30 Squadron

Providing the RAF's tactical airlift capability.

"Flat out"

About

30 Squadron is based at RAF Brize Norton.  As the Worlds’ first Aerial Delivery Squadron, resupplying the besieged Fort of Al Amara, Iraq in April 1916.  It has been active in offensive operations during both World Wars and more latterly transport and parachuting operations, as well as air-to-air refuelling for military support and Humanitarian Aid response.  30 Squadron has operated aircraft including the Henry Farman, Wapiti, Scout, Blenheim, Hurricane, Thunderbolt, Dakota, Valetta and Beverley.  Since 1971, the Squadron's Hercules fleet has been involved in almost every RAF operation including sustained deployed support to the Falkland Islands, Afghanistan and Iraq. 

In December 2016 the Squadron ceased flying the C-130J Hercules and entered a period of transition preparing to operate the A400M Atlas.  The Squadron’s crest of a black Real Date Palm tree signifies the unit’s origins and significant actions in the desert, with the motto “Ventre A Terre” meaning ‘Flat Out’ on operations.

30 Squadron is the newest operational unit to use the Airbus A400M Atlas in Global operations, war-fighting, humanitarian and disaster relief scenarios.

History

1914   A reconnaissance unit formed at Farnborough in 1914, although the Squadron number was not allocated until 1915.

1916   Became the World’s first Aerial Delivery unit resupplying the besieged Fort of Al Amara.

1938   Declared as a Bomber Squadron operating Blenheim aircraft.

1941   Officially became a fighter unit on converting to Hurricanes.

1948   Played an integral part in the Berlin Airlift.

2011   Moved to RAF Brize Norton.

2021   Newest operational unit to use the Airbus A400M Atlas.

Battle honours

The 8 current Emblazoned Battle Honours:

1915   Egypt

1915   Mesopotamia

1940-1942   Egypt and Libya

1940-1941   Greece

1940-1941   Mediterranean

1942   Ceylon April

1944   Arakan

1944-1945   Burma

Recognition of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq (not emblazoned).

Contact

Please contact the Station Media Communications team for more information or to contact the Squadron.

Media enquiries details for RAF Brize Norton