No. 84 Squadron RAF
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| No. 84 Squadron RAF | |
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| Unit name | No. 84 Squadron RAF |
| Caption | A squadron aircraft in the Pacific, 1944 |
| Dates | 1 January 1917–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Transport and support |
| Garrison | RAF Akrotiri |
| Nickname | The Flying Tigers |
| Mascot | Pegasus |
| Equipment | Airbus A400M Atlas |
| Battle honours | Western Front (World War I), Gallipoli Campaign, Battle of Britain, North African campaign, Pacific War |
No. 84 Squadron RAF
No. 84 Squadron RAF is a squadron of the Royal Air Force formed during World War I and subsequently active through World War II, the Cold War, and into the 21st century, undertaking transport, reconnaissance, and support duties. The unit has operated from bases including RAF Akrotiri, RAF Leeming, and forward locations in Malaya, Cyprus, and the Falkland Islands, taking part in campaigns such as the Western Front (World War I), the North African campaign, and the Pacific War. The squadron earned distinctions in operations alongside formations like No. 1 Group RAF, RAF Transport Command, and multinational coalitions including NATO.
History
Formed in January 1917, the squadron first served on the Western Front (World War I) with types like the Sopwith Camel and engaged in operations related to the Battle of Passchendaele and the final offensives leading to the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Between the wars the squadron was deployed to Iraq and Egypt during the interwar adjustments following the Treaty of Sèvres and the League of Nations mandates. Reconstituted and reequipped prior to World War II, it operated in the Mediterranean theatre and the Middle East theatre during campaigns including the Siege of Tobruk and operations linked to the Operation Torch landings. Post-1945, the squadron transitioned into transport and support roles during the Berlin Airlift era, Cold War RAF restructurings influenced by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Tedder-era doctrine, and operations during the Malayan Emergency, the Suez Crisis, and deployments in support of United Nations commitments. In the late 20th century the unit served in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping contexts tied to the Falklands War aftermath and Operation Granby. Into the 21st century, it participated in alliance operations alongside United States Air Force and French Air and Space Force elements.
Organisation and aircraft
Squadron organisation evolved from World War I flights equipped with Sopwith Camel fighters to multi-role squadrons operating types such as the Gloster Gladiator, Hawker Hurricane, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster, Westland Whirlwind, Handley Page Hastings, Hercules C-130, and most recently the Airbus A400M Atlas. Command structures included attachments to No. 1 Group RAF, RAF Transport Command, and regional commands like Middle East Command and British Forces Cyprus. Sections and flights adopted maintenance practices coordinated with depots such as RAF St Athan and logistics hubs linked to RAF Brize Norton and multinational supply chains associated with NATO Logistics Command.
Operational deployments and roles
The squadron undertook fighter patrols over the Western Front (World War I) and convoy protection in the English Channel during the interwar years, later converting to offensive fighter-bomber and reconnaissance tasks in the North African campaign and the Italian campaign of World War II. In the Pacific detachments supported operations proximate to the Solomon Islands and coordinated with Royal Australian Air Force units during island campaigns. Postwar roles emphasized strategic and tactical airlift, airdrop operations supporting United Nations peacekeeping in Cyprus and humanitarian relief missions paralleling operations like Operation Manna. During Cold War crises the squadron maintained rapid reaction detachments interoperable with NATO airlift assets and participated in crisis response exercises with US European Command and Allied Joint Force Command Naples.
Notable personnel and honours
Personnel from the squadron include decorated pilots and crew awarded distinctions such as the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom), and the Distinguished Service Order during World War I and World War II. Commanding officers later advanced to senior appointments within the Royal Air Force and allied staffs, serving in posts at Air Command Headquarters, Allied Air Command, and at the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). The unit received battle honours for engagements connected to the Gallipoli Campaign, Western Front (World War I), North African campaign, and Pacific War.
Squadron identity and insignia
The squadron badge and insignia feature mythological and regional motifs, historically including a winged creature reminiscent of Pegasus tied to squadron heritage. Colours and squadron standards were presented in ceremonies involving dignitaries from institutions such as the Monarchy of the United Kingdom and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). Squadron callsigns and radio procedures aligned with Royal Air Force communications doctrine and flight identification practises used across formations like No. 11 Group RAF and No. 2 Group RAF.
Modern era and current status
In the 21st century the squadron transitioned to modern tactical airlift roles, operating turboprop transports such as the Hercules C-130 family before reequipping with the Airbus A400M Atlas, enhancing interoperability with NATO heavy airlift, European Defence Agency programs, and coalition partners including the United States Air Force and the French Air and Space Force. Based at RAF Akrotiri and integrated across expeditionary basing concepts, the squadron supports operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, Levant, and humanitarian relief missions responding to crises like those addressed by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs partnerships. The unit continues to contribute to multinational exercises such as Exercise Joint Warrior and maintains readiness aligned with UK Strategic Defence and Security Review objectives.