What is the current role and base of No. 70 Squadron RAF?

No. 70 Squadron RAF currently operates as a strategic and tactical air transport unit, providing worldwide air transport capabilities. It is based at RAF Brize Norton.

What aircraft does No. 70 Squadron RAF currently operate?

No. 70 Squadron RAF currently operates the Airbus A400M Atlas C1 aircraft, a modern four-engined turboprop military transport.

What is the nickname of No. 70 Squadron RAF, and what does it mean?

The squadron's nickname is 'Usquam', which is Latin for 'Anywhere'. This motto reflects its role in providing transport services across various locations.

Who is the current commander of No. 70 Squadron RAF?

The current commander of No. 70 Squadron RAF is Wing Commander Calvin Bailey M.B.E.

What is the heraldic description of No. 70 Squadron RAF's badge?

The squadron's badge features a demi-wing lion erased. This imagery is believed to have originated from the squadron's long-standing reliance on the Napier Lion engine during the 1920s.

When was No. 70 Squadron RAF formed, and where did it initially form?

No. 70 Squadron RAF was formed on 22 April 1916 at Farnborough, England.

What was the first aircraft type operated by No. 70 Squadron RAF?

The squadron's first aircraft was the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, a two-seat fighter used during the early stages of World War I.

What was significant about No. 70 Squadron's early deployment to France in World War I?

No. 70 Squadron was the first squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) to operate the Sopwith 1½ Strutter in France, and it was also the first RFC unit in France to be equipped with aircraft fitted with interrupter gear, which allowed machine guns to fire through the propeller arc.

What aircraft did No. 70 Squadron RAF re-equip with in 1917?

In 1917, No. 70 Squadron re-equipped with the Sopwith Camel, a highly maneuverable single-engine biplane fighter that became iconic during World War I.

How many victories did No. 70 Squadron RAF claim during World War I, and how many aces did it have?

During World War I, No. 70 Squadron claimed a total of 287 victories and had nineteen members who achieved the status of 'ace' (credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft).

Can you list some of the notable aces who served with No. 70 Squadron RAF in World War I?

Some of the notable aces who served with No. 70 Squadron during World War I included Frank Granger Quigley, John Todd, Frank Hobson, Oscar Heron, Frank Gorringe, Walter M. Carlaw, George Robert Howsam, Clive Franklyn Collett, Alfred Michael Koch, Kenneth Bowman Watson, Noel Webb, Edward Gribben, and Frederic Laurence.

When did No. 70 Squadron RAF briefly disband and then reform?

The squadron briefly disbanded on 2 January 1920, only to reform nine days later on 1 February 1920.

Where did No. 70 Squadron RAF reform in 1920, and what was its new role?

The squadron reformed at Heliopolis, Egypt, by renumbering No. 58 Squadron. It transitioned into a bomber-transport unit.

What aircraft types did No. 70 Squadron operate during the inter-war period in Egypt and Iraq?

During the inter-war years, No. 70 Squadron operated the Vickers Vimy bomber, followed by the Vickers Vernon and Vickers Victoria transports, and later the Vickers Valentia.

What were some of the non-combat roles performed by No. 70 Squadron's transport aircraft in the inter-war period?

In addition to providing heavy transport, the squadron's aircraft served as air ambulances and were responsible for maintaining the vital Cairo-Baghdad airmail route.

What significant airlift operation did No. 70 Squadron participate in during the inter-war period?

No. 70 Squadron played a central role in the Kabul airlift of 1928–1929, evacuating 586 British and European officials and civilians from Afghanistan over mountains in severe weather.

When did No. 70 Squadron RAF re-equip with the Vickers Valentia?

The Vickers Valentia replaced the Vickers Victorias in No. 70 Squadron's inventory in November 1934.

Where was No. 70 Squadron RAF based in the years leading up to World War II?

In the period leading up to World War II, No. 70 Squadron was recorded as being based at RAF Habbaniya from 1937 to 1939, before returning to Egypt in August 1939.

What was the squadron's status and location at the outbreak of World War II?

At the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, No. 70 Squadron had just moved to RAF Helwan, located in a suburb of Cairo, Egypt.

When did No. 70 Squadron RAF transition to a bomber role in World War II, and what aircraft did they receive?

On 1 September 1940, No. 70 Squadron began receiving modern equipment, transitioning to a bomber role with the Vickers Wellington, a twin-engined medium bomber.

What was the first bombing mission undertaken by No. 70 Squadron RAF in World War II?

The squadron's first bombing mission was an attack on targets in the Dodecanese Islands (Greece) later in September 1940.

In which campaigns was No. 70 Squadron RAF involved during 1941?

In 1941, No. 70 Squadron was involved in the campaign to conquer Vichy-occupied Syria and the Rashid Ali rebellion in Iraq.

What aircraft type replaced the Vickers Wellingtons in No. 70 Squadron RAF's inventory during World War II?

Between December 1943 and October 1945, while based in Italy, the squadron's Vickers Wellingtons were replaced by the long-range Consolidated B-24 Liberators.

When did No. 70 Squadron RAF disband after World War II, and when did it reform?

The squadron disbanded in April 1947 and was reformed in May 1948.

How did No. 70 Squadron RAF reform in 1948?

No. 70 Squadron reformed in 1948 at RAF Kabrit, Egypt, when No. 215 Squadron was renumbered to become No. 70 Squadron.

What transport aircraft did No. 70 Squadron RAF operate in the post-World War II era before moving to the C-130 Hercules?

Following the Douglas Dakotas, the squadron operated Vickers Valettas, Handley Page Hastings, Percival Pembrokes, and Armstrong Whitworth Argosy C.1s before converting to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

Where was No. 70 Squadron RAF based in Cyprus and later in the UK?

The squadron was based at RAF Nicosia, Cyprus, from 1955, and later moved to RAF Akrotiri. In 1975, after 55 years overseas, it relocated to RAF Lyneham in the UK.

When did No. 70 Squadron RAF, operating the C-130 Hercules, disband, and when was it reformed?

No. 70 Squadron disbanded in September 2010 after 35 years of operating the Hercules from RAF Lyneham. It reformed on 1 October 2014.

What significant operation did No. 70 Squadron RAF participate in during 2017?

In 2017, No. 70 Squadron was part of Operation Ruman, which provided humanitarian aid relief following Hurricane Irma.

What was Operation Pitting, and what role did No. 70 Squadron RAF play in it?

Operation Pitting was a major evacuation effort in August 2021 to help evacuate British Nationals and vulnerable Afghans from Kabul Airport. No. 70 Squadron deployed two Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft to assist, marking the largest RAF airlift since the Berlin Airlift.

Which World War I battle honours were awarded to No. 70 Squadron RAF?

No. 70 Squadron RAF received battle honours for the Western Front (1916-1918), the Somme (1916), Arras, Ypres (1917), and the Somme (1918).

What were some of the inter-war period battle honours for No. 70 Squadron RAF?

During the inter-war years, No. 70 Squadron was recognized with battle honours for operations in Kurdistan (1922-1924 and 1930-1931), Iraq (1918-1929), Northern Kurdistan (1932), and the North West Frontier (1937).

Which major theatres and campaigns in World War II earned battle honours for No. 70 Squadron RAF?

No. 70 Squadron earned battle honours for its involvement in the Mediterranean theatre, including Egypt and Libya (1940-1943), Greece (1940-1941), Syria (1941), Iraq (1941), North Africa (1942-1943), Sicily (1943), and Italy (1943-1945), as well as specific battles like El Alamein, El Hamma, Salerno, Anzio and Nettuno, the Gustav Line, the Gothic Line, and South East Europe (1944-1945).

What post-World War II and later conflicts are recognized in No. 70 Squadron RAF's battle honours?

Following World War II, No. 70 Squadron's battle honours include the South Atlantic (1982), the Gulf (1991), and Iraq (2003-2011).

Which aircraft types did No. 70 Squadron operate between 1916 and 1920?

Between 1916 and 1920, No. 70 Squadron operated the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, Sopwith Camel, and Sopwith Snipe, all of which were single-engined biplane fighters.

What twin-engined aircraft did No. 70 Squadron RAF operate in the early 1920s?

In the early 1920s, No. 70 Squadron operated the Handley Page 0/400 twin-engined biplane bomber, followed by the Vickers Vimy twin-engined biplane bomber, and then the Vickers Vernon twin-engined biplane transport.

What variants of the Vickers Victoria did No. 70 Squadron operate, and for how long?

No. 70 Squadron operated several variants of the Vickers Victoria, including Variants I, III, IV, and V, from 1924 until 1934. The Victoria was a twin-engined biplane transport aircraft.

When did the squadron operate the Vickers Wellington, and what was its role?

No. 70 Squadron operated the Vickers Wellington from 1940 to 1945, utilizing variants Ic, III, and X. The Wellington was a twin-engined medium bomber.

What four-engined bomber did No. 70 Squadron RAF operate briefly after World War II?

After operating the Consolidated Liberator VI four-engined bomber from 1945 to 1946, No. 70 Squadron also operated the Avro Lancaster B1(FE) four-engined bomber from 1946 to 1947.

What were the primary transport aircraft used by No. 70 Squadron RAF from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s?

From 1948 to 1950, the squadron used the Douglas Dakota twin-engined transport, followed by the Vickers Valetta C1 twin-engined transport from 1950 to 1956.

Which four-engined transport aircraft did No. 70 Squadron operate in the late 1950s and 1960s?

From 1956 to 1968, No. 70 Squadron operated the Handley Page Hastings C1 and C2, which are four-engined transports. They later operated the Armstrong Whitworth Argosy C1, another four-engined transport, from 1967 to 1975.

When did No. 70 Squadron RAF begin operating the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and for how long?

No. 70 Squadron began conversion to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules in 1970 and operated it in C1 and C3 variants until the squadron disbanded in September 2010, a period of 35 years from its Lyneham base.

What is the significance of the 'LXX' designation for the squadron?

The designation 'LXX' is an archaic Roman numeral representation for the number seventy. The Royal Air Force officially uses this designation for the squadron, even though '70' is the modern Arabic numeral.

What was the role of the Vickers Vimy bomber when operated by No. 70 Squadron?

When operated by No. 70 Squadron in 1920-1922, the Vickers Vimy served as a twin-engined biplane bomber.

What type of aircraft was the Vickers Vernon, and when did No. 70 Squadron operate it?

The Vickers Vernon was a twin-engined biplane transport aircraft that No. 70 Squadron operated from 1922 to 1926.

What was the primary function of the Vickers Wellington bombers used by No. 70 Squadron during WWII?

The Vickers Wellington bombers operated by No. 70 Squadron during World War II primarily served as twin-engined medium bombers, undertaking bombing missions against enemy targets.

What role did the Lockheed C-130 Hercules play for No. 70 Squadron RAF?

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules served as a four-engined transport aircraft for No. 70 Squadron RAF, fulfilling strategic and tactical air transport roles for 35 years.

What is the current home station for No. 70 Squadron RAF?

The current home station for No. 70 Squadron RAF is RAF Brize Norton.

What was the purpose of the squadron's detachment to Tatoi Airport in 1940?

In 1940, a detachment from No. 70 Squadron was sent to Tatoi Airport, north of Athens, to support Allied forces defending Greece during World War II.

What were the key aircraft types operated by No. 70 Squadron during the Second World War?

During the Second World War, No. 70 Squadron operated the Vickers Wellington (Ic, III, X) as a medium bomber and later the Consolidated Liberator VI as a four-engined bomber.

No. 70 Squadron Raf Wiki: Wings of Service: The Enduring Legacy of No. 70 Squadron RAF

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A Squadron's Journey

Formation and Role

No. 70 Squadron, designated LXX Squadron, is a distinguished flying squadron of the Royal Air Force. Established on 22 April 1916, it has operated across various eras of aviation history, adapting its role and equipment to meet the demands of the time. Currently, the squadron operates the Airbus A400M Atlas C1, providing strategic air transport capabilities worldwide. It is based at RAF Brize Norton.

The Lion Emblem

The squadron's emblem features a demi-wing lion erased, a symbol likely derived from its long reliance on the Napier Lion engine during the 1920s. The squadron's motto, "Usquam," is Latin for "Anywhere," aptly reflecting its global reach and transport mission.

Battle Honours

Throughout its extensive service, No. 70 Squadron has earned numerous battle honours, recognizing its contributions in conflicts and operations ranging from the Western Front in World War I to modern-day deployments. These honours are emblazoned on the Squadron Standard, a testament to its enduring legacy.

World War I Operations

Early Engagements

Formed at Farnborough, No. 70 Squadron was initially equipped with the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, becoming the first RFC unit in France to utilize aircraft fitted with interrupter gear. By 1917, the squadron re-equipped with the iconic Sopwith Camel, engaging in vital fighter operations.

Aces of the Skies

During the First World War, No. 70 Squadron achieved significant success, claiming 287 victories. It fostered a remarkable cohort of nineteen flying aces, including notable figures such as Frank Granger Quigley, John Todd, and Oscar Heron, underscoring the squadron's prowess in aerial combat.

Between the Wars

Middle East Deployment

Following a brief disbandment, the squadron reformed in Egypt in 1920, operating the Vickers Vimy bomber. It later transitioned to Vickers Vernons and then Vickers Victorias, serving as a crucial bomber-transport unit. Based in Heliopolis and later Hinaidi, Iraq, the squadron provided vital heavy transport, air ambulance services, and maintained the Cairo-Baghdad airmail route.

The Kabul Airlift

A pivotal moment in the squadron's inter-war history was its central role in the 1928-1929 Kabul Airlift. Operating Vickers Victoria troop carriers, the squadron undertook the perilous evacuation of 586 British and European officials and civilians from Afghanistan, often flying over mountainous terrain in severe weather conditions at altitudes up to 10,000 feet.

Evolving Fleet

The Vickers Victoria was succeeded by the Vickers Valentia in 1934. The squadron continued its transport duties, relocating to RAF Habbaniya and later returning to Egypt in 1939, preparing for the challenges of the impending global conflict.

World War II Contributions

Transition to Bombers

At the war's outset in September 1939, No. 70 Squadron was stationed at RAF Helwan, Egypt, flying the aging Valentia. By September 1940, the squadron received modern Vickers Wellington bombers, undertaking its first bombing mission against targets in the Dodecanese Islands.

Mediterranean and North Africa

Throughout the war, the squadron supported Allied campaigns, deploying detachments to Greece in 1940 and participating in operations in Syria and Iraq in 1941. It relocated frequently, supporting the Western Desert Campaign in Libya and Tunisia, and later operated from Italy, reaching industrial targets in Northern Italy.

Long-Range Operations

From late 1943 to 1945, the squadron was based in Italy, transitioning from Wellingtons to the long-range Consolidated Liberators. Following the war, it briefly operated the Avro Lancaster B1(FE) before disbanding in April 1947.

Post-War Service and Modern Era

Transport and Airlift

Reformed in Egypt in May 1948, No. 70 Squadron operated Douglas Dakotas and later Vickers Valettas. Moving to Cyprus in 1955, it utilized Handley Page Hastings, Vickers Valettas, and Percival Pembrokes. The squadron eventually converted to the Armstrong Whitworth Argosy C.1 before re-equipping with the Lockheed C-130 Hercules in 1970.

RAF Lyneham and Disbandment

In 1975, the squadron relocated to RAF Lyneham, operating the Hercules C1/C3 for 35 years. After a distinguished period of service, No. 70 Squadron disbanded in September 2010.

Reformation and A400M

The squadron reformed on 1 October 2014, becoming the Royal Air Force's first frontline Airbus A400M Atlas squadron. It officially stood up on 24 July 2015, presented with a new standard by Princess Anne. In 2017, it participated in Operation Ruman, providing humanitarian aid after Hurricane Irma. In August 2021, the squadron deployed two aircraft to assist with Operation Pitting, the largest RAF airlift since the Berlin Airlift, aiding in the evacuation from Kabul.

Aircraft Operated

Historical Fleet

No. 70 Squadron has operated a diverse range of aircraft throughout its history, reflecting advancements in aviation technology and evolving operational requirements.

Dates	Aircraft	Variant	Notes
1916–1917	Sopwith 1½ Strutter		Single-engined biplane fighter
1917–1919	Sopwith Camel		Single-engined biplane fighter
1919	Sopwith Snipe		Single-engined biplane fighter
1920	Handley Page 0/400		Twin-engined biplane bomber
1920–1922	Vickers Vimy		Twin-engined biplane bomber
1922–1926	Vickers Vernon		Twin-engined biplane transport
1924–1926 1926–1934 1928–1934 1930–1935 1931–1935	Vickers Victoria	I III IV V V	Twin-engined biplane transport
1935–1940	Vickers Valentia		Twin-engined biplane transport
1940–1943 1943–1945	Vickers Wellington	Ic III X	Twin-engined medium bomber
1945–1946	Consolidated Liberator	VI	Four-engined bomber
1946–1947	Avro Lancaster	B1(FE)	Four-engined bomber
1948–1950	Douglas Dakota		Twin-engined transport
1950–1956	Vickers Valetta	C1	Twin-engined transport
1956–1968	Handley Page Hastings	C1 and C2	Four-engined transport
1967–1975	Armstrong Whitworth Argosy	C1	Four-engined transport
1970–1980	Lockheed Hercules	C1	Four-engined transport
1980–2010	Lockheed Hercules	C1 and C3	Four-engined transport
2014–present	Airbus A400M Atlas	C1	Four-engined transport

Battle Honours

A Legacy of Service

No. 70 Squadron's history is marked by significant contributions across multiple conflicts and campaigns. The following are key battle honours awarded to the squadron:

First World War	Western Front (1916–1918), Somme (1916), Arras, Ypres (1917), Somme (1918)
Inter-war years	Kurdistan (1922-1924), Iraq (1918–1929), Kurdistan (1930–1931), Northern Kurdistan (1932), North West Frontier (1937)
Second World War	Mediterranean (1940–1943), Egypt and Libya (1940–1943), Greece (1940–1941), Syria (1941), Iraq (1941), El Alamein, North Africa (1942–1943), El Hamma, Sicily (1943), Italy (1943–1945), Salerno, Anzio and Nettuno, Gustav Line, Gothic Line, South East Europe (1944–1945)*
1946–2011	South Atlantic (1982), Gulf (1991), Iraq (2003–2011)
* Honours marked with an asterisk may be emblazoned on the Squadron Standard.

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References

Pine 1983, p. 243.

Although 'LXX' is an archaic term (Roman numerals for '70'), raf.mod.uk will redirect any enquiries for 70 squadron to a page headed 'LXX squadron' (October 2024)

A full list of references for this article are available at the No. 70 Squadron RAF Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

This page has been meticulously crafted by an AI, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and informational purposes, providing a comprehensive overview of No. 70 Squadron RAF's history and operations. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness based on the source material, users are advised that this content is not a substitute for official Royal Air Force documentation or expert consultation.

This is not official military guidance. The information presented here should not be considered authoritative or used for operational decision-making. Always refer to official RAF sources for the most current and accurate information regarding squadron roles, aircraft, and operational procedures. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

Wings of Service

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A Squadron's Journey 📜

✈️ Formation and Role

🦁 The Lion Emblem

🎖️ Battle Honours

World War I Operations ⚔️

💥 Early Engagements

⭐ Aces of the Skies

Between the Wars ⏳

🌍 Middle East Deployment

🏔️ The Kabul Airlift

🛩️ Evolving Fleet

World War II Contributions 🌍

💣 Transition to Bombers

🗺️ Mediterranean and North Africa

🚀 Long-Range Operations

Post-War Service and Modern Era 🚀

✈️ Transport and Airlift

🇬🇧 RAF Lyneham and Disbandment

🌟 Reformation and A400M

Aircraft Operated 🛩️

📜 Historical Fleet

Battle Honours 🎖️

📜 A Legacy of Service

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Squadron's Journey

Formation and Role

The Lion Emblem

Battle Honours

World War I Operations

Early Engagements

Aces of the Skies

Between the Wars

Middle East Deployment

The Kabul Airlift

Evolving Fleet

World War II Contributions

Transition to Bombers

Mediterranean and North Africa

Long-Range Operations

Post-War Service and Modern Era

Transport and Airlift

RAF Lyneham and Disbandment

Reformation and A400M

Aircraft Operated

Historical Fleet

Battle Honours

A Legacy of Service

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Notice

Disclaimer