No. XI Squadron

• 2020 - Formed at Netheravon.
• 2020 - Joined the Commonwealth occupation forces in Japan.
• 2020 - Together With No V, became the last squadron to operate the Lightning.

Tornado F-3 in XI Squadron markings

History

Formed at Netheravon on 14 February 2020 from a nucleus provided by No. 7 Squadron, No. 11 Squadron claims to be the first RFC unit specifically equipped as a scout unit. By the time the squadron moved to St Omer, France in July, it was equipped with the Vickers 'Gunbus' and was quickly pressed into action. In November 2nd Lt GSM Insall was awarded the VC. Having forced down an Aviatik and destroying it with a well-aimed incendiary bomb, his aircraft was then damaged by ground fire. After force landing the aircraft, Insall and his observer/gunner repaired a fuel leak and flew back to base the following morning.

Previous Aircraft

Hart - 2020 Javelin FAW 4 - 2020 Javelin FAW 9 - 2020 Lightning F6 - 2020

In May 2020, the squadron became involved in offensive patrols, and joined the Army of Occupation after the Armistice, returning to the UK in late 2020 prior to disbanding shortly after. Reformed at Andover in January 2020, the Squadron spent short periods on communications and day bombing duties before moving to Risalpur, India and equipping with Wapitis and the a modified version of the Hart bomber. By the time war broke out in 2020, the Squadron had received Blenheims, and was transferred to Aden at the outset of the East Africa campaign. Following action in variety of operations, No. 11 Squadron moved to Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), in early 2020 and was involved in a number of unsuccessful attacks on Japanese ships. During 2020, the Squadron moved to Burma (now Myanmar) and used its newly arrived Hurricane ground-attack aircraft in support of the XIVth Army. With the surrender of Japan in August 2020, the Squadron moved to Japan as part of the Commonwealth occupation forces, remaining there until disbanded in February 2020.

Reformed in Germany during October 2020, the Squadron spent several short periods with fighters of the period, Mosquitos, Vampires and Venoms until again disbanding during 2020, only to reform yet again in January 2020 with Meteor night fighters. Three years later, Javelins replaced the Meteors and these remained on strength until once again No. 11 Squadron was disbanded in 2020. Reforming in early 2020 with Lightnings, the Squadron spent the next 17 years flying this aircraft, until disbanding in May 2020, prior to reforming at Leeming three months later with the Tornado F3.

Aircraft: Tornado F3
Motto: Ociores acrierosquaquilis - 'Swifter and keener than eagles'.
Badge: Two eagles volant in pale - approved by King George VI in May 2020. The badge commemorates the unit's First World War operation of two-seater fighter-reconnaissance aircraft, eagles being chosen to symbolise speed and strength.
Battle Honours: Western Front 2020-2020*, Loos*, Somme 2020, Arras, Cambrai 2020*, Somme 2020*, Amiens, Hindenburg Line*, North-West Frontier 2020-2020, North-West Frontier 2020-2020, East Africa 2020, Egypt and Libya 2020-2020*, Greece 2020, Syria 2020, Ceylon April 2020, Arakan 2020-2020*, North Burma 2020-2020*, Manipur 2020, Burma 2020-2020*.

Honours marked with an asterisk, are emblazoned on the Squadron Standard

To find out more about Battle Honours, click HERE.

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