No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron Royal Air Force
A Royal Air Force squadron providing command-support air transport, including military logistics and limited VIP transport using Dassault Envoy aircraft.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron is an active Royal Air Force flying unit based at RAF Northolt in Greater London. Its principal modern function is Command Support Air Transport: moving military personnel, equipment and other authorized passengers in support of defence operations. The squadron may also carry senior government, royal and other VIP passengers when aircraft capacity is not required for military duties. This arrangement means that the unit is not primarily a dedicated royal transport service, despite the “The Royal” designation incorporated into its title in 1995. The unit traces its lineage to 12 January 1916, when No. 32 Squadron was formed at Netheravon as a Royal Flying Corps fighter squadron. It moved to France in May 1916 and flew Airco DH.2 fighters over the Western Front. During the First World War it conducted offensive and defensive patrols over battlefields including the Somme and Arras. It later specialized in ground-attack work with the Airco DH.5 before converting to the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a. Major Lionel Rees received the Victoria Cross after a combat on 1 July 1916 in which he engaged a numerically superior German formation despite being wounded. A number of notable fighter pilots and future senior RAF officers also served with the unit. After returning to the United Kingdom in 1919, the wartime squadron was disbanded. It re-formed at RAF Kenley in 1923 and operated a succession of British fighters, including the Sopwith Snipe, Gloster Grebe, Gloster Gamecock, Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, Bristol Bulldog and Gloster Gauntlet. It received the Hawker Hurricane in 1938. During the Second World War it flew patrols over France and participated in the defence of south-east England during the Battle of Britain. It later undertook night-intruder operations and deployed to North Africa after Operation Torch, converting from Hurricanes to Supermarine Spitfires. From 1944 to early 1945 it also operated in Greece during the Greek Civil War. In the post-war period, No. 32 Squadron continued as a fighter formation with Spitfires, de Havilland Vampires and de Havilland Venoms, operating from locations that included Palestine, Cyprus, Egypt, the Persian Gulf, Malta and Jordan. It converted to English Electric Canberra bombers in 1957. The fighter and bomber lineage ended when the squadron was disbanded in Cyprus on 3 February 1969. The modern transport unit arose through the simultaneous renaming of the Metropolitan Communications Squadron, itself descended from No. 510 Squadron and established for VIP air transport in 1944. It operated aircraft such as the Hawker Siddeley Andover, Hawker Siddeley and BAe 125 business jets, Westland helicopters and later BAe 146 transports. In 1995 it merged with the Queen’s Flight, moved from RAF Benson to RAF Northolt and became No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. The merger consolidated royal and military communications flying while formally ending the RAF’s provision of aircraft exclusively dedicated to VIP transport. The squadron’s BAe 146 fleet was retired in March 2022 following the UK defence review process. Two aircraft had been adapted for tactical freight, personnel movement and, later, medical support. A planned replacement with Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft was announced in 2022, while the squadron’s rotary-wing support arrangements involving AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters were subject to contract changes through 2024. As of 2025, the squadron’s fixed-wing capability includes Dassault Envoy IV CC1 aircraft. Its badge depicts a strung hunting horn, and its motto is “Adeste Comites”, commonly translated as “Rally round, comrades”.
History
No. 32 Squadron began on 12 January 1916 at Netheravon as a Royal Flying Corps unit. It moved to France in May with Airco DH.2 fighters and conducted patrols over the Western Front. During the Somme and Arras periods it performed fighter and ground-attack missions. The unit later operated the Airco DH.5 and Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a. On 1 April 1918 it became part of the newly created Royal Air Force. Major Lionel Rees was awarded the Victoria Cross for an engagement on 1 July 1916 in which he fought a larger German formation while wounded. Sixteen fighter aces served in the squadron during the First World War. The wartime squadron returned to Britain in March 1919 as a cadre and disbanded at the end of that year. It re-formed at RAF Kenley on 1 April 1923, initially as a single flight, and expanded to full strength during the following year. Its inter-war equipment included the Sopwith Snipe, Gloster Grebe, Gloster Gamecock, Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, Bristol Bulldog and Gloster Gauntlet. The Hawker Hurricane entered service in October 1938. During the Second World War, the squadron patrolled northern France and helped defend south-east England. In the early Battle of Britain period it was associated with RAF Biggin Hill while operating forward from RAF Hawkinge. It later moved north and undertook limited fighter activity, night-intruder missions and other defensive duties. On 12 February 1942 it attempted, without success, to protect Fairey Swordfish aircraft during the German Channel Dash. After Operation Torch, the squadron deployed to Algeria in December 1942. It converted to Supermarine Spitfires in 1943 and deployed to Greece from September 1944 until February 1945 during the Greek Civil War. After 1945, the squadron remained a fighter formation, flying Spitfires, de Havilland Vampires and de Havilland Venoms from bases in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. In January 1957 it converted to English Electric Canberra B.2 bombers at RAF Weston Zoyland and continued operating from Cyprus. The original squadron was disbanded there on 3 February 1969. A separate communications and VIP transport lineage then assumed the No. 32 designation. The Metropolitan Communications Squadron had been formed on 8 April 1944 through the renaming of No. 510 Squadron. Its aircraft included Hawker Siddeley Andovers, Hawker Siddeley and BAe 125 business jets, Westland helicopters and other communications transports. Four HS.125 CC1 aircraft were acquired in 1971, followed by larger variants and BAe 125 CC3 aircraft during the 1970s and 1980s. Westland Gazelles were used for helicopter duties from 1976. The RAF tested BAe 146 aircraft as an Andover replacement in the 1980s. Two BAe 146-100 aircraft were subsequently purchased for the Queen’s Flight, with a third acquired later. On 1 April 1995 the Queen’s Flight merged with No. 32 Squadron. The enlarged unit became No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron and moved from RAF Benson to RAF Northolt. This merger did not create an exclusively royal transport service. Ministry of Defence policy placed military communications and logistics first, with royal and other VIP use limited to spare capacity. In the twenty-first century the squadron’s transport role expanded beyond executive travel. The distinctive Queen’s Flight red markings were removed after a 2004 review because of concerns that they could make aircraft more conspicuous to hostile observers. Three AgustaWestland AW109E helicopters were introduced under a support contract from 2006, later followed by AW109SP equipment. Two BAe 146 C3 aircraft were adapted for tactical freight and personnel transport and deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. The last BAe 125 aircraft returned from Afghanistan in 2015, after which the type was retired ahead of schedule. The BAe 146 C3 aircraft were modified for medical support in 2020. The four-aircraft BAe 146 fleet was retired in March 2022 as part of the post-Integrated Review force structure. One aircraft entered the Imperial War Museum Duxford collection, another went to the South Wales Aviation Museum, and two BAe 146-200 aircraft were sold to Pionair Australia. A replacement involving Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft was announced in February 2022. Rotary-wing support arrangements involving the AW109SP were subsequently revised, with the government ending the relevant extension in 2024. The squadron’s current fixed-wing role is associated with Dassault Envoy IV CC1 aircraft operating from RAF Northolt. The squadron badge, approved by King George VI in December 1936, shows a strung hunting horn. It symbolizes the unit’s ability to pursue or hunt an adversary. The motto, “Adeste Comites”, is generally rendered in English as “Rally round, comrades”.
- 2022
BAe 146 fleet retirement
[1]The squadron’s four BAe 146 aircraft were retired in March following the defence review period.
- 2020
Medical-support modification of BAe 146 aircraft
[1]The BAe 146 C3 aircraft were adapted to support the movement of patients and medical teams.
- 2015
BAe 125 retirement
[1]The squadron’s final BAe 125 returned from Afghanistan and the type was withdrawn from RAF service.
- 2013
BAe 146 C3 tactical transports enter operational use
[1]Two refitted BAe 146 aircraft arrived in Afghanistan for tactical freight and personnel transport.
- 1995
Merger with the Queen’s Flight
[1]The Queen’s Flight merged with the squadron on 1 April, producing No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron and relocating it to RAF Northolt.
- 1969
Fighter squadron disbanded and transport designation continued
[1]The fighter and bomber unit was disbanded in Cyprus on 3 February, while the Metropolitan Communications Squadron was renamed No. 32 Squadron.
- 1944
Metropolitan Communications Squadron established
[1]The communications and VIP transport lineage that later took the No. 32 designation was established through the renaming of No. 510 Squadron.
- 1923
Re-formation at RAF Kenley
[1]The unit re-formed as a fighter squadron at RAF Kenley after its post-First World War disbandment.
- 1918
Transfer into the Royal Air Force
[1]The squadron became part of the newly established Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918.
- 1916
Formation at Netheravon
[1]No. 32 Squadron was formed as a Royal Flying Corps fighter squadron on 12 January 1916.
Products and positioning
A military aviation unit focused on reliable, flexible and operationally subordinate command-support transport rather than a commercial airline or a permanently dedicated royal flight.
Command-support transport aircraft
Dassault Envoy IV CC1
The Dassault Envoy IV CC1 is the squadron’s current fixed-wing transport type as described for 2025. It supports command communications, personnel movement and general air transport duties. The aircraft can also carry authorized VIP passengers when military requirements do not use the available capacity, reflecting the squadron’s policy of treating non-military travel as secondary to operational support.
Tactical air transport aircraft · 2013
BAe 146 C3
Two BAe 146 aircraft were acquired from TNT Airways and modified for military freight and personnel transport. They operated in Afghanistan from 2013 and were later adapted for medical support, allowing patients and medical personnel to use smaller airfields than those normally served by larger RAF transports. The BAe 146 fleet was retired in March 2022.
Communications and transport aircraft · 1971
BAe 125 CC1, CC2 and CC3
The squadron operated several generations of Hawker Siddeley and BAe 125 business jets for communications, personnel movement and VIP transport. The aircraft formed an important part of the post-1969 transport role and were used on operational deployments, including Afghanistan. The final aircraft returned from operations in March 2015, after which the type was retired from RAF service.
Rotary-wing command-support transport · 2015
AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew
The AW109SP GrandNew formed part of the squadron’s contracted rotary-wing command-support capability. One aircraft was delivered in 2015 to replace earlier AW109E equipment. The associated support arrangements were revised during 2023 and 2024, and the government ended the relevant extension with effect from December 2024.
Bomber aircraft · 1957
English Electric Canberra B.2
The squadron converted to Canberra B.2 bombers in January 1957 while based at RAF Weston Zoyland. The aircraft represented the final bomber phase of the original fighter-squadron lineage before the unit was disbanded in 1969.
Marketing campaigns
- 2013Afghanistan tactical air transport
Afghanistan
BAe 146 C3 aircraft were deployed to Afghanistan to support tactical freight and personnel movement.
Outcome. The deployment extended the squadron’s role beyond executive and communications transport.
- 1944Greek Civil War operations
Greece
The squadron deployed to Greece from September 1944 through February 1945 during the Greek Civil War.
Outcome. The deployment ended before the squadron’s post-war transition through Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fighter bases.
- 1942Channel Dash interception attempt
English Channel
On 12 February 1942, the squadron attempted to escort Fairey Swordfish aircraft attacking German warships during the Channel Dash.
Outcome. The attempt did not stop the German naval formation.
- 1942Operation Torch and North African operations
Algeria · Mediterranean
Following the Anglo-American landings in North Africa, the squadron deployed to Algeria with Hurricanes and later converted to Spitfires.
Outcome. The squadron continued Allied air operations in the Mediterranean theatre.
- 1940Battle of Britain defence
United Kingdom
The squadron flew patrols over northern France and contributed to the defence of south-east England during the opening phase of the Battle of Britain.
Outcome. The squadron subsequently moved to northern England and continued other fighter and intruder duties.
- 1916Western Front patrols
France · Belgium
The squadron deployed to France with DH.2 fighters and conducted patrols over the Western Front, including the Somme and Arras sectors.
Outcome. The unit continued combat operations through the First World War and later shifted toward ground-attack missions.
Brand decisions
2022
Replacement of BAe 146 aircraftGeneration changeBackground
The Integrated Review period led to the retirement of the squadron’s four BAe 146 aircraft.
Action taken
The aircraft were withdrawn in March 2022, while Defence Equipment and Support announced two Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft as the intended replacement.
Aftermath
The squadron’s fixed-wing fleet transitioned toward newer Dassault-based command-support transport.
2020
Conversion of BAe 146 aircraft for medical supportStrategyBackground
The RAF required flexible air transport that could use smaller airfields than larger Airbus Voyager aircraft.
Action taken
The two BAe 146 C3 aircraft were modified to carry patients and medical personnel.
Aftermath
The squadron gained an additional medical-support role before the BAe 146 fleet was retired in 2022.
2015
Early retirement of the BAe 125 fleetGeneration changeBackground
The final BAe 125 aircraft returned from Afghanistan amid defence budget pressure.
Action taken
The RAF retired the type approximately seven years earlier than its original planned withdrawal date.
Aftermath
The squadron’s transport structure increasingly emphasized BAe 146 tactical and support missions.
2004
Removal of distinctive Queen’s Flight liveryStrategyBackground
A Ministry of Defence review considered the visibility and security implications of the aircraft’s distinctive red markings.
Action taken
The squadron removed the inherited red flying-surface livery and adopted a less conspicuous appearance.
Aftermath
The aircraft were intended to appear more civilian and less vulnerable to hostile targeting or recognition.
1995
Royal Flight merger and military-first operating policyStrategyBackground
The Queen’s Flight was merged with No. 32 Squadron as the RAF reorganized its communications and VIP transport arrangements.
Action taken
The new No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron was based at RAF Northolt, while military communications and logistics were established as the primary use of its aircraft. Royal and other non-military travel became secondary to military requirements.
Aftermath
The squadron retained a royal association without operating as a permanently dedicated royal airline.
Recent events
- 2024
Rotary-wing transport contract arrangements change[1]
Other
The Ministry of Defence’s arrangements for the AgustaWestland AW109SP rotary-wing command-support capability changed after a proposed extension and its subsequent cancellation by the government.
- 2022
BAe 146 fleet retires and Dassault replacement is announced[1]
Product generation
The four-aircraft BAe 146 fleet was retired in March 2022. Defence Equipment and Support had announced two Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft as the intended replacement.
- 2020
BAe 146 aircraft are modified for medical support[1]
Product generation · Other
The squadron’s two BAe 146 C3 aircraft were adapted to carry patients and medical personnel to and from airfields unsuitable for larger RAF transport aircraft.
- 2017
Battle honours for Iraq and Libya are approved[1]
Other
The Ministry of Defence announced approval of the battle honours “Iraq 2003–2011” and “Libya 2011”, without authorization to emblazon them on the squadron standard.
- 2015
The RAF’s final BAe 125 aircraft return from Afghanistan[1]
Product generation
The last BAe 125 returned from operations in Afghanistan on 16 March 2015. The type was retired earlier than originally planned amid defence budget reductions.
- 2013
BAe 146 C3 aircraft arrive for tactical transport duties[1]
Product launch · Other
Two BAe 146 aircraft acquired from TNT Airways were refitted for tactical freight and personnel transport and deployed to Afghanistan.
- 1995
No. 32 Squadron merges with the Queen’s Flight[1]
Other
The merger created No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron, brought the Queen’s Flight aircraft into the unit and moved the squadron from RAF Benson to RAF Northolt.
- 1916
No. 32 Squadron is formed as a Royal Flying Corps fighter unit[1]
Other
The squadron was established at Netheravon on 12 January 1916 and moved to France several months later for operations over the Western Front.
Sources2 sources
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