No. 18 Squadron RAF
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| No. 18 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Active | 11 May 1915 -, |
| Role | Transport and search and rescue |
| Garrison/HQ | RAF Odiham |
| Motto | "Animo et fide" (With courage and faith) |
| Equipment | Chinook HC.2 |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
Pegasus rampant |
No. 18 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the CH-47 Chinook HC.2 from RAF Odiham. No. 18 Squadron was the first and is currently the largest RAF operator of the Chinook.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] First World War
The squadron was formed on 11 May 1915 at Northolt. It was posted to France in November 1915, equipped with the Vickers FB5 'Gunbus'. In April 1916 the squadron re-equipped with FE2bs, and then De Havilland DH-4s in May 1917. The squadron disbanded at Weston-on-the-Green on 31 December 1919.
[edit] Second World War
[edit] Post war
The squadron received its Chinooks HC.1s in 1981 and today operates 18 of the helicopters. The Chinook HC.2, equivalent to the US Army CH-47D standard, began to enter RAF service in 1993.
18 Squadron was the only Chinook squadron that took part in Operation Corporate during the Falklands War in 1982. All the Chinooks were lost, except one, when the Atlantic Conveyor was sunk. The remaining aircraft (Bravo November, ZA718) flew almost continuously until the end of the conflict. The pilot of the aircraft Squadron Leader Richard "Dick" Langworthy AFC RAF was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his part in the air operations.
18 Squadron took part in the UK's deployment to the Gulf following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. 15 HC.1s were sent from No. 7 and No. 18 squadrons.
[edit] See also
- other Chinook squadrons
