No. 24 Squadron RAF
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| No. 24 Squadron RAF | |
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| Unit name | No. 24 Squadron RAF |
| Caption | Aerial transport similar to types operated by the squadron |
| Dates | 1915–1919; 1920–1993; 1996–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Air transport and air-to-air refuelling |
| Command structure | Air Command |
| Garrison | RAF Brize Norton |
| Garrison label | Base |
| Motto | Versatile and Vigilant |
| Equipment | Airbus A400M Atlas |
| Identification symbol | A flying swan rampant |
| Identification symbol label | Squadron badge |
No. 24 Squadron RAF is a squadron of the Royal Air Force with a long heritage in strategic and tactical air transport, air-to-air refuelling, and aeromedical evacuation. Formed in 1915 during the First World War, the unit has served through the Interwar period, World War II, the Cold War, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The squadron has operated a succession of transport and tanker types from the Airco DH.4 to the Airbus A400M Atlas and is currently based at RAF Brize Norton.
History
Formed at Northolt Aerodrome in 1915, the squadron first flew Airco DH.4 and Airco DH.9 types supporting the Western Front and home defence during the First World War. Reconstituted in 1920, it operated civil and military routes linking United Kingdom to Iraq and India during the Interwar period, using types such as the Vickers Victoria and Handley Page Hinaidi. During World War II the squadron converted to modern transports, supporting operations in the Mediterranean Theatre, North Africa, and Sicily, flying missions to Malta and participating in airborne operations related to Operation Husky.
In the postwar era No. 24 Squadron adapted to strategic airlift and tactical support roles throughout the Cold War, operating from bases including RAF Lyneham and flying aircraft such as the Armstrong Whitworth Argosy and the Handley Page Hastings. The unit later transitioned to jet transports and tankers — notably the Vickers VC10 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules series — supporting United Nations missions, NATO deployments, and British operations in Falklands War logistics and 1991 Gulf War sustainment. Reactivated and modernised in the 21st century, the squadron undertook missions in support of Operation Telic and Operation Herrick before converting to the Airbus A400M Atlas to meet contemporary strategic air mobility requirements.
Aircraft and Equipment
Over its century-long existence the squadron operated a diverse array of types: - Early types: Airco DH.4, Airco DH.9, Vickers Victoria. - Interwar transports: Handley Page Hinaidi, Handley Page Hyderabad. - Second World War and immediate postwar: Armstrong Whitworth Atlas, Douglas Dakota, Handley Page Hastings. - Cold War to late 20th century: Armstrong Whitworth Argosy, Vickers VC10, Lockheed TriStar, Short Belfast (logistics support roles in affiliated units). - Modern era: Lockheed Hercules C-130, Airbus A400M Atlas.
Equipment and support systems included cargo handling kits for the C-130 Hercules, aerial refuelling pods compatible with Panavia Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon, aeromedical evacuation modules used alongside Royal Air Force Medical Services, and mission systems integrated with RAF Strategic Command tasking.
Roles and Operations
The squadron’s principal roles have included tactical and strategic airlift, aeromedical evacuation, air-to-air refuelling, and VIP/communications flights. It conducted troop and cargo airlift for operations such as logistics to Falkland Islands, redeployments during Suez Crisis, and support for British Army formations in Germany. The unit supported multinational operations under NATO and United Nations mandates, including casualty evacuation and humanitarian assistance during crises in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and disaster relief following events impacting Pakistan and Haiti. During the 2003 Iraq conflict and Afghanistan campaign the squadron performed vital tactical airlift, air-to-air refuelling, and durable sustainment missions for formations deploying from RAF Brize Norton and forward bases in Gulf, providing direct support to units such as the Parachute Regiment and Royal Logistic Corps.
Bases and Stations
No. 24 Squadron has been based at numerous stations: - Early home: Northolt Aerodrome, RAF Northolt. - Interwar and WWII: detachments in Iraq, India, Malta and Egypt; UK bases including RAF Hendon and RAF Abingdon. - Cold War era: RAF Lyneham as a primary transport hub. - Modern era: RAF Brize Norton serving as the main operating base for strategic airlift and tanker operations supporting UK and coalition tasking.
Squadron Insignia and Traditions
The squadron badge features a swan rampant, symbolising speed and vigilance, and the motto "Versatile and Vigilant" reflects long-standing transport and support duties. Traditions include ceremonial links to historic RAF formations and commemorations with organisations such as the Royal Air Force Association and veterans’ groups from World War II. The unit maintains alliances with refurbishment units at RAF Brize Norton and participates in air shows alongside squadrons of the Royal Australian Air Force and United States Air Force to display strategic airlift capabilities. Annual squadron dinners and remembrance events honour personnel who served in campaigns ranging from the Western Front to modern coalition operations.