Senior RAF squadron reformed at Brize Norton

One of the RAF’s most senior squadrons was reformed at RAF Brize Norton Oxfordshire, on September 28 when 30 Squadron became the second operational Airbus Atlas C.1 unit.

It had been disbanded on December 8, 2016 as part of the gradual rundown of the Hercules force.

**Blackburn Beverley C.1 XL152 of 30 Squadron unloads in Aden during the 1960s MoD.** *Via A Thomas*

First formed in October 1914 it moved to Egypt and then Mesopotamia where operations were flown against the Turks. During World War Two, it flew operationally in Egypt, Greece and Burma successively flying Blenheims, Hurricanes and Thunderbolts. Notably, it helped defend Ceylon against Japanese air strikes in April 1942 and is the only RAF squadron to carry this Battle Honour on its Standard. ANDREW THOMAS