lyneham.
Squadron insignia and traditions
The squadron badge bore an eagle volant affrontée symbolising vigilance and strike capability, approved under heraldic processes of the College of Arms and displayed on aircraft fuselages alongside squadron codes instituted by the Air Ministry. Traditions included annual dining at squadron messes, remembrance observances aligned with Remembrance Sunday, and preservation of flight logs and honour rolls in associations tied to the Royal Air Force Museum and veteran groups. Squadron colours and mottos reflected its motto "Proceed To Do" and were preserved through unit reunions and commemorative events hosted by regimental charities and local civic bodies.