Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
No. 5 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was initially formed on July 26, 1913.
Answer: True
Explanation: The squadron was established on July 26, 1913, as part of the Royal Flying Corps.
Upon its deployment to France in August 1914, No. 5 Squadron's initial aircraft type was the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8.
Answer: False
Explanation: The squadron deployed to France in August 1914 with a variety of aircraft for reconnaissance duties. The Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 was introduced later, in May 1917.
An aircraft from No. 5 Squadron achieved the distinction of being the first British aircraft shot down during World War I on August 22, 1914.
Answer: True
Explanation: On August 22, 1914, an aircraft from No. 5 Squadron became the first British aircraft to be shot down during World War I.
No. 5 Squadron was the first RFC unit to successfully shoot down an enemy aircraft using gunfire during World War I.
Answer: True
Explanation: On August 24, 1914, No. 5 Squadron achieved the distinction of being the first unit in the Royal Flying Corps to shoot down an enemy aircraft using gunfire.
The primary aircraft type operated by No. 5 Squadron during World War I was the Bristol F.2B Fighter.
Answer: False
Explanation: Throughout World War I, No. 5 Squadron primarily utilized the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 series and later the R.E.8. The Bristol F.2B Fighter was operated in the post-war period in India.
When was No. 5 Squadron RAF initially formed, and what was its parent organization?
Answer: July 26, 1913, Royal Flying Corps (RFC)
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was first formed on July 26, 1913.
What significant event occurred on August 22, 1914, involving No. 5 Squadron during World War I?
Answer: One of its aircraft was the first British aircraft shot down in the war.
Explanation: On August 22, 1914, an aircraft from No. 5 Squadron became the first British aircraft to be shot down during World War I.
Which aircraft type did No. 5 Squadron standardize on for much of World War I, and what was its primary role?
Answer: B.E.2 series; artillery observation
Explanation: During World War I, No. 5 Squadron standardized on the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 series aircraft, primarily serving as observers for artillery.
No. 5 Squadron reformed in India in 1920 by renumbering No. 48 Squadron.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following its disbandment in the UK in January 1920, No. 5 Squadron reformed in Quetta, British India, on April 1, 1920, through the renumbering of No. 48 Squadron.
During the interwar period while stationed in India, No. 5 Squadron's primary role was air defence.
Answer: False
Explanation: While stationed in India during the interwar period, No. 5 Squadron primarily conducted Army Air Cooperation duties on the North West Frontier, rather than air defence missions.
The Westland Wapiti Mk.IIa was the first aircraft type operated by No. 5 Squadron in India following its reformation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following its reformation in India in April 1920, No. 5 Squadron was initially equipped with the Bristol F.2B Fighter, which it operated until 1931, before transitioning to the Westland Wapiti Mk.IIa.
During World War II, No. 5 Squadron operated the Curtiss Mohawk Mk.IV while escorting bombers over north-west Burma in May 1942.
Answer: True
Explanation: In May 1942, No. 5 Squadron was posted to RAF Dinjan and tasked with escorting bombers over north-west Burma while operating the Curtiss Mohawk Mk.IV.
No. 5 Squadron was withdrawn from the front line in 1945 in preparation for the liberation of Malaya, which was subsequently cancelled due to the Japanese surrender.
Answer: True
Explanation: In May 1945, the squadron was withdrawn from front-line duties in anticipation of the liberation of Malaya. This operation was ultimately cancelled due to the surrender of the Japanese Empire.
The Partition of India led to the disbandment of No. 5 Squadron in August 1947.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron, which had operated the Hawker Tempest F.2 in India, was disbanded on August 1, 1947, as a direct consequence of the Partition of India.
The squadron operated the Hawker Tempest F.2 in India from February 1946 until the Partition of India in August 1947.
Answer: True
Explanation: From February 1946 to August 1947, No. 5 Squadron operated the Hawker Tempest F.2 in India, concluding its service there with the Partition of India.
Where did No. 5 Squadron reform in 1920 after its initial disbandment in the UK?
Answer: Quetta, British India
Explanation: Following its disbandment in the UK in January 1920, No. 5 Squadron reformed in Quetta, British India, on April 1, 1920.
What was the primary role of No. 5 Squadron on the North West Frontier of India during the interwar period?
Answer: Army Air Cooperation
Explanation: Upon reforming in India, No. 5 Squadron continued its Army Air Cooperation role, conducting operations on the North West Frontier.
Which aircraft did No. 5 Squadron operate towards the end of World War II in the India/Burma theatre?
Answer: Republic Thunderbolt Mk.I and Mk.II
Explanation: Towards the end of World War II in the India/Burma theatre, No. 5 Squadron operated the Republic Thunderbolt Mk.I and Mk.II.
What event caused the cancellation of the planned liberation of Malaya operation for No. 5 Squadron in 1945?
Answer: The Japanese Empire surrendered.
Explanation: The planned liberation of Malaya operation for No. 5 Squadron in 1945 was cancelled because the Japanese Empire surrendered.
What aircraft did No. 5 Squadron operate between May 1931 and June 1940 in India?
Answer: Westland Wapiti Mk.IIa
Explanation: Between May 1931 and June 1940, No. 5 Squadron operated the Westland Wapiti Mk.IIa in its Army Cooperation role in India.
No. 5 Squadron reformed in 1949 in Wales for bomber escort duties.
Answer: False
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron reformed in the UK in 1949, specifically at RAF Pembrey in Wales, but its duty was target-towing, not bomber escort.
The primary interceptor aircraft operated by No. 5 Squadron between 1965 and 1987 was the Panavia Tornado F3.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary interceptor aircraft for No. 5 Squadron from 1965 to 1987 was the English Electric Lightning. The Panavia Tornado F3 was adopted later, in 1988.
No. 5 Squadron undertook a significant long-distance deployment to Singapore in 1969 using in-flight refueling.
Answer: True
Explanation: Over Christmas 1969, No. 5 Squadron deployed its Lightning aircraft on reinforcement Exercise Ultimacy to RAF Tengah, Singapore, utilizing in-flight refueling with a single stop en route.
During its target-towing phase in the early 1950s, No. 5 Squadron operated the Bristol Beaufighter TT.10.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its target-towing duties from February 1949 to February 1951, No. 5 Squadron operated several aircraft types, including the Bristol Beaufighter TT.10.
No. 5 Squadron served as a night fighter unit operating the Gloster Meteor NF.11 from January 1959 to October 1965.
Answer: True
Explanation: From January 1959 to October 1965, No. 5 Squadron functioned as a night fighter unit, operating the Gloster Meteor NF.11 and subsequently the Gloster Javelin.
In October 1967, No. 5 Squadron deployed Lightning F.6 aircraft to RAF Wunstorf in West Germany for an Air Defence Exercise.
Answer: False
Explanation: In October 1967, No. 5 Squadron deployed Lightning F.6 aircraft to RAF Luqa, Malta, for an Air Defence Exercise simulating scenarios against Avro Vulcan B.2 aircraft, not to RAF Wunstorf in West Germany.
During the Cold War, No. 5 Squadron was designated No. 5 (Reconnaissance) Squadron.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Cold War, No. 5 Squadron operated primarily as No. 5 (Fighter) Squadron, focusing on interceptor duties, not reconnaissance.
The Hawker Hunter T.7A served as the primary interceptor aircraft for No. 5 Squadron from 1965 onwards.
Answer: False
Explanation: While No. 5 Squadron initially operated a Hawker Hunter T.7A fitted with Lightning instruments in late 1965, its primary interceptor aircraft from that period onwards was the English Electric Lightning.
What was the primary duty of No. 5 Squadron upon reforming in the UK in 1949?
Answer: Target-towing
Explanation: Upon reforming in the UK in 1949, No. 5 Squadron undertook target-towing duties.
During the Cold War, No. 5 Squadron operated as a night fighter unit flying which aircraft?
Answer: Gloster Meteor NF.11 and Gloster Javelin
Explanation: During the Cold War, No. 5 Squadron operated as a night fighter unit flying the Gloster Meteor NF.11 and subsequently the Gloster Javelin.
What was the primary interceptor aircraft for No. 5 Squadron between 1965 and 1987?
Answer: English Electric Lightning
Explanation: The primary interceptor aircraft for No. 5 Squadron from 1965 to 1987 was the English Electric Lightning.
What was the significance of the squadron's deployment to RAF Luqa, Malta, in October 1967?
Answer: It involved simulating air defense scenarios against Vulcan bombers.
Explanation: The deployment to RAF Luqa, Malta, in October 1967 involved simulating air defense scenarios against Avro Vulcan B.2 aircraft as part of an Air Defence Exercise.
What was the purpose of the Lightning F.1A aircraft received by No. 5 Squadron in 1970?
Answer: Used as targets for the Lightning F.6
Explanation: In 1970, No. 5 Squadron received Lightning F.1A aircraft which were utilized as targets for the Lightning F.6 due to their agility.
What was the squadron's designation during the Cold War when operating interceptors like the Lightning?
Answer: No. 5 (Fighter) Squadron
Explanation: During the Cold War, No. 5 Squadron operated as No. 5 (Fighter) Squadron, focusing on the interceptor role.
The squadron converted to the Panavia Tornado F3 in January 1988.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron relocated to RAF Coningsby in preparation for converting to the Panavia Tornado F3, receiving its first aircraft in January 1988.
No. 5 Squadron was the first RAF squadron deployed for the Gulf War in August 1990.
Answer: True
Explanation: In August 1990, No. 5 Squadron was the first RAF squadron deployed as part of the UK's contribution to the Gulf War.
Between 1993 and 1995, No. 5 Squadron participated in Operation Allied Force, enforcing a no-fly zone over Kosovo.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the period of 1993-1995, No. 5 Squadron participated in Operation Deny Flight, which enforced a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina, not Operation Allied Force over Kosovo.
No. 5 Squadron disbanded in 2002 after its service with the Panavia Tornado F3.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron disbanded on September 30, 2002, following its service with the Panavia Tornado F3.
The squadron reformed in 2004 at RAF Waddington to operate the Raytheon Sentinel R1.
Answer: True
Explanation: In April 2004, No. 5 Squadron reformed at RAF Waddington to become the operator of the new Raytheon Sentinel R1 aircraft.
The primary role of the Raytheon Sentinel R1 aircraft operated by No. 5 Squadron was air-to-air combat.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Raytheon Sentinel R1 was designed for battlefield and ground surveillance, equipped with advanced radar systems, not for air-to-air combat.
No. 5 Squadron's Sentinel R1 aircraft participated in Operation Ellamy over Libya in 2011.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2011, Sentinels from No. 5 Squadron participated in Operation Ellamy over Libya, an intervention aimed at protecting civilians during the Libyan civil war.
The squadron briefly operated Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft between 2009 and 2011.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between 2009 and 2011, No. 5 Squadron briefly operated Hawker Beechcraft Shadow R1 aircraft, which were intelligence gathering platforms based on the Beechcraft King Air 350 airframe, not the King Air 350 itself as the primary operated type.
The final operational sortie for No. 5 Squadron was flown in February 2021.
Answer: True
Explanation: The final operational sortie for No. 5 Squadron was flown on February 25, 2021, by the Sentinel R1 aircraft ZJ694.
No. 5 Squadron was officially disbanded on March 31, 2021.
Answer: True
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron was officially disbanded on March 31, 2021, concluding its long history of service.
The Poseidon MRA1 is intended to take over the role previously performed by the Sentinel R1.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the disbandment of No. 5 Squadron and the retirement of the Sentinel R1, its role is being fulfilled by other aircraft, such as the Poseidon MRA1 and the Protector RG1.
The squadron code for No. 5 Squadron when operating the Panavia Tornado F3 was 'A' initially.
Answer: True
Explanation: The squadron code for No. 5 Squadron when operating the Panavia Tornado F3 was indeed 'A' from August 1986 to December 1987.
A Sentinel R1 from No. 5 Squadron was deployed to Senegal in January 2013 to support Operation Serval in Mali.
Answer: True
Explanation: In January 2013, a Sentinel R1 from No. 5 Squadron was deployed to Dakar, Senegal, to assist France's Operation Serval in Mali.
No. 5 Squadron's Sentinel R1 aircraft were deployed to Ghana in May 2014 to aid in the search for kidnapped schoolgirls.
Answer: True
Explanation: In May 2014, a Sentinel R1 was deployed to Ghana to assist in the search for schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Across its service, No. 5 Squadron flew approximately 32,000 hours and completed 4,870 sorties with the Sentinel R1.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Sentinel R1's 14 years of service with the squadron, No. 5 Squadron accumulated approximately 32,000 flight hours across 4,870 sorties.
The squadron's reformation at RAF Waddington in 2004 marked its transition to airborne surveillance operations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reformation of No. 5 Squadron at RAF Waddington in April 2004 signified its shift to operating the Raytheon Sentinel R1, initiating a new phase focused on airborne surveillance.
In which year did No. 5 Squadron convert to the Panavia Tornado F3?
Answer: 1988
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron converted to the Panavia Tornado F3 in January 1988.
What was No. 5 Squadron's role in the Gulf War deployment in 1990-1991?
Answer: Air defence interception
Explanation: During the Gulf War deployment in 1990-1991, No. 5 Squadron operated the Tornado F3, fulfilling an air defence interception role.
Which NATO operation did No. 5 Squadron participate in between 1993 and 1995, enforcing a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Answer: Operation Deny Flight
Explanation: Between 1993 and 1995, No. 5 Squadron participated in Operation Deny Flight, enforcing a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
When did No. 5 Squadron disband after its Tornado F3 service?
Answer: September 2002
Explanation: No. 5 Squadron disbanded on September 30, 2002, following its service with the Panavia Tornado F3.
What new aircraft type did No. 5 Squadron begin operating upon reforming at RAF Waddington in 2004?
Answer: Raytheon Sentinel R1
Explanation: Upon reforming at RAF Waddington in 2004, No. 5 Squadron began operating the Raytheon Sentinel R1 aircraft.
What was the primary function of the Raytheon Sentinel R1 aircraft operated by No. 5 Squadron?
Answer: Battlefield and ground surveillance
Explanation: The primary function of the Raytheon Sentinel R1 aircraft was battlefield and ground surveillance, utilizing its advanced radar systems.
In what year did the Sentinel R1 officially enter service with No. 5 (AC) Squadron?
Answer: 2008
Explanation: The Sentinel R1 officially entered service with No. 5 (AC) Squadron on December 1, 2008.
What operation saw No. 5 Squadron's Sentinel R1 aircraft deployed over Libya in 2011?
Answer: Operation Ellamy
Explanation: In 2011, Sentinels from No. 5 Squadron participated in Operation Ellamy over Libya.
What intelligence gathering aircraft did No. 5 Squadron briefly operate between 2009 and 2011?
Answer: Hawker Beechcraft Shadow R1
Explanation: Between 2009 and 2011, No. 5 Squadron briefly operated four Hawker Beechcraft Shadow R1 aircraft, which were intelligence gathering platforms.
When was the final operational sortie flown by No. 5 Squadron?
Answer: February 25, 2021
Explanation: The final operational sortie for No. 5 Squadron was flown on February 25, 2021.
What was the purpose of the Sentinel R1's deployment to Ghana in May 2014?
Answer: To aid in the search for kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.
Explanation: The Sentinel R1 was deployed to Ghana in May 2014 to assist in the search for kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.
The maple leaf emblem featured on No. 5 Squadron's badge was adopted to commemorate its operations over Canada.
Answer: False
Explanation: The maple leaf emblem was incorporated into the squadron's badge, officially approved in June 1937, to signify its close association with the Canadian Corps during the First World War, not operations over Canada.
The motto of No. 5 Squadron, 'Frangas non flectas', translates to 'We fly and fight'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Latin motto 'Frangas non flectas' of No. 5 Squadron translates to 'Thou mayst break, but shall not bend me,' signifying resilience, rather than 'We fly and fight'.
No. 5 Squadron received the battle honour 'Burma (1944-1945)' which is permitted to be emblazoned on the squadron standard.
Answer: True
Explanation: The battle honour 'Burma (1944-1945)' is indeed permitted to be emblazoned on the squadron standard, as indicated by the asterisk marking in the official list.
Why does the badge of No. 5 Squadron feature a maple leaf?
Answer: To signify its close ties with the Canadian Corps during WWI.
Explanation: The maple leaf emblem was incorporated into the squadron's badge to signify its close association with the Canadian Corps during the First World War.
What is the motto of No. 5 Squadron RAF?
Answer: Frangas non flectas
Explanation: The motto of No. 5 Squadron RAF is 'Frangas non flectas'.
Which of the following battle honours is permitted to be emblazoned on the squadron standard?
Answer: Arakan (1942-1944)
Explanation: The battle honour 'Arakan (1942-1944)' is permitted to be emblazoned on the squadron standard, as it is marked with an asterisk in the official list.