No. 33 Squadron RAF
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| No. 33 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 33 Squadron RAF |
| Dates | 10 January 1916–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Transport |
| Size | Squadron |
| Garrison | RAF Benson |
| Motto | "In tempo" (In time) |
| Identification symbol | A sword in pale |
| Aircraft transport | Boeing Chinook |
No. 33 Squadron RAF is a transport squadron of the Royal Air Force with a history stretching from the First World War to the present day. Formed in 1916, the squadron has operated rotary and fixed-wing aircraft in roles including troop transport, casualty evacuation, and support to British Army and coalition forces across theatres such as Western Front, North Africa, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Its service record links it to campaigns, operations, and institutions across the 20th and 21st centuries.
History
The squadron was formed in January 1916 and served on the Western Front during the First World War alongside units like Royal Flying Corps squadrons and elements of the British Expeditionary Force. In the interwar period it undertook peacetime duties and re-equipment amid reorganisations involving the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and the Air Ministry. During the Second World War the squadron converted through types while participating in Mediterranean operations linked to the North African Campaign, the Siege of Malta, and actions coordinated with the Royal Navy, RAF Coastal Command, and RAF Bomber Command. Post-1945, it transitioned into dedicated transport roles supporting decolonisation-era commitments in Palestine Mandate, the Malayan Emergency, and Cold War deployments tied to NATO obligations in West Germany. From 1990 onwards the squadron was integral to operations such as Operation Granby, Balkans deployments during the Bosnian War and Kosovo War, Operation Telic and the Operation Herrick, frequently working with units from the British Army, Royal Navy, United States Air Force, and multinational formations.
Aircraft operated
Throughout its existence the squadron has flown a succession of types reflecting technological and doctrinal shifts. Early rotary and fixed-wing types during the First World War included reconnaissance and fighter aircraft common to Royal Flying Corps units. Interwar and Second World War equipment lists included patrol and transport types operated alongside squadrons of RAF Coastal Command. Post-war transitions saw the squadron adopt piston- and turboprop transports during the Berlin Airlift era and early Cold War, before converting to helicopters such as the Westland Wessex, the Westland Puma, and heavy-lift types. In the 21st century the squadron re-equipped with the Boeing Chinook to provide heavy-lift support in operations alongside formations like ISAF and coalition partners.
Bases and deployments
The squadron has been based at a range of airfields and stations tied to strategic hubs across the UK and overseas. Domestic garrisons have included RAF Benson, RAF Northolt, and RAF Lyneham, linking the unit with RAF command structures and logistics at MOD Boscombe Down and RAF Brize Norton. Overseas detachments and forward operating locations have encompassed stations in Egypt, Palestine Mandate, Aden, locations in Cyprus, Germany, Bulgaria, and expeditionary operating bases used during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Its basing history intersects with broader RAF basing decisions influenced by treaties and alliances including NATO and UK defence reviews.
Operations and engagements
Operational highlights include support for Somme-era operations during the First World War and Mediterranean air transport and support missions in the Second World War tied to convoy protection and amphibious operations. Cold War-era tasks included logistics and troop movements underpinning NATO readiness during crises such as the Berlin Blockade period. In modern conflict, the squadron's heavy-lift and tactical air transport capabilities were central to Gulf War logistics, Operation Telic force movements in Iraq, and sustained support for Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, including casualty evacuation and resupply missions coordinated with NATO and coalition medical units. Humanitarian and disaster relief tasks have seen deployments for evacuation, aid delivery, and support to agencies active in crises linked to events like major earthquakes and regional instability.
Commanding officers
Commanding officers have ranged from early RFC-era flight commanders through modern RAF wing commanders and group captains responsible for operational readiness, personnel, and inter-service liaison. Commanding officers historically worked with senior leaders across organisations such as Air Ministry, Ministry of Defence, Directorate of Military Aviation, and coalition command staffs including CENTCOM and NATO Allied Command Operations. Notable senior officers associated with RAF transport leadership have included those who later served at senior appointments within RAF Strike Command and Air Command.
Squadron insignia and traditions
The squadron badge bears heraldic imagery such as a sword motif and the motto "In tempo", reflecting its emphasis on timely delivery and support. Traditions include annual commemorations linked to service in the First World War and Second World War, association with regimental customs of the British Army units it supports, and ceremonial links to stations such as RAF Benson and affiliations with civic bodies and charities connected to veterans and serving personnel. Flight, crew, and ground traditions continue to emphasise interoperability with partners including Army Air Corps units, Royal Navy elements, and multinational forces.