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Tornado

Tornado Aviation Art Prints, Paintings and Drawings
WW1 Aviation Art

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RAF Tornado- Operation Desert Storm 1991 by Frank Wootton.


RAF Tornado- Operation Desert Storm 1991 by Frank Wootton.
One edition.
The edition features an additional signature.
£95.00

The Peacekeepers by Adrian Rigby.


The Peacekeepers by Adrian Rigby.
One edition.
£25.00

Shiny II - Tornado Recce by Michael Rondot.


Shiny II - Tornado Recce by Michael Rondot.
2 editions.
£100.00 - £135.00


Display 25 by Robert Tomlin.


Display 25 by Robert Tomlin.
2 editions.
£55.00 - £58.00

Destination: Libya.  Tornado GR.4s of 9 Squadron by Ivan Berryman.


Destination: Libya. Tornado GR.4s of 9 Squadron by Ivan Berryman.
6 editions.
£50.00 - £1000.00

Spirit of 617 Squadron by Michael Turner.


Spirit of 617 Squadron by Michael Turner.
One edition.
£36.00


Atlantic Trail by Michael Rondot.


Atlantic Trail by Michael Rondot.
2 editions.
£80.00 - £120.00

Blackpool Showtime by Robert Tomlin.


Blackpool Showtime by Robert Tomlin.
One edition.
The edition features 2 additional signature(s).
£40.00

On Track by Ronald Wong.


On Track by Ronald Wong.
One edition.
£65.00


Feriens Tego by Robert Tomlin.


Feriens Tego by Robert Tomlin.
One edition.
The edition features an additional signature.
£70.00

Friesland Scorpions by Robert Tomlin.


Friesland Scorpions by Robert Tomlin.
One of 2 editions available.
£80.00

Pink Tornados by Geoff Lea.


Pink Tornados by Geoff Lea.
3 editions.
£50.00 - £125.00


The Marham Wing Over Sandringham by Michael Rondot.


The Marham Wing Over Sandringham by Michael Rondot.
2 of 3 editions available.
All 3 editions feature up to 7 additional signatures.
£80.00 - £120.00

Paveway Tornados by Michael Rondot.


Paveway Tornados by Michael Rondot.
2 editions.
£75.00 - £120.00

In the Air Tonight by Michael Rondot.


In the Air Tonight by Michael Rondot.
2 editions.
£95.00 - £150.00


Tornado F3 by Michael Rondot. (AP)


Tornado F3 by Michael Rondot. (AP)
One edition.
The edition features an additional signature.
£160.00

Tornado Strike by Philip West.

Tornado Strike by Philip West.
One of 2 editions available.
Both editions feature 8 additional signatures.
£120.00

Panavia Tornado GR1 by Michael Rondot.

Panavia Tornado GR1 by Michael Rondot.
One of 2 editions available.
£150.00


Doors Closed by Mark Postlethwaite.


Doors Closed by Mark Postlethwaite.
This single edition is sold out.
The edition features 8 additional signatures.

High Speed Intrusion by Gerald Coulson.

High Speed Intrusion by Gerald Coulson.
This single edition is sold out.

Second to None by Michael Rondot. (AP)

Second to None by Michael Rondot. (AP)
This single edition is sold out.


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Text for the above items :

RAF Tornado- Operation Desert Storm 1991 by Frank Wootton.

at 2200 GMT on 16th January 1991 Tornados were launched from Dhahran, Bahrain and Tabuk on the RAFs first combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. Each Tornado was loaded with two JP23s and all were bound for airfields in Iraq. Taking the defences by complete surprise, the Tornados delivered their weapons over runways and taxiways, then made for home without loss, setting a standard of professionalism that was to be maintained throughout the campaign often in the face of far more serious opposition. The air campaign in which the RAF were engaged was crucial to the Allies overall strategy to free Kuwait. Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say that for the first time in the history of warfare, air power was the determining factor in a major conflict, and that the visions of such men as Trenchard and Harris were at last demonstrated. While the final conclusions must be left to history, the Gulf war remains - as General McPeak, the US Air Force Chief of Staff pointed out - the first time that a field army had been defeated by air power. The plan for the Allied air campaign was divided into a succession of phases, beginning with the obtaining of air superiority and ending with the direct engagement of the enemy ground forces. To carry out this plan the Allies had built up a formidable air power force. By 16th January it numbered some 2430 aircraft based either within the Gulf region or close enough to project air power into it. The RAF contribution was 135 aircraft: 18 Tornado F3 fighters, 46 TornadoGR1 and 1A attack and recce aircraft, 12 Jaguar fighter-bombers, 17 tabkers, 3 Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft, 31 Chinook and Puma support helicopters, one BAe 125 and 7 Hercules transport aircraft. The strength of the Allied air forces continued to grow as the campaign progressed, and by the start of the land attack (G Day) it had reached 2790. RAF reinforcements during this period included 12 Buccaneers and additional Tornado GR1s.


The Peacekeepers by Adrian Rigby.

No text for this item


Shiny II - Tornado Recce by Michael Rondot.

Flying beneath an overcast of grey, threatening cloud, two Tornado GRlAs break formation as the lead aircraft turns and accelerates towards a narrow gap in the cloud covered hills. The aircraft are flying a low-level tactical reconnaissance mission, aiming to locate, identify and film a camouflaged target using their sophisticated on-board video recording sensors. As night falls and low cloud envelops them, they have the capability, unmatched by any other recce aircraft in the world, to fly their mission in darkness, at very low-level, and still locate and record their target. During the Gulf War, Recce Tornados were tasked to fly deep-penetration low-level missions at night into Iraq and the Kuwait Theatre of Operations, searching out troop concentrations, armour, and mobile SCUD missile launchers. Their missions were dangerous and lonely work, flying alone and without fighter escort, often into the most heavily defended areas of Iraq and Kuwait. None were lost on these missions, but the dangers they faced, and the professionalism displayed by the aircrews from No. II (AC) Sqn, and No. 13 Sqn, were recognised in the Gulf War Honours List by several awards for bravery in the air, including the DSO and DFC. Already regarded as one of the finest strike and attack aircraft in NATO, the Recce Tornado dispenses with conventional cameras altogether, and instead, features infrared linescan and side-looking thermal imagers mounted inside the forward fuselage gun bays. These high-resolution sensors enable Tornado to identify pinpoint targets from tree-top height, by day or by night, even in the most appalling weather conditions.


Display 25 by Robert Tomlin.

Flt Lt Pete Willy Hackett and his navigator Flt Lt John Shields blast off from the runway at Duxford in the UK. Rolling and turning immediately after leaving the ground, Willy hauls the 25(F) Squadron Tornado F3 into a tight turn at the start of another thrilling, dynamic, display sequence, the thunder of the full re-heat sending vibrations through to the very heart of the viewing public.


Destination: Libya. Tornado GR.4s of 9 Squadron by Ivan Berryman.

At the start of the No Fly Zone and in support of Libyan rebel forces, Tornado GR.4s of 9 Sqn were despatched from RAF Marham on 19th and 20th March 2011 for two of the longest operational missions since the Falklands campaign of 1982, each aircraft completing an 8 hour, 3000 mile round trip to destroy Libyan army ground weapons that were being used against civilians to quell the uprising. All aircraft returned safely on both occasions.


Spirit of 617 Squadron by Michael Turner.

A Tornado follows a Lancaster over the Derwentwater Dam.


Atlantic Trail by Michael Rondot.

To keep straight in the tankers wingtip vortices you have applied right spoiler and a bootfull of rudder, whilst your death-grip on the stick is inducing a violent porpoiseing motion. Over the radio a calm voice from the tanker clears you in, so with one engine in afterburner and with eyes like saucers you move forward to attempt a controlled mid-air collision. Welcome to the air-to-air refuelling club. Ever wondered what it is like learning to tank? Imagine a fragile basket trailing six feet up and down at the end of a fifty-foot hose as the tanker flexes its wings in turbulence. In your cockpit it feels like the throttles are connected to the engines with knicker elastic. Most military pilots use colourful language to describe their first stabs at air-to-air refuelling with phrases like: it was like a goat taking a running f##k at a rolling doughnut. With practice it gets easier, and phrases like rat up a drain pipe and in like a burglar become the norm, but it is a tricky business, especially at night or in turbulent cloud.


Blackpool Showtime by Robert Tomlin.

During the Air Show Season each year the Royal Air Force provides one of their latest Tornado F3 interceptors to thrill the crowds throughout Europe. The year 2002 represents the second year that the aircraft has been provided by 56 (R) Squadron from RAF Conningsby and is once again crewed by F1t Lt Simon Stevens as pilot and F1t Lt Dave Chadderton as Navigator. This will be their last year as F3 Display Team and so this print is issued to commemorate two fabulous years of thrilling and dynamic displays. Some of their highlights are the several seafront displays that take place around the shores of the UK and none more special to them that the one at Blackpool, close to Daves roots and considered their home display. With the unmistakeable form of Blackpool Tower in the background, Simon pulls the F3 up into a tight turn after a high speed pass.


On Track by Ronald Wong.

A Tornado GR1 of 12 squadron RAF, carrying a comprehensive array of weapons and defence measures streaks low on a training sortie.


Feriens Tego by Robert Tomlin.

25(F) Squadron of the Royal Air Force, based at Leeming in Yorkshire is one of the premier Defence squadrons. Here, a Tornado F3 makes a dramatic dash for the air in response to a potential threat. The title comes from their motto Striking I Defend. The border contains printed remarques of the first and the latest fighters to serve with 25(F) Squadron, the autographed by Group Captain Phil Goodman, OC 25(F) Squadron.


Friesland Scorpions by Robert Tomlin.

The 2nd Squadron of Fighter-Bomber Wing 38 Friesland is the only squadron in Northern Germany to operate the Tornado weapon system. Their main task is to support the Main Defence Forces (HVK) to protect Germany and its Allies. Additionally their crews train co-operation between themselves and reaction forces of NATO and the UN. The 2nd Squadron, the youngest German Tornado squadron, was established in 1988 with the introduction of the Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat Reconnaissance) into the German Air Force. The crews perform the service tests until the ECR achieved operational readiness. With the changing political situation in Europe, the ECRs were transferred in 1994 to FBW 32 at Lechfield. The Squadron then re-equipped with Tornado IDS (Interdiction and Strike) and changed its role to fighter-bombers. At the moment the crews train in all tactical roles except nuclear. As the German Air Force continues its re-organisation, the squadron will close in 1999. In the foreground of this print is a Tornado IDS painted in the special colours of 2 Squadron. Behind is the last Tornado ECR of FBW 38 F. They are depicted over the Westerhöven Lighthouse, a famous landmark on the coastline of the Friesian Islands of Northern Germany, an area over which the Squadron frequently flies.


Pink Tornados by Geoff Lea.

A pair of RAF Tornado GRIs at low level during the Gulf War operation Desert Storm, in their distinctive desert pink camouflage colour scheme.


The Marham Wing Over Sandringham by Michael Rondot.

At the beginning of her Golden Jubilee Year, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Royal Air Force Marham, the Norfolk airbase close to the Royal familys winter residence at Sandringham. RAF Marham personnel are very proud of their unique association with Her Majesty who became Honorary Air Commodore of the station in 1976. To mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee Year this magnificent oil painting was commissioned by all ranks of RAF Marham and presented to Her Majesty. The aircraft in Michael Rondots painting represent the five squadrons of The Marham Wing, formed in August 2001 to become the Royal Air Forces largest and most potent fast-jet main operating base. A Canberra PR9 is portrayed leading four Tornado GR4s, one from each squadron with aircraft tail letters specially marked to spell E II R L for the Queens Golden Jubilee, in a formation flown over Sandringham House in Her Majestys honour. In the background, surrounded by beautiful wooded grounds, lawned gardens and 20,000 acres of estate, stands the fine red brick and sandstone house built in 1870 for Prince Edward (later King Edward VII) and Princess Alexandra.


Paveway Tornados by Michael Rondot.

In this remarkably accurate portrayal of low level action at sunset he features a pair of FLIR-equipped Tornado GR4s carrying a TIALD laser designator pod and GBU-24 Paveway III laser guided bombs. These weapons, used to such devastating effect during the Gulf War by USAF F-lllF and F-117A Black Jet aircraft, now give the RAF the same capability to attack targets with pinpoint accuracy, both day and night, in adverse weather and from all altitudes.


In the Air Tonight by Michael Rondot.

A Tornado GR-1 with JP 233 airfield denial weapons taking off at the start of a night low-level mission to attack an airfield target deep within Iraq. The television images of the Gulf War air campaign as a series of precision attacks with laser-guided bombs, dropped from the relative safety of medium altitude, takes no account of the fearsome price that was paid in delivering these early low-level attacks. During the opening nights of Operation Desert Storm hundreds of RAF, US and Coalition aircraft unleashed a tidal wave of low-level bombing attacks on airfield targets in Iraq and in occupied Kuwait. Spearheading the RAF attack were Tornado GR.1 units based at Tabuk and Dhahran in Saudi Arabia and Muharraq, Bahrain. These early missions, flown at low-altitude, often under cover of darkness, were strictly for the brave. Approaching their targets over featureless desert, the aircrews were faced with ferocious barrages of AAA gunfire and missiles defending the airfields. It took a special kind of determination to press home attacks in the face of the full fury of Iraqs air defenses flying straight and level through curtains of tracer fire to deliver JP 233 weapons. Afterwards, some of the pilots were icily matter-of-fact about these missions: You could see the AAA from over twenty miles away but from five miles out at 200 feet you could steer a path through the lines of tracer to the target. It was a bit scary, but we were more concerned about being forced off track and laying down our weapons a hundred yards right or left of the intended impact path, than we were about bullets going past the window. Others were more sombre about their experiences, perhaps realising that running a gauntlet of enemy fire and surviving unscathed owed more than a little to luck and the Iraqi gunners tactics of hosing the sky with unaimed fire


Tornado F3 by Michael Rondot. (AP)

Tornado F3 taking off on a dark and wet afternoon with the characteristic pink and blue afterburner plume blazing from its RB 199 engines. The controversial Tornado F3 replaced both the Lightning and F-4 Phantom in the RAF, and flew operational combat air patrols throughout the Gulf War.


Tornado Strike by Philip West.

Todays RAF Tornados and the aircrew that fly them offer a world-class interdiction/ground attack and reconnaissance package that is second to none. The Tornado GR4 is capable of supersonic speeds and flight at low-level, making it one of the most potent attack aircraft in the world today. New systems and weapons upgrades will ensure that the Tornado remains a versatile, effective and vital platform for many years to come.


Panavia Tornado GR1 by Michael Rondot.

A 14 Squadron Tornado GR1 based at RAF Bruggen Germany carrying a full JP233 war fit roars into the sky as a Jaguar overshoots to the right of the runway to go around to land. Of all the television and press images of the Gulf War, few were as dramatic as the pictures of the first waves of aircraft taking off to attack Iraqi airfields under cover of darkness. Yet when this print of a Tornado taking off carrying a full warload of JP 233 airfield denial weapons was published, such a scenario was unthinkable. The events of 1991 are foretold in this powerful portrayal of a Tornado taking off in a blast of steam from a rain drenched runway, with a Jaguar strike/attack aircraft breaking into the circuit in the background.


Doors Closed by Mark Postlethwaite.

On a day in early February 1991, a fourship formation of Tornado GR1s took part in a successful dive bombing attack on a military installation in southern Iraq. This fourship operated together on over 16 sorties from Mubarraq, Bahrain and consisted entirely of crews from the legendary 617 Dambuster Squadron. Depicted here is the third Tornado, flown by Flt Lt Paul Wharmby and his navigator Flt Lt Steve Kennedy climbing hard on max dry power shortly after releasing their payload of five 1000lb free fall bombs.


High Speed Intrusion by Gerald Coulson.

Famous for the Dambusters raid during the Second World War, RAF 617 Squadron is now based at Lossiemouth in Scotland. With its high-tech Tornados, the squadron today presents a very different picture to that of the 1940s. In 1990 they again found themselves in a combat situation when Iraq invaded Kuwait and their skills flying at high speed - low level were called on once more. This impressive painting by Coulson is a fitting tribute to one of this countrys most famous Squadrons.


Second to None by Michael Rondot. (AP)

The unofficial motto of Number 2 Squadron Royal Air Force. It features, in typical Rondot style (and typical British weather!) Two No II (AC) Sqn Tornado GR-1As landing on a rain soaked runway on a typically filthy and wet Friday afternoon just minutes before the bar opens, and their home base at RAF Marham in Norfolk, closes in cross winds and driving rain. (Just in time to get to the mess for a quick one!) The main aircraft illustrated, is ZA400 (T) which was the personal aircraft of Wg Cdr R F Garwood DFC during the Gulf War in which he flew 19 low level night reconnaissance missions over Iraq. Notice the spray shooting off the main and nose wheel undercarriage legs, the distorted reflections of red and green bouncing up from the runway from the Port and Starboard navigation lights, you can almost feel the pressure and the whole weight of the awesome Tornado bearing down on that nose wheel as the aircraft decelerates down from its initial 150kts landing speed to the subtle gentle momentum of taxi. But what makes it for me is the second ship just behind and to the left of Zulu Alpha 400 bringing up the rear, braking hard, landing lights full on in an naive attempt to try to carve out a tunnel of vision for the Pilot in an absolute impossible wall of spray behind the leader. (Try this one, Michael Schumacher?)


Tornado
Pilot and aircrew signature details



Wing Commander Alistair J. Byford MA RAF
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Wing Commander Alistair J. Byford MA RAF

Officer Commanding 31 Squadron. He has flown nearly 3000 hours including 10 operational deployments. Piloted 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War.


Flight Lieutenant Neil Cobb
Our estimated value of this signature : £15

Flight Lieutenant Neil Cobb

Piloted Tornado aircraft of 617 Sqn during the Gulf war.


Group Captain Dick Garwood DFC ADC
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Group Captain Dick Garwood DFC ADC

Dick Garwood also served on No 41 Sqn at RAF Coltishall with the artist and Glen Torpy during the 1980s. He flew Tornados during the Gulf War and later commanded No II(AC) Sqn before assuming command of Royal Air Force Marham.





Flight Lieutenant Steve Kennedy
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Flight Lieutenant Steve Kennedy

Navigator, 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War.





Squadron Leader Andrew Marson
Our estimated value of this signature : £20

Squadron Leader Andrew Marson

Squadron Leader Andrew Marson joined the RAF in 1970. Served as a Navigator/Plotter on Vulcans from 1971 - 82, with an intervening 3-year period as Navigator Instructor. He amassed 2000 hours overall on the Vulcan. He transferred to Tornado GRI in 1983 and completed 1600 hours on the type, finishing as an instructor on the Tri -- National OCU in 1997. For the last 4 years he has served as QNI teaching low-level navigation, and is currently on his third season as navigator on the Lancaster and Dakota of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. He has a total of 5700 flying hours. On 18th October 2007, he flew in the historic flight of the first Vulcan to fly in 14 years.





Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris

Navigator, 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War.





Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley MBE
Our estimated value of this signature : £30

Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley MBE

Squadron Leader Clive Rowley was a Tornado pilot who joined the flight in 1996. Fighter Leader, Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (2006)





Squadron Leader Bob Sinclair
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Squadron Leader Bob Sinclair

Navigator, 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War.





Flight Lieutenant Greig Thomson
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Flight Lieutenant Greig Thomson

Piloted Tornado aircraft of 617 Sqn during the Gulf war.





Air Vice-Marshal Glen Torpy CBE DSO
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Air Vice-Marshal Glen Torpy CBE DSO

Glen Torpy was a reconnaissance/attack pilot flying Jaguars with the artist on No.41 Sqn before moving to Tornados. In the Gulf War he commanded No XIII Sqn and the Tornado reconnaissance force at Dhahran for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He is now Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group.





Flight Lieutenant Paul Wharmby
Our estimated value of this signature : £10

Flight Lieutenant Paul Wharmby

Piloted Tornado aircraft of 617 Sqn during the Gulf war.





Tornado
Squadron details



No.12 Sqn RAF
Country : UK
Known Codes : , PH, GZ, QE,


No.12 Sqn RAF

Leads the field

No. 12 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was formed on 14th February 1915 from a flight of No. 1 Squadron RFC based at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire. The squadron moved to France in September 1915 and operated a variety of aircraft on operations over the Western Front during the First World War. In March 1918, the squadron was re-equipped with the Bristol F.2b Fighter just before becoming part of the newly formed Royal Air Force. The squadron, by then based at Bickendorf in Germany, was disbanded in 1922. The squadron re-formed at RAF Northolt on 1 April 1923, operating the de Havilland DH.9A. In 1924, it moved to RAF Andover in Hampshire and converted to the Fairey . The squadron was the only RAF user of the Fairey Fox and its performance was superior to other types, resulting in the motto of 'Leads the Field'. In 1931, the squadron re-equipped with the Sydney Camm designed Hawker Hart. In October 1935 the squadron moved to the Middle East, but returned to Andover in August 1936. The Harts were replaced by the Hawker Hind in 1936 and in 1938 the squadron was equipped with Fairey Battles. On the first day of the Second World War the squadron moved to France to begin operations. On 12 May 1940, over the Albert Canal, Belgium, one bridge in particular was being used by the invading German Army, with protection from fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft and machine-guns. The RAF was ordered to demolish this vital bridge, and five Fairey Battles from the squadron were dispatched. They met an intensive anti-aircraft fire, but the mission was accomplished, much of the success being due to the coolness and resource of the pilot Flying Officer Garland of the leading aircraft and the navigation of Sergeant Gray. Notwithstanding the success of the mission, the leading aircraft and three others did not return. Flying Officer Garland and Sergeant Gray were both posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. No. 12 Squadron returned to England in June. It was stationed initially at RAF Finningley in South Yorkshire, before moving to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire during July 1940, when it was refurnished with Battles. Amongst other missions, the squadron carried out anti-invasion strikes against shipping in Boulogne Harbour in northern France, most notably on 17 and 19 August. The squadron was one of the last No.1 Group units to conduct operations with Fairey Battles. These took place on 15/16 October 1940, when No. 301 (Polish) Squadron bombed Boulogne and Nos. 12 and 142 Squadrons bombed Calais. By November 1940, the squadron had been re-equipped with the Vickers Wellington medium bomber, remaining for the time being at RAF Binbrook. The squadron moved again in 1942, to RAF Wickenby also in Lincolnshire, and soon after converted to operate the Avro Lancaster a heavy bomber. In 1946 the squadron re-equipped with the Avro Lincoln, another heavy bomber. In 1952, the squadron joined the jet-age and re-equipped with the English Electric Canberra jet bomber. After 44 years continuous service the squadron was again disbanded in July 1961. In 1962, the squadron was re-formed to operate eight Avro Vulcan V bombers equipped with Yellow Sun one megaton free-fall strategic nuclear bombs for medium to high altitude release. The squadron initially operated Vulacns from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and then later from RAF Cottesmore in Rutland. The advent of effective Soviet surface-to-air-missiles made high-flying bombers vulnerable, and in late 1966 the squadron took delivery of eight WE.177B strategic nuclear laydown bombs for low-level penetration missions. It was assigned to Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) as part of the UK strategic nuclear forces deployed with that 450 kt weapon, that was intended as a temporary stop-gap until the UK Polaris force began to take over the strategic nuclear delivery role The squadron stood down from this role at the end of 1967



No.13 Sqn RAF
Country : UK
Known Codes : , AN, OO,


No.13 Sqn RAF

Adjuvamus tuendo - We assist by watching

13 Squadron formed at Gosport on 10 January 1915 and moved to France in October. Initially it provided army co-operation duties but subsequently it included bombing raids, pioneering formation bombing on 25 November 1916 in a raid on Achiet-le-Grand.. Aircraft types operated during the war included the Martinsyde G.100, the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2, the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8, both the SPAD VII and SPAD XIII, and the Sopwith Dolphin. The squadron disbanded on 31 December 1919 The unit reformed at RAF Kenley on 1 April 1924 and inter-war years saw the squadron operate from various UK bases equipped with a variety of aircraft types including the Bristol F.2, Atlas, Audax and Hector. By January 1939 the squadron was equipped with Lysanders and moved to France on 2 October until late May 1940 when it withdrew to UK bases. In May 1941 No. XIII Squadron changed role and theatre, flying a variety of bomber aircraft including the Bristol Blenheim and Douglas Boston in the Mediterranean until the end of the War. On 1 September 1946 No 680 Squadron at Ein Shemer, Palestine was renumbered No 13 Squadron. The unit operated as a photographic reconnaissance squadron. Still operating in this capacity it moved to Egypt, Cyprus and Malta. It returned to the UK in October 1978 and disbanded on 1 January 1982. No 13 Squadron reformed at RAF Honington on 1 January 1990 equipped with reconnaissance Tornado aircraft. As the Allied Coalition began to deploy forces to the Gulf in the latter part of 1990, in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, it quickly became apparent that the unique night reconnaissance capability of the Tornado could provide vital intelligence to the Allied commanders. As a result, on 15/16 January 1991, immediately before hostilities commenced, 6 aircraft were deployed to Dharhan in Saudi Arabia. During the first nights of the War, the Reconnaissance Wing successfully discovered several of the elusive Scud sites, giving rise to the now famous 'Scudhunters' nickname. By the end of the War, some 128 reconnaissance sorties had been flown by the detachment. However, this was not the Squadron’s only contribution to the coalition victory, for the Squadron was also fundamental to the success of the Tornado/TIALD (Thermal imaging And Laser Designation) combination. 72 successful TIALD missions were flown. No 13 Squadron and its Tornado GR4s have since taken part in Operation Telic, in which Coalition forces, led by the United States overthrew the Iraqi regime, led by Saddam Hussein. The Squadron’s latest deployment has taken them from their RAF Marham home to Al Udeid Air Base during late 2005, supporting continuing Coalition operations in Iraq.



No.14 Sqn RAF
Country : UK
Known Codes : , BF, CX, LY,


No.14 Sqn RAF

I spread my wings and keep my promise



No.15 Sqn RAF
Country : UK
Known Codes : , LS, DJ, EF, QR, ZA,


No.15 Sqn RAF

Aim sure

On 1st March 1915, the officers and men who made up No.1 Reserve Squadron and the Recruits Depot, all of whom were based at South Farnborough, Hampshire, were brought together to form No.15 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Initially, the new squadron was equipped with a diverse range of flying machines, including Henri and Maurice Farmans, Avros, Bleriots, Moranes and BE2c aircraft. Having relocated to an airfield at Hounslow, west of London, where the squadron was allowed time to work up to operational status, it was, on 11th May, relocated to another airfield at Swingate Down, to the east of Dover, on the Kent coast. On 23rd December 1915, No.15 Squadron, RFC, deployed to France for operational duties. Throughout its time on the Western Front, during the First World War, the squadron was engaged in observation and reconnaissance duties, initially using BE2c aircraft but later, during June 1916, upgrading to R.E.8s. The work undertaken by the squadron, in its reconnaissance role, was recognised by higher authority, on a number of occasions, in the form of telegrams or communiqués. On 1st April 1918, No.15 Squadron became part of the newly formed Royal Air Force, which came into being with the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service. With the end of hostilities in November 1918, came a reduction in the fighting strength of the RAF and, although not disbanded as a number of squadrons were, No.15 was reduced to a cadre. The axe finally fell on the final day of December 1919, when No.15 Squadron was disbanded.

It was to be approximately five years before No.15s number plate was to be resurrected when, on 20th March 1924, No.15 Squadron was reformed as part of the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE), at Martlesham Heath, Suffolk. Over a period of ten years, No.15 Squadron completed 12,100 flying hours on over seventy-five different types of airframe. Over that same period, it also saw five changes of commanding officer.

On 1st June 1934, No.15 was re-designated as a new unit, equipped with Hawker Hart Mk.I aircraft, undertaking daylight operations flying as part of Bomber Command. The new C.O. was Squadron Leader Thomas Elmhirst, who secured permission for his squadron to change the number plate to Roman numerals and have the XV applied to the fuselage on all the squadrons aircraft. This decision was to have a lasting effect and was only interrupted by the Second World War. Thomas Elmhirst also gave thought to the fact the squadron should have its own badge and motto, both of which were approved, during 1935. In early 1936, the squadron re-equipped with Hawker Hind bomber aircraft. These machines remained in service with No.XV until 13th July 1938, when the unit converted to Fairey Battle bomber aircraft. It was with the latter aircraft that the squadron prepared for war when, on 27th August 1939, a state of emergency was declared.

History repeated itself when the Squadron returned to France on a war footing, but it was forced to return to England in order to re-equip with the Bristol Blenheim bomber. The new aircraft was initially seen as a wonder aircraft, but No.XV Squadron was virtually decimated in strength following the German invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940. With the Blenheim being designated unsuitable for the task, the squadron began converting to the Vickers Wellington bomber, designed by Barnes Wallace, on 7th November 1940. This was really a stop-gap measure as on 30th April 1941 No.XV began converting to the Short Stirling, four-engine, heavy bomber. During the next couple of years, night after night, the squadron carried the fight back to the enemy, enduring many losses and exploits of valour in the process. It participated in all the 1,000 bomber raids against Germany.

As 1943 drew to a close, No.XV prepared to continue the fight with new equipment. Having converted to the Avro Lancaster bomber in late December 1943, the squadron went operational in mid-January 1944 with its new aircraft. By the time the war came to an end, No.XV was flying Lancaster B.1 Specials, which were specially adapted to carry 22,000lb Grand Slam bombs. February 1947 saw another change of equipment when the squadron converted to the Avro Lincoln bomber, whilst based at RAF Wyton in Huntingdonshire. However, by the end of that same year, No.XV found itself deploying aircraft to Shallufa, Egypt, as part of Operation Sunrise.

Another change of occurred at the end of November 1950, when No.XV Squadron was disbanded but immediately reformed with Boeing B29 Washington bomber aircraft. It was during the Washington period, in March 1951, that the squadrons code letters ‘LS’, which it had been adopted during late 1939, were removed from the aircraft fuselages. The new scheme called for a natural metal finish, adorned with only the RAF roundel, fin flash and aircraft serial. With technology advancing all the time, No.XV entered a new phase in its history in June 1953, when it was declared fully operational flying English Electric Canberra bombers. During the next couple of years, the squadron continued to train and undertook many navigational and bombing exercises, which proved fruitful in 1956 when the Suez crises erupted. No.XV was deployed to Nicosia, as part of Operation Accumulate, on 23rd October. During the short period of fighting that followed, No.XV dropped a higher concentration of bombs than any other squadron. Following a cease-fire, the squadron returned to England where, on 15th April 1957, it was disbanded.

The 1st of September 1958 saw the re-formation of No.XV as a V-Bomber squadron, equipped with Handley Page Victor B.I bombers. These aircraft were not only adorned with the official RAF insignia described above, but were also permitted to carry the squadron badge, together with the Roman XV numerals. The squadron retained these aircraft until 1964 when it was again disbanded. For a period of five years No.XV Squadron ceased to exist. However, this changed on 1st October 1970, when the squadron number plate and badge were resurrected and No.XV was reformed at RAF Honnington, in Suffolk. Equipped with Blackburn S.2B Buccaneer aircraft, the squadron departed for RAF Laarbruch, where, during January 1971, it officially became part of Royal Air Force Germany. After thirteen years service with the squadron, the Buccaneers were replaced with Panavia Tornado, swing-wing, bombers. On 1st September 1983, No.XV became the first RAF Squadron in Germany to be equipped with this type of aircraft. During the latter quarter of 1990, No.XV had deployed two flights, totalling twelve crews, to Muharraq Air Base, on Bahrain Island, in readiness for operations against the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. During the following conflict, two aircraft crewed by XV Squadron personnel were shot down, resulting in the loss of Flt Lt Stephen Hicks and the capture of Flt Lts John Peters, John Nichol and Rupert Clark.

The squadron returned to RAF Laarbruch at the end of March 1991, where a number of awards, for service in the Gulf War were announced. Wing Commander John Broardbent was awarded a Distinguished Service Order, whilst Sqn Ldr Gordon Buckley and Sqn Ldr Nigel Risdale were both awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses. Senior Engineering Officer S/L Rob Torrence was awarded the Member of the British Empire. Following disbandment in January 1992, No.XV was reformed a few months later on 1st April, at RAF Honnington, where it took on the role of the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit. It was also granted the status of a Reserve Squadron. No.XV (R) Squadron remained at Honnington until 1st November 1993, when it re-located to RAF Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland. During January 1998, it was re-designated as the Tornado GR1 Operational Conversion Unit and equipped with the up-graded Tornado GR4 variant. In 2011, just four years away from its 100th anniversary, No.XV (R) Squadron still operates from RAF Lossiemouth, providing refresher crews and new crews to the front line squadrons.


Text by kind permission of Martyn Ford Jones



No.25 Sqn RAF
Country : UK
Known Codes : , ZK, RX,


No.25 Sqn RAF

Feriens Tego - Striking I defend

No. 25 Squadron was formed at Montrose in Scotland on 25 September 1915 from the personnel of No. 6 Reserve Squadron. Moving to France in February 1916, the Squadron took up fighter/reconnaissance patrols over the Western Front with two-seat FE2Bs. During 1917, the Squadron transferred to long-range reconnaissance and high-altitude bombing with newly received DH4s. After moving to Germany as part of the occupation forces, No. 25 Squadron returned to the UK and disbanded in January 1920. The squadron reformed the next day at RAF Hawkinge, flying Snipes, and went to Turkey in 1922/23 during the Chanak Crisis. After returning to the UK the unit stayed for a number of years at Hawkinge. The Snipes gave way to Grebes and later Siskins, while in December 1936 the squadron became the first unit to receive the Hawker Fury Mk II, having already flown the Fury Mk I since 1932. The Fury was replaced by the Hawker Demon when the squadron was given a night-fighter role. For night-flying training purposes the squadron also received Gloster Gladiators. No. 25(F) Squadron moved to RAF Northolt on 12 September 1938. During World War II it flew Blenheims on night patrols, which were replaced by Beaufighters and later Mosquitos. By the closing stages of the war, the squadron was almost entirely committed to bomber escort missions. After the war, the night-fighter Mosquitos remained on strength until 1951 when they were finally replaced by Vampires. A mix of two Meteor night-fighter variants replaced the Vampires in 1954 and remained with the Squadron until it was disbanded in June 1958. Barely a week later, on 1 July 1958, No. 153 Squadron at Waterbeach was renumbered No. 25 and the same mix of Meteors (NF12s and NF14s) was flown until all-weather Javelin fighters arrived in early 1959. In November 1962, the Squadron again disbanded, this time until October 1963, when the Squadron was reformed at North Coates as the first operational Bloodhound surface-to-air guided missile unit. In 1970, the Squadron moved to Bruggen with detached Flights based at Laarbruch and Wildenrath, remaining in Germany until 1983 when the unit returned to the UK with bases at Wyton, Barkston Heath and Wattisham. The Bloodhounds were withdrawn from service on 1 August 1989 and the Squadron reformed the same day at Leeming as a Tornado F3 squadron. During its time at Leeming, the squadron has had operational tours in the Gulf, providing air and groundcrews for the detachment of Tornado F3 based in Saudi Arabia on a rotational basis with other air defence squadrons. This ceased following the Operation Telic in 2003.



No.9 Sqn RAF
Country : UK
Known Codes : , WS, KA,


No.9 Sqn RAF

Per noctum volamus - Through the night we gly




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