56 Test and Evaluation Squadron is stationed at RAF Waddington, as part of the Air Warfare Centre. The Squadron crest was awarded after the World War One, during which the aircrew were all lost in a matter of days. 56 Squadron contributes to the operational development and optimisation of the RAF's Air C2ISR capabilities.
1916 Formed at Gosport.
1917 First Squadron to fly Royal Aircraft Factory S.E. 5a.
1941 First squadron to fly Hawker Typhoon.
1954 First, and only, unit to fly the Supermarine Swift Mk.1 and Mk.2.
1963 Fighter Command's official demonstration team, flying aerobatics with Lightning Mk.1A interceptors.
2008 Squadron hangs up its fighter boots, taking on the role of Air C2ISR Test and Evaluation Squadron.
1917 - 1918* Western Front
1917 Arras
1917* Ypres
1917 Cambrai
1918* (Second Battle of) Somme
1918 Amiens
1918 Hindenburg Line
1940 France and Low Countries
1940* Dunkirk
1940* Battle of Britain
1942 - 1944 Fortress Europe
1942 Dieppe
1944 - 1945* France and Germany
1944* Normandy
1942 - 1945 Home defence
1944* Arnhem
*Honours marked with an asterisk, are emblazoned on the Squadron Standard.
