Number 101 Squadron

Officer Commanding: Gp Capt Ian Pearse

Stationed at RAF Brize Norton and flying various versions of the venerable VC10 and L1011 Tristar, Number 101 Squadron's future continues to hang in the balance as a decision is still pending on the Future Strategic Tanker Program.

101 Squadron was formed in 1917, flying FE2s as night bombers attacking enemy communications and aerodromes. They then switched to ground attack, strafing enemy trenches to cover allied troop movements. The squadron was disbanded in 1919, then reformed in 1928 as a day bomber squadron flying Sidetrands, then Overstrands.

At the beginning of World War 2 the squadron was equipped with Blenheims, to attack enemy shipping in the Channel Ports. In 1941, Wellingtons were introduced, and the squadron took part in raids into Germany and Italy. Lancasters were introduced in 1943 and the unit specialised in jamming enemy radar and radio communications.

After the war, the Lancasters were replaced by Lincolns. The unit then became the first jet bomber squadron with the introduction of the Canberra in 1951. With this aircraft, the squadron served in the Malaya and Suez campaigns before being disbanded again in 1957.

The squadron was reformed, equipped with Vulcans, in 1957, and became part of the V-bomber force based at Finningley, then Waddington. Vulcans from the squadron were involved in Operation Corporate, the Falklands Campaign, operating out of Ascension Island.

The unit was disbanded again after the Falklands war, then reformed again in 1984 to operate VC10s in the Air to Air refuelling role, which it continues to do today, being the only squadron to operate the type since 2005.

The virtual 101 Squadron is pledged to continue its support of the rest of the vRAF, supplying AAR and transport services whenever asked to do so. The squadron also maintains the vital air links to Akrotiri, and to the Falklands via Ascension.