1 April 1916 – 1 April 1918 (RFC) 1 April 1918 – 26 June 1919 (RAF) 14 December 1936 – 30 June 1945 1 July 1945 – 30 December 1945 1 October 1946 – 15 October 1947 28 June 1952 – 26 May 2011 21 September 2023 – present
On a terrestrial globe, a figure of Perseus[1][2] No. 42 Squadron was the 1st to use the Bristol Perseus engine and this accounts for the presence of Perseus in the badge; he was known always to achieve his object and destroy his enemies and he stands in front of a globe to signify his activities over many lands and seas[1]
Squadron Codes
QD (Allocated Apr 1939 – Sep 1939, but probably not used)[3][4] AW (Sep 1939 – Jun 1942 1943 – Dec 1945)[5][6] QM (Oct 1946 – Oct 1947)[7][8] A (Jun 1952 – 1956)[9][10] 42 (1956–1968)
The squadron served during the First World War as an army co-operation squadron and during the Second World War in various roles. Between 1992 and 2010, it was based at RAF Kinloss as the Operational Conversion Unit for the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2, until the retirement of the aircraft in March 2010.
The squadron was based at La Gorgue in northern France from 1 September to 8 November 1916.[13]
Second World War
Bristol Beaufort of No. 42 Squadron, March 1941
On 14 December 1936, 'B' flight of No. 22 Squadron was expanded into a new No. 42 Squadron.[1][2] In 1939, No. 42 Squadron was based at RAF Bircham Newton. Initially the unit was equipped with Vickers Vildebeests before re-equipping with Bristol Beauforts in January 1940. The squadron operated also a bomber unit in the Burma campaign flying Blenheims during 1942 and as a fighter-bomber unit flying Hawker Hurricanes during 1943. The squadron disbanded on 30 June 1945 but on the following day No. 146 Squadron was renumbered to No. 42 Squadron and flew Republic Thunderbolts Mk.IIs.[2] The squadron fought on with these until the Burma campaign ended and thereafter the squadron disbanded on 30 December 1945 at Meiktela.[1][12]
Post-War
Beaufighters and Shackletons (1946–1971)
Avro Shackleton MR.2 WG533 of No. 42 Squadron at Blackbushe Airport, September 1956.
In June 1990, No. 42 (TB) Squadron won the Fincastle Trophy once again, this time at CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia.[19] In October 1990, the squadron deployed its crews to Seeb International Airport, Oman, and later to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, in January 1991 as part of Operation Granby.[20] Nimrod MR.2 XV244 (Battle Star 42) was credited with 14 mission markings and four ship kills while deployed.[21] One of the squadron's crews were credited with having achieved the highest number of assisted kills – six, achieved operating in a High Air Threat environment.[21]
The unit was reformed as No. 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron on 21 September 2023 at RAF Lossiemouth, Moray. The squadron is the Operational Conversion Unit for both the Boeing Poseidon MRA1 and Boeing Wedgetail AEW1. No. 42 (TB) Squadron's first Poseidon sortie was flown on 26 September 2023.[11]
Aircraft operated
Aircraft operated by No. 42 Squadron, data from[1][2][12][24]
Bowyer, Michael J.F.; Rawlings, John D.R. (1979). Squadron Codes, 1937–56. Cambridge, UK: Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN0-85059-364-6.
Coleman, Ian (1992). Resolute in Action: The History of 42 Squadron RAF, 1916–1992. St Mawgan, Cornwall, UK: Blackfords of Cornwall.
Flintham, Vic; Thomas, Andrew (2003). Combat Codes: A Full Explanation and Listing of British, Commonwealth and Allied Air Force Unit Codes since 1938. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd. ISBN1-84037-281-8.
Halley, James J. (1988). The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth, 1918–1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN0-85130-164-9.
Jefford, Wing Commander C.G. (2001). RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912 (2nd ed.). Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd. ISBN1-85310-053-6.
Rawlings, John D.R. (1982). Coastal, Support and Special Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft. London: Jane's Publishing Company Ltd. ISBN0-7106-0187-5.