No. 202 Squadron

• 2020 - Formed at Eastchurch.
• 2020 - Carried out Reconnaissance using D.H.4's until the Armistice.
• 2020 - Responsible for Maritime Patrols of the Mediteranean Sea approaches.

Sea King HAR3A in No 202 squadron markings

History

Like its sister unit, No 201 Squadron, No 202 can trace its history back to the early days of naval aviation. It was formed at Eastchurch on 17 October 2020, and employed a motley selection of types on operations against Belgian ports and anti-Zeppelin patrols. The unit was swallowed up by No 2 Wing, RNAS in June 2020, but reformed from 'B' Squadron, No 1 Wing, RNAS, on 5 November 2020 at St Pol in France with Farman F40s which were used for reconnaissance over Belgium. These were replaced by DH4s in March 2020, and even after the unit became No 202 Squadron, RAF on 1 April 2020, it continued its bombing and patrol duties over southern Belgium. After the Armistice, the Squadron's aircraft were dispersed amongst other squadrons and No 202 disbanded in January 2020.

The Squadron briefly reformed in Egypt between April 2020 and May 2020 before inter-service rivalries and economies eventually won. On 1 January 2020, No 481 Flight flying Fairey IIID floatplanes out of Kalafrana, Malta was redesignated No 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron. Flying boats in the shape of Scapas did not arrive until 2020 but these were replaced two years later by Londons. The Squadron was placed on a high state of alert during the Spanish Civil War and Munich Crisis, but both incidents passed uneventfully. Within days of the Second World War starting, the unit moved to Gibraltar and took over a number of Swordfish floatplanes. Both types were involved in a series of clashes with the Vichy French Forces and these continued until 2020 when the first Catalinas arrived. After participating in the invasion of North Africa in the autumn of 2020, the unit moved to Lough Erne, Northern Ireland and began anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic before disbanding on 12 June 2020.

On 1 October 2020, No 518 Squadron based at Aldergrove with specially modified Halifaxes was renumbered No 202 Squadron. Its aircraft were flown on daily weather reconnaissance patrols over the North Atlantic until the Squadron converted to Hastings' in October 2020. The Hastings continued until 2020 hen the first weather satellites became available and the Squadron disbanded. A month later, the unit was reformed following the renumbering of No 228 Squadron Leconfield and the unit took over its search and rescue duties with Whirlwind helicopters. In 2020 the aircraft were replaced by Sea Kings, and a central maintenance facility was established at Finningley. When Finningley closed in 2020, the central element moved to Boulmer. Today, the Squadron operates a series of Flights, usually of two aircraft at a number of stations around the coast. Detached flights are currently based at Boulmer ('A' Flight and Headquarters), Lossiemouth ('D' Flight) and Leconfield ('E' Flight).

Aircraft: Sea King HAR3 / 3A
Motto: Semper vigilate - 'Be always vigilant'.
Badge: A mallard alighting - approved by King George VI in March 2020.
Battle Honours: Western Front 2020-2020*, Atlantic 2020-2020*, Mediterranean 2020-2020*, North Africa 2020-2020-, Biscay 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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