No. 99 Squadron RAF

No. 99 Squadron RAF
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Unit name	No. 99 Squadron RAF
Caption	Vickers Wellington operated by the squadron during the Second World War
Dates	1917–1919; 1935–1996; 2000–2008
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Role	Strategic and tactical bomber, transport
Garrison	RAF Brize Norton (final base)
Motto	"Per Ardua"
Notable commanders	Arthur Harris, Keith Park, Charles Portal

No. 99 Squadron RAF was a unit of the Royal Air Force formed during the First World War and reformed for service in the Second World War, the Cold War and the post‑Cold War era. Over its history it transitioned from night bomber operations with aircraft like the Handley Page O/400 and Vickers Wellington to strategic transport roles using Avro Vulcan, Handley Page Victor, and Lockheed C‑130 Hercules types. The squadron participated in major operations including the Battle of Britain era strategic build‑up, Operation Overlord, the Falklands War, and humanitarian airlifts.

History

No. 99 Squadron RAF was established in 1917 during the latter stages of the First World War and undertook strategic bombing sorties with types such as the Handley Page O/400 against targets in German Empire territory, operating alongside formations like the Royal Flying Corps and later integrated into the Royal Air Force. Disbanded after the Armistice of Compiègne, it was reformed in 1935 amid rearmament and equipped with the Vickers Wellington, participating in early Second World War night operations and later converting to heavy bombers such as the Avro Lancaster and Avro Lincoln for long‑range sorties over Nazi Germany and occupied Europe. Post‑1945 the squadron adapted to the nuclear deterrent and strategic airlift roles, operating the Avro Vulcan as part of RAF Bomber Command and then transitioning to jet transports including the Handley Page Victor and finally the Lockheed C‑130 Hercules during deployments supporting United Nations and NATO operations. The unit was disbanded and reformed several times during reorganisations of the Royal Air Force through the late 20th and early 21st centuries and supported operations in theatres associated with Operation Granby and Operation Herrick.

Aircraft Operated

Throughout its life No. 99 Squadron flew a range of types reflecting changing doctrine and technology. Early equipment included the Handley Page O/400 and the Airco DH.10 Amiens in the First World War. Reconstitution in the 1930s saw the squadron operate the Vickers Wellington and later the Avro Lancaster during the Second World War. Postwar conversions included the Avro Lincoln and the jet era Avro Vulcan assigned to nuclear strike duties under V‑force concepts advocated by figures such as Ernest Bevin and overseen in policy by the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. Strategic transport roles involved the Handley Page Victor, the Hawker Siddeley Andover, and finally the Lockheed C‑130 Hercules which supported missions for NATO, United Nations, and British government commitments in regions like the Falkland Islands and the Persian Gulf.

Bases and Deployments

The squadron operated from multiple RAF stations and forward bases during its existence, including early postings to RAF Waddington, RAF Scampton, and RAF Marham during the heavy bomber period. Cold War deployments placed the unit on alert from bases such as RAF Brize Norton and in forward operating locations tied to NATO commitments in West Germany and the North Atlantic. During the Falklands War era and subsequent patrols the squadron's aircraft were staged through facilities in the South Atlantic and via support from bases like RAF Mount Pleasant. Humanitarian and tactical airlift saw operations from expeditionary airfields in locations associated with Operation Pitting‑style evacuations and Operation Telic staging areas in the Gulf War era.

Operations and Engagements

The squadron undertook bombing campaigns in the First World War against targets in the German Empire and in the Second World War participated in the strategic bombing offensive against Nazi Germany including missions linked to the Thousand Bomber Raid concept and support for Operation Overlord. During the Cold War the unit's nuclear deterrent posture contributed to Western defence plans alongside Strategic Air Command and NATO air forces, while in the post‑Cold War era it supported combat and humanitarian operations such as Operation Granby in the Gulf War, Operation Provide Comfort, and later deployments in support of UNPROFOR‑related airlift and Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. The squadron also participated in disaster relief and mass evacuation tasks alongside civilian agencies and international organisations including International Red Cross procedures and United Nations relief efforts.

Command and Organisation

Commanders of the unit included notable officers who later achieved senior appointments in the Royal Air Force and British defence structures; the squadron operated within organisational hierarchies such as RAF Bomber Command, RAF Transport Command, and various expeditionary wings aligned to NATO taskings. Its chain of command interfaced with Ministry of Defence policy overseers including service chiefs and political authorities involved in defence planning, contingency operations, and alliance commitments that traced through structures like the Defence Council of the United Kingdom.

Squadron Insignia and Traditions

The squadron badge and insignia evolved, drawing on heraldic motifs consistent with Royal Air Force symbolism and incorporating elements representative of its bomber and transport heritage; such insignia were approved through processes involving the College of Arms and displayed on aircraft and standards. Traditions included annual squadron days, affiliations with civic authorities and regiments, and commemorations of actions connected to historic events such as the Battle of Britain timeframe and major deployments, with memorabilia preserved in establishments like the Imperial War Museum and regimental museums associated with former bases.

Category:Military units and formations of the Royal Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1917