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| No. 59 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 59 Squadron RAF |
| Dates | 1916–1919; 1937–1945; 1946–1958 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Reconnaissance, bomber, transport |
No. 59 Squadron RAF was a unit of the Royal Air Force formed during the First World War and later reconstituted in the lead-up to the Second World War, serving in reconnaissance, bomber and transport roles. The squadron operated a succession of aircraft types across multiple theatres including the Western Front, North Africa, the Mediterranean Theatre, and postwar Middle East deployments. It earned battle honours for operations such as the Somme (1916), the North African Campaign, and the Italian Campaign (World War II), before final disbandment during the late 1950s.
Formed in 1916 at RAF Netheravon as part of the expansion of the Royal Flying Corps during the Battle of the Somme (1916), the squadron deployed to the Western Front supporting British Expeditionary Force operations and later participated in counter‑offensive actions tied to the Somme (1916) and the Third Battle of Ypres. Disbanded after the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it was reformed in 1937 at RAF Mildenhall amid rearmament preceding the Munich Crisis and the wider prelude to the Second World War. During 1939–1945 the squadron converted to heavier bombers and maritime reconnaissance types to meet requirements in the Battle of the Atlantic, the North African Campaign, and the Italian Campaign (World War II), operating from bases including RAF Gibraltar, RAF Luqa, and airfields in Egypt and Tunisia. Postwar restructuring saw the squadron re‑role into transport and communications duties supporting the Suez Crisis era and British Forces Aden, before final disbandment in 1958 as part of RAF drawdowns.
Across its history the squadron flew a series of types reflecting evolving roles: early Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 and Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 in 1916–1918; interwar and prewar conversions included the Handley Page Heyford and the Bristol Blenheim by 1939. During the Second World War the unit operated the Airspeed Oxford for training, the Bristol Beaufort and Lockheed Hudson for maritime strike and reconnaissance, and later the Handley Page Halifax for long‑range operations. Post‑1945 service included transport types such as the Vickers Valetta supporting deployments to Cyprus and Aden.
Initially tasked with corps reconnaissance and artillery observation on the Western Front, the squadron later transitioned to night bombing, convoy escort, anti‑submarine warfare and maritime patrol duties during the Battle of the Atlantic. Deployments encompassed operations from Gibraltar to support convoys in the Mediterranean Sea and anti‑U‑boat patrols off North Africa and the Sicilian Campaign (Operation Husky). In the postwar period the squadron performed tactical transport, airlift of personnel and materiel, medical evacuation and communications flights supporting British Forces Cyprus and the Aden Protectorate.
The squadron received honours for contributions to major campaigns including the Somme (1916), Ypres (1917), the Battle of the Atlantic, the North African Campaign, and the Italian Campaign (World War II). Individual aircrew were mentioned in despatches and awarded decorations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom), the Distinguished Service Order, and the Air Force Cross (United Kingdom) for actions ranging from maritime interdiction to tactical transport in forward theatres.
Commanding officers included RFC and RAF leaders appointed during both world wars and the immediate postwar period. Notable senior officers who commanded or temporarily led the unit held earlier service with formations such as the Royal Flying Corps, No. 1 Group RAF, and held postings across Middle East Command and Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, contributing operational experience from campaigns like the Gallipoli Campaign and the Western Desert Campaign.
The squadron badge and motto evolved with its roles, reflecting reconnaissance and maritime strike heritage; insignia elements drew on heraldic motifs used by RAF squadrons in the interwar and wartime periods. Traditions included annual remembrance of fallen aircrew linked to events such as Remembrance Day commemorations and association with local communities at home stations including parades and liaison with Air Training Corps squadrons.
Throughout its existence the squadron was based at multiple RAF stations: initial formation at RAF Netheravon, pre‑war basing at RAF Mildenhall, wartime deployments to RAF Gibraltar, RAF Luqa, RAF Kabrit, and advanced landing grounds in Tunisia and Italy. Postwar peacetime stations included RAF Lyneham and forward bases in Cyprus and Aden to support British overseas operations.