No. 40 Squadron RAF

No. 40 Squadron RAF
Unit name	No. 40 Squadron RAF
Dates	1916–1919; 1931–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Role	Transport / Airlift
Garrison	RAF Brize Norton
Motto	"Per Ardua"
Identification symbol	A winged wheel respecting speed and duty

No. 40 Squadron RAF is a squadron of the Royal Air Force formed in 1916 that has served in both World War I, World War II and post-war operations. It transitioned from bomber and reconnaissance roles with aircraft such as the Bristol F.2 Fighter, Handley Page Hampden, and Vickers Wellington to transport and airlift duties using types including the Bristol Type 138, Avro York, Vickers Valetta, Hawker Siddeley Andover, and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The squadron has been based across the United Kingdom, France, Iraq, India, Egypt, Germany, Cyprus and Falkland Islands during major campaigns like the Battle of Britain, the North African campaign, the Normandy landings, the Suez Crisis, the Falklands War and operations in Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

History

The unit was formed at Campsfield in 1916 and served on the Western Front supporting the British Expeditionary Force with reconnaissance and fighter escort missions during World War I. Reformed in 1931, the squadron re-equipped with modern bombers to participate in pre-war exercises with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and later undertook strategic bombing and maritime patrols during World War II, including sorties over the English Channel, North Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Post-1945, the squadron converted to transport duties, flying relief missions to Berlin Airlift-era locations and supporting British Army of the Rhine logistics in Germany. Cold War responsibilities included troop movements during crises such as the Suez Crisis and the squadron later conducted strategic and tactical airlift for deployments to Falkland Islands, Balkans, and expeditionary operations during the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). Throughout its history it has worked alongside formations like RAF Transport Command, No. 38 Group RAF, and multinational forces including NATO and United Nations missions.

Aircraft operated

The squadron's early types included the Bristol F.2 Fighter and the Airco DH.4. In the interwar and early WWII period it operated bombers such as the Handley Page Hampden, Vickers Wellington, and the Avro Lancaster in various detachments and maritime roles. Post-war transport types included the Avro York, Handley Page Hastings, Vickers Valetta, and the Bristol Britannia for medium-range transport tasks. Later tactical transports fielded were the Hawker Siddeley Andover and the Short Belfast before conversion to the Lockheed Hercules C-130K and subsequent variants that provided strategic airlift, airdrop and aerial delivery capabilities for units like the Parachute Regiment and Royal Marine Commandos.

Bases and deployments

Home stations have included RAF Andover, RAF Northolt, RAF Lyneham, and currently RAF Brize Norton. Overseas deployments were numerous: forward bases in France and Belgium during World War I and World War II, operational detachments in Egypt and Libya for the North African campaign, postings to India and Burma campaign logistics, permanent and temporary detachments to Germany with the British Army of the Rhine, rotations to Cyprus for Mediterranean tasks, and expeditionary operations staging through Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands during South Atlantic operations.

Operations and campaigns

Combat and support operations include aerial reconnaissance and ground-attack in World War I, strategic and maritime bombing sorties in World War II, delivery and resupply missions during the Berlin Airlift era, troop lift and casualty evacuation during the Suez Crisis, tactical airlift and airdrop in the Falklands War, humanitarian relief following natural disasters alongside Red Cross-linked efforts, and sustained logistic support during the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). The squadron has contributed to NATO operations in the Balkans and supported United Nations peacekeeping logistics in multiple theatres.

Squadron insignia and traditions

The squadron badge features a wheel or winged motif symbolising speed, transport and duty, approved by the College of Arms and displayed on unit standards and aircraft nose art. Traditional squadron colours and ceremonial practices have been observed at garrisons including RAF Brize Norton with commemorations linked to Remembrance Day and battle honours emblazoned for campaigns such as Western Front (World War I), Battle of Britain, North African campaign, and Falklands War. Unit callsigns and squadron codes used during World War II and the Cold War became part of its esprit de corps, with associations and veteran groups maintaining ties to landmarks like the Imperial War Museum.

Commanding officers

Commanding officers over its history have included senior RAF officers who later served at headquarters such as RAF Transport Command, Air Command (United Kingdom), and allied staff positions within NATO. COs frequently rotated between operational command and staff appointments at establishments like RAF College Cranwell and Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), providing leadership during crises such as the Suez Crisis, the Falklands War, and large-scale deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Notable personnel and honours

Notable aircrew and personnel associated with the squadron have received awards including the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Force Cross for valour and distinguished service in theatres such as the Western Front, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. Veterans have included decorated pilots, navigators and loadmasters who later served with institutions like the Royal Aero Club and contributed to aviation literature and heritage projects at the Imperial War Museum and Royal Air Force Museum. Battle honours carried by the squadron recognise participation in major engagements from World War I through modern expeditionary operations.

Category:Royal Air Force squadrons