No. LXX Squadron RAF

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=No. LXX Squadron RAF


role=Air Transport
equipment=C-130 Hercules
garrison=RAF Lyneham
motto="Usquam" (Everywhere)"
identification_symbol=A demi-wing lion erased
dates=1916-1920
1920-1947
1948 -
battle_honours=

No. LXX or 70 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Lockeed Hercules from RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire.

History

The squadron was formed on April 22, 1916 at Farnborough, and was equipped with the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. The squadron was posted to France, and in 1917 re-equipped with Sopwith Camels. The squadron briefly disbanded in January 1920, reforming nine days later at Heliopolis, Egypt via the renumbering of No. 58 Squadron. The squadron was equipped with the Vickers Vimy bomber.

During the inter-war years the squadron operated various types of aircraft including; the Vernon, the Victoria and from 1935 the Valentia. With the outbreak of the Second World War the Valentias were replaced by Wellingtons during 1940. The squadron operated Wellingtons until February 1945 when it converted to Liberators. The squadron disbanded in April 1947.

The squadron reformed in May 1948, at Kabrit, Egypt when No. 215 Squadron was renumbered No. 70 Squadron. The squadron was equipped with Dakotas until 1950, when it re-equipped with Valettas. In 1955, the squadron moved to Cyprus and re-equipped with the Hastings. After a brief period operating Argosys, the squadron began conversion to the Hercules in 1970, and moved RAF Lyneham in 1975, after 55 years overseas.

Aircraft operated

[Jefford 1988, page 46]

ee also

*List of RAF squadrons

References

*

External links

*http://www.raf.mod.uk/structure/70squadron.cfm
*http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn066-70.htm