1912 and First World War

Formed at Farnborough in September 1912, the Squadron flew the usual varied selection of types in its early years.

It deployed to France in August 1914 on reconnaissance tasks as part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) - a role that occupied the Squadron for the whole of the War. The Squadron standardised on BE2Cs and then RE8s before returning to the UK in early 1919.

Post First World War

During the Chanak crisis in 1922, the Squadron deployed to Turkey aboard HMS Ark Royal and then HMS Argus with FE2Bs. Back at Farnborough a year later, the unit settled into Army co-operation duties and received dedicated Atlas aircraft and then Audaxes in 1931.

Second World War

A switch to reconnaissance tasks in 1942 saw the Lysander exchanged for Mustang aircraft. No IV Squadron joined the Second Tactical Air Force in 1943 and received Mosquito and Spitfire reconnaissance versions for work in connection with the forthcoming invasion of Europe. The Mosquitoes remained with the Squadron until 1950 when they were replaced firstly by Vampires then Sabres and Hunters.

The Harrier Years

In late 1969 the Squadron moved to Wildenrath, Germany, with the unique Harrier jump-jet. After a lengthy period at Gutersloh, the Squadron moved to Laarbruch, and later re-eqippped with second-generation Harrier GR7s before moving to Cottesmore with its sister 3 (F) Sqn during April 1999.

Present Day

Despite the disruption of relocating, the Sqn continued to maintain their commitment to Op DELIBERATE FORGE on a rotational basis with the other 2 GR7 Sqns, until they were tasked with the draw down from Gioia del Colle in April 2001. The Sqn then focused on a period of training until they were deployed to Kuwait in support of Op TELIC (IRAQI FREEDOM) in February 2003, where they were employed in the close air support and reconnaissance role.

The Sqn returned from Op TELIC in April 2003 and rapidly rebuilt skill sets for the European theatre. However, the desert beckoned again and Joint Force Harrier (JFH) was soon on the move. In August 2004, the Force deployed to Kandahar Airfield to support NATO troops in Afghanistan for Op HERRICK. In March 2005, whilst deployed to HMS INVINCIBLE for Ex MAGIC CARPET, No IV(AC) Sqn conducted the UK's first strike mission from an aircraft carrier into Kandahar Airfield. The Sqn's primary role in Afghanistan remains close air support (CAS) and reconaissance with a secondary commitment of training NATO Forward Air Controllers

Badge and Motto

Motto: In futurum videre - To see into the future.

Badge: A sun in splendour divided per bend by a flash of lightning - approved by HRH King Edward VIII in May 1936. The red and black segmented sun suggests round-the-clock operations, while the lightning flash is a reference to the unit's early use of wireless telephony for artillery co-operation.

Battle Honours

Western Front 1914-1918*, Mons*, Neuve Chapelle, Somme 1916, Ypres 1917*, Lys, Somme 1918*, France and Low Countries 1939-1940*, Fortress Europe 1942-1944, France and Germany 1944-1945*, Normandy 1944*, Arnhem*, Rhine, Iraq 2003

Honours marked with and asterisk are emblazoned on the Squadron Standards.