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| No. 25 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 25 Squadron Royal Air Force |
| Caption | Hawker Hart similar to types flown in early years |
| Dates | 1915–1919; 1920–1946; 1946–1958; 1958–2006; 2010–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Flying training; target towing; communications; air defence |
| Garrison | RAF Leeming |
| Identification symbol | An eagle volant |
| Badge approved | 1938 |
No. 25 Squadron RAF is a historically significant squadron of the Royal Air Force with origins in the First World War and service through the Second World War, the Cold War, and the early 21st century. The unit has operated a succession of aircraft types from biplanes to jets and has performed roles including reconnaissance, day bombing, fighter interception, and training. Over its existence the squadron has been based across the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, and Germany and has been associated with notable events and personnel across World War I, World War II, and post-war NATO operations.
Formed in 1915 at Frieston Shore and becoming operational on the Western Front during World War I, the squadron flew reconnaissance and bombing missions in support of the British Expeditionary Force, operating from airfields near Arras and Ypres before disbanding in 1919. Reconstituted in 1920, it transitioned through interwar roles at RAF Tangmere and RAF Northolt, adopting modern types such as the Hawker Hart and later the Bristol Blenheim as tensions in Europe rose in the 1930s. During World War II the unit conducted day and night operations from France and England, engaging in the Battle of Britain period air defence and undertaking anti-shipping strikes in the English Channel and North Sea, with detachments operating from RAF Leuchars and RAF Drem. Post-1945, the squadron converted to jet aircraft including the De Havilland Vampire and Gloster Meteor, serving within RAF Germany during the early Cold War and later performing target-towing and training roles from bases such as RAF Boscombe Down and RAF Kinloss. The unit was disbanded and reformed multiple times, later operating the Hawker Siddeley Hunter and the BAC Jet Provost before modern reactivations in the 21st century supporting Joint Helicopter Command and training roles at RAF Leeming.
Throughout its history the squadron flew a broad array of types, beginning with World War I types such as the Royal Aircraft Factory BE2 and Airco DH.4, then moving to interwar biplanes like the Hawker Hart and Gloster Gamecock. On the eve of World War II it employed the Bristol Blenheim and later the Supermarine Spitfire in fighter and interception duties, alongside twin‑engine types for strike roles. Post‑war introductions included the De Havilland Vampire, Gloster Meteor, and the Hawker Hunter for jet fighter duties; the squadron also operated trainers and target tugs such as the BAC Jet Provost and variants of the Hawker Siddeley Dominie while supporting electronic and weapons trials at Boscombe Down and other test establishments.
The squadron’s operational profile has included reconnaissance and army cooperation during World War I, day bombing and long‑range reconnaissance in the interwar and early World War II period, and fighter interception during the Battle of Britain and post‑war air defence commitments. It carried out anti‑shipping strikes in the Channel campaign and convoy escort duties across the Atlantic, provided target towing and weapons‑training support for RAF and NATO units, and conducted electronic and weapons trials in support of development establishments such as Royal Aircraft Establishment and Ministry of Defence test ranges. In later years it focused on pilot instruction and operational conversion for jet types, and on providing adversary and target services to frontline squadrons.
The squadron operated from numerous UK stations including RAF Leeming, RAF Tangmere, RAF Northolt, RAF Boscombe Down, RAF Leuchars, and RAF Kinloss, and from expeditionary locations in France, Egypt, and forward bases in Germany as part of RAF Germany commitments. During the First World War it used forward airfields near Arras and St Omer; in World War II elements were deployed to Abbeville and Cherbourg for early continental operations and to coastal airfields for Channel patrols. Post‑war NATO postings placed the squadron at air bases in West Germany and supporting multinational exercises with Royal Navy and allied air forces across NATO training ranges.
The squadron badge, approved in 1938, depicts an eagle volant and reflects a heritage of air superiority and reconnaissance dating to the squadron’s early operations. Squadron colours, callsigns, and squadron marches have been maintained through associations with Royal Air Force College Cranwell traditions and in ceremonies at stations like RAF Leeming and RAF Cranwell. The unit celebrated anniversaries tied to sorties over the Western Front and commemorated actions linked to the Battle of Britain and post‑war NATO service during remembrance events at Whitehall and station memorials.
Commanding officers and notable aircrew have included early commanders who served on the Western Front and later leaders who shaped jet conversion in the post‑war RAF, with personnel receiving decorations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Order of the British Empire, and mentions in despatches. The squadron’s alumni have gone on to prominent roles within the Royal Air Force, the Ministry of Defence, and aviation industry organisations, contributing to developments at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and participation in high‑profile exercises with RAF Strike Command and allied air forces.
The squadron earned battle honours for service in France and Flanders during World War I, the Battle of Britain, and operations in North-West Europe during World War II, as well as recognition for Cold War readiness and support to NATO exercises. Individual members were awarded gallantry decorations including the Victoria Cross-era citations in associated theatres, Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross awards, and the unit has been cited in honours lists for exceptional service during major conflicts and multinational operations. Category:Royal Air Force squadrons