No. 35 Squadron RAF
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| No. 35 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 35 Squadron RAF |
| Dates | 1916–2011 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Strategic lift / Transport |
No. 35 Squadron RAF was a long-serving unit of the Royal Air Force with roles spanning from World War I reconnaissance to Cold War strategic airlift and tactical transport. The squadron operated a succession of aircraft including fighters, bombers and transport types, and took part in major campaigns such as the Battle of the Somme, the North African Campaign, and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over its history the unit served from bases across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and was commanded by officers who later held senior posts within Royal Air Force commands and allied air forces.
History
Formed in 1916 during World War I as a reconnaissance and bombing unit, the squadron saw early action on the Western Front and supported offensives like the Battle of the Somme and the Third Battle of Ypres. During the interwar years it re-equipped and undertook long-distance flights associated with imperial policing in Iraq and Egypt, contributing to air control doctrine that influenced the Royal Air Force between the wars. Reconstituted and re-tasked for World War II, the squadron participated in the Battle of France and North African Campaign before shifting to Mediterranean and Middle East operations, supporting the Allies in campaigns such as Operation Torch and the invasion of Sicily. In the Cold War the unit transitioned to heavy transport roles, operating strategic airlift in support of NATO commitments including deployments to West Germany and exercises with the United States Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force. In the post-Cold War era the squadron provided transport and logistics support for coalition operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Iraq War, and Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. The squadron was disbanded in 2011 as part of a force restructure affecting RAF transport units.
Aircraft Operated
Throughout its history the squadron flew a diverse array of types. In World War I it operated early two-seat types used in reconnaissance and light bombing. In the interwar and early World War II period the unit flew biplanes and early monoplanes before re-equipping with medium and heavy bombers for Mediterranean operations. Post-war the squadron transitioned to transport types including turboprops and jet transports aligned with NATO strategic airlift needs. Notable types associated with the squadron include contemporaneous models from manufacturers such as Handley Page, Avro, Vickers, Bristol, and later transport manufacturers like Hawker Siddeley and Lockheed.
Roles and Operations
The squadron performed tactical reconnaissance, day and night bombing, maritime patrol, and strategic and tactical airlift across its existence. In World War I its reconnaissance contributions supported corps and army-level operations on the Western Front and in the Middle East theatre of World War I. During World War II the unit conducted bombing, convoy escort and interdiction sorties in the Mediterranean Sea and North African Campaign, participating in operations closely connected to campaigns such as Operation Husky and Operation Avalanche. In the Cold War the squadron’s transport role provided airbridge capability for NATO reinforcement plans including the defence of Western Europe and support for crises such as the Suez Crisis logistics aftermath. In post-Cold War operations it executed strategic airlift and troop movements for multinational operations under mandates from organisations like NATO and the United Nations, and supported humanitarian relief missions after disasters in regions including South Asia and East Africa.
Bases and Deployments
The squadron was based at multiple RAF stations and overseas airfields over its lifetime. Early stations included RAF Biggin Hill and other Great War airstrips supporting the British Expeditionary Force. Interwar and WWII deployments saw the squadron at airfields in Iraq, Egypt, Malta, and mainland Italy as operations shifted through the Mediterranean theatre. Cold War garrisons included RAF stations in England and forward locations in West Germany as part of the RAF’s European presence. Postwar expeditionary deployments took the squadron to Cyprus, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands logistic links, and forward operating bases supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Commanders and Personnel
Commanding officers of the squadron included RAF officers who subsequently advanced to senior staff and command appointments within Royal Air Force Headquarters, RAF Transport Command, and combined NATO structures. Personnel included aircrew trained in reconnaissance, bombing, and transport roles, alongside groundcrew skilled in the maintenance of piston, turboprop, and jet engines produced by firms like Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney. Several veteran members received decorations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Order of the British Empire, and campaign medals tied to theatres like North Africa and South Atlantic operations.
Insignia and Traditions
The squadron’s insignia and colours reflected its operational history and esprit de corps, incorporating motifs tied to its reconnaissance origins and later transport identity. Traditions included squadron annual dinners, ceremonial flypasts over commemorative events like Remembrance Day, and affiliations with heritage organisations preserving RAF history. Its heraldry and mottos, displayed on aircraft and standards at RAF stations and museums, commemorated battle honours earned in theatres such as the Western Front, the Mediterranean, and postwar expeditionary deployments.