No. 36 Squadron RAF

No. 36 Squadron RAF
Unit name	No. 36 Squadron RAF
Dates	1916–1920, 1935–2010
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Role	Strategic and tactical transport
Garrison	RAF Lyneham, RAF Benson, RAF Northolt
Notable commanders	Group Captain, Air Commodore

No. 36 Squadron RAF was a transport and bomber unit of the Royal Air Force with origins in the First World War and a long service record through the Second World War, the Cold War and post‑Cold War operations. The squadron operated a succession of types from early bombers to long‑range transports and tankers, participating in campaigns linked to Western Front (World War I), Battle of France, Normandy landings, Suez Crisis, Falklands War, Gulf War, and operations over Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–present). The unit served from bases across the United Kingdom, Egypt, India, Malta, and the Falkland Islands while supporting allied formations including Royal Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, United States Air Force, and NATO commands.

History

No. 36 Squadron traces its origins to the First World War when formed as a bomber squadron supporting operations on the Western Front (World War I), flying types used alongside units such as No. 14 Squadron RAF and operating in coordination with armies engaged at the Battle of the Somme and Third Battle of Ypres. Reformed in the interwar period, it converted to strategic roles in the 1930s and, during the Second World War, flew long‑range operations from Malta and bases in the Middle East supporting campaigns like the North African campaign and the Allied invasion of Sicily. Post‑1945 the squadron moved into transport and tanker roles, operating from RAF Lyneham and participating in Cold War airlift tasks for Royal Air Force Transport Command and BAe Systems support contracts. In the post‑Cold War era it took part in Operation Granby, Operation Telic, Operation Herrick and humanitarian relief missions to locations such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its history No. 36 Squadron flew a series of prominent types. In the First World War it employed early biplane bombers contemporary with Royal Aircraft Factory FE2, Handley Page O/400 operators. Interwar and Second World War types included the Vickers Wellington, Handley Page Hampden, and Avro Lancaster in strategic roles alongside squadrons like No. 617 Squadron RAF. Postwar conversions saw the squadron operate the Airspeed Ambassador, Handley Page Hastings, and later the iconic Hawker Siddeley Andover and Lockheed C-130 Hercules in tactical transport roles. In its final decades it became synonymous with the Lockheed C-130K Hercules C3 fleet and, on occasion, operated Victor K.2 tankers when supporting NATO air-to-air refuelling before retirement.

Roles and operations

The squadron fulfilled bomber, strategic reconnaissance, heavy transport, aerial refuelling, and humanitarian support roles. In bomber operations it worked in conjunction with formations such as Bomber Command and flew missions related to the Bombing of Germany. Its transport operations supported divisions and brigades including 1st Armoured Division (United Kingdom), 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, and coalition units such as US 82nd Airborne Division during joint exercises and combat deployments. The unit also conducted search and rescue support for maritime operations in concert with Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm assets and performed tactical airlift for peacekeeping efforts under United Nations mandates.

Notable deployments and missions

Notable missions included long‑range sorties from Malta during the Siege of Malta (World War II), logistical airlift during the Suez Crisis supporting Operation Musketeer, troop and cargo lifts during the Falklands War alongside No. 1312 Flight RAF and RAF Mount Pleasant, and strategic support during Operation Granby in the Gulf War alongside RAF Brize Norton‑based units. The squadron provided sustained airlift for Operation Herrick in Afghanistan and Operation Telic in Iraq while also executing relief flights after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and airbridge missions for Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone.

Commanding officers and notable personnel

Commanding officers included squadron leaders and wing commanders who later advanced to senior ranks within Royal Air Force command structures such as Air Chief Marshal Sir John Slessor‑era contemporaries and commanders who liaised with allied leaders in NATO and SEATO. Notable aircrew and ground personnel included decorated pilots and navigators who received awards like the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Cross while serving alongside figures associated with Bomber Command leadership. Several alumni moved into diplomatic or defence procurement roles linked to Ministry of Defence programmes and companies such as British Aerospace.

Squadron insignia, traditions and memorials

The squadron badge and insignia evolved alongside heraldic practices observed across Royal Air Force squadrons, featuring devices comparable to badges of squadrons based at RAF Lyneham and RAF Benson. Traditions included annual reunion events with veterans from campaigns including Second World War veterans' associations and commemorations at memorials such as the National Memorial Arboretum and squadron memorials in local parishes near former bases like Wiltshire sites. Squadron standards and roll of honour entries recognize personnel listed in national registers including those maintained by Imperial War Museums and regional heritage organisations.

Category:Royal Air Force squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1916