No. 24 Squadron of the Royal Air Force

Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...

 operates the C-130J Hercules C.4 and C.5

C-130 Hercules

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...

 from RAF Brize Norton

RAF Brize Norton

RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, about west north-west of London, is the largest station of the Royal Air Force. It is close to the settlements of Brize Norton, Carterton and Witney....

 in Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is a county in the South East region of England, bordering on Warwickshire and Northamptonshire , Buckinghamshire , Berkshire , Wiltshire and Gloucestershire ....

.

As a fighter squadron

The squadron was founded as No. 24 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps

Royal Flying Corps

The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...

 on 1 September 1915 at Hounslow Heath Aerodrome

Hounslow Heath Aerodrome

Hounslow Heath Aerodrome was a grass airfield, operational 1914-1920. It was situated in the London borough of Hounslow, and in 1919 was the location from which the first scheduled daily international commercial air services took place.-1909-1914:...

. It arrived in France equipped with D.H.2 fighters in February 1916 - making it the world's first single-seat fighter squadron. The DH.2 came with a reputation for spinning because it had a rotary engine

Rotary engine

The rotary engine was an early type of internal-combustion engine, usually designed with an odd number of cylinders per row in a radial configuration, in which the crankshaft remained stationary and the entire cylinder block rotated around it...

 "pushing

Pusher configuration

In a craft with a pusher configuration the propeller are mounted behind their respective engine. According to Bill Gunston, a "pusher propeller" is one mounted behind engine so that drive shaft is in compression...

" it, but after Officer Commanding Major Lanoe Hawker

Lanoe Hawker

Lanoe George Hawker VC, DSO was a British flying ace, with seven credited victories, during the First World War. He was the first British flying ace, and the third pilot to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded...

 demonstrated the recently discovered procedures for pulling out of a spin, the squadron's pilots came to appreciate the type's maneuverability.

By early 1917 the DH.2 was outclassed and they were replaced by the Airco DH.5

Airco DH.5

-Bibliography:* Bruce, J.M. Warplanes of the First World War, Vol. 1. London: MacDonald, 1965, pp. 128–132.* Jackson, A.J. De Havilland Aircraft since 1915. London: Putnam, 1962....

. The DH.5 did not prove suitable as a fighter but the squadron used it in a ground-attack role. One of the first actions was during the Battle of Messines

Battle of Messines

The Battle of Messines was a battle of the Western front of the First World War. It began on 7 June 1917 when the British Second Army under the command of General Herbert Plumer launched an offensive near the village of Mesen in West Flanders, Belgium...

 and later in the Battle of Cambrai. The DH.5 was phased out of operations and the squadron were given the SE.5a in December 1917. After a few months in the ground-attack role the squadron returned to air combat operations. By October 1918 the squadron had destroyed 200 enemy aircraft. With the armistice the squadron returned to England and was disbanded in February 1919. During the course of its wartime existence, it had 33 flying aces among its ranks, including
Tom Hazell,
Ian Donald Roy McDonald

Ian Donald Roy McDonald

Captain Ian Donald Roy McDonald was a World War I flying ace credited with 20 aerial victories. Although born in the British West Indies, he returned to England to serve in the air force. After his successful career in combat, he spent a short while at home before returning to the colors...

,
Horace Barton

Horace Barton

Captain Horace Dale Barton was a World War I flying ace credited with 19 aerial victories.He originally spent 1914–1916 with the army in German Southwest and East Africa. He then joined the Royal Flying Corps in England. His first assignment after pilot's training was 84 Squadron. On 3 January...

,
Andrew Cowper

Andrew Cowper

Andrew King Cowper MC & Two Bars was an Australian fighter pilot and flying ace of the First World War. Born in Bingara, New South Wales, he was educated in the United Kingdom at Eastbourne College...

,
William C. Lambert

William C. Lambert

William C. Lambert was an American fighter pilot who flew in World War I. He was probably the second-ranking American ace of World War I...

,
George McElroy

George McElroy

Captain George Edward Henry McElroy MC and Two Bars, DFC and Bar was a leading ace fighter pilot of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during World War I. He was credited with 47 aerial victories....

,
Herbert Richardson

Herbert Richardson (aviator)

Lieutenant Herbert Brian Richardson was a World War I flying ace credited with 15 aerial victories.Richardson scored his first aerial victory on 18 February 1918. He then scored steadily through 4 April 1918. All his wins were scored while flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a fighter...

,
Ronald T. Mark

Ronald T. Mark (aviator)

Lieutenant Ronald Turnbull Mark was a World War I flying ace credited with 14 aerial victories.-World War I service:...

,
Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne

Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne

Lieutenant Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne was a pioneering Irish World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories.Langan-Bryne began his victories on 31 August 1916, when he used Airco DH.2 No. 6011 to force an enemy plane to land. Three days later, he drove a German fighter plane down out...

,
Alan Wilkinson

Alan Wilkinson (aviator)

Lieutenant Colonel Alan Machin Wilkinson became a flying ace early in World War I.-Early life and service:...

,
Selden Long

Selden Long

Major Selden Herbert Long was an English flying ace during World War I. He was credited with nine confirmed aerial victories. He was also noted for the audacity of his trench strafing missions–an early form of close air support....

,
Reuben Hammersley

Reuben Hammersley

Lieutenant Reuben George Hammersley was a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.-Reference:...

,
John Oliver Andrews

John Oliver Andrews

Air Vice Marshal John Oliver Andrews was an English flying ace of World War I. He was credited with twelve aerial victories. His most significant victory was over German ace Stefan Kirmaier, although he also enjoyed some success against Max Immelmann and Manfred von Richthofen...

,
Bernard Paul Gascoigne Beanlands

Bernard Paul Gascoigne Beanlands

Captain Bernard Paul Gascoigne Beanlands was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.-Early life:Bernard Paul Gascoigne Beanlands was born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on 9 September 1897. He was a minister's son; Canon Beanlands was rector of Christ Church...

,
Alfred John Brown,
Conway MacAlister Gray Farrell,
George Buchanan Foster,
Arthur Gerald Knight

Arthur Gerald Knight

Captain Arthur Gerald Knight DSO MC was a British-born Canadian World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories. He was under attack by Oswald Boelcke and Erwin Böhme when they collided, causing Boelcke's death...

,
Cyril Lowe

Cyril Lowe

Cyril Nelson "Kit" Lowe MC DFC was an English rugby union footballer who held England's international try scoring record for over sixty years, First World War flying ace credited with nine victories, and supposedly the inspiration for W. E. Johns' character "Biggles".- Early life :Lowe was born in...

,
Peter MacDougall

Peter MacDougall

Lieutenant Peter Aitken MacDougall was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories.-References:...

,
Harold Redler

Harold Redler

Lieutenant Harold Bolton Redler was a World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories. His most notable triumph was over a leading German ace, Adolf von Tutschek, whom he killed in action.-Early life:...

,
Hilbert Bair

Hilbert Bair

Lieutenant Hilbert Leigh Bair began his service career as a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories....

,
Stanley Cockerell

Stanley Cockerell

Captain Stanley Cockerell was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories.-World War I aerial success:...

,
Sidney Cowan

Sidney Cowan

Captain Sidney Edward Cowan was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories.Cowan was a charter member of 24 Squadron from its 1 September 1915 formation. Between 4 May and 16 September 1916, Cowan used an Airco DH.2 to destroy four enemy planes and drive down two more out of...

,
John Daley

John Daley (aviator)

Lieutenant John Albert Edward Robertson Daley was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.-Reference:...

,
Henry Evans

Henry Evans (aviator)

Second Lieutenant Henry Cope Evans was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories, all while flying the Airco DH.2.Evans emigrated from England to Canada in his youth to become an orchardist. He served in the Canadian Artillery during the Second Boer War. After that, he was a...

,
Thomas M. Harries

Thomas M. Harries

Lieutenant Thomas Montagu Harries was a Scottish World War I flying ace credited with 11 aerial victories. He was the second scoring ace using the Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter; he then also became an ace on the Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a.-World War I:...

,
future Air Marshal

Air Marshal

Air marshal is a three-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...

 George Owen Johnson

George Owen Johnson

Air Marshal George Owen Johnson CB, MC was a Canadian aviator.-World War I service:Born in Woodstock, Ontario in 1896, George Owen Johnson initially served as a subaltern with the Corps of School Cadet Instructors from 1913 to 1916...

,
Walter H. Longton

Walter H. Longton

Captain Walter Hunt Longton was an English World War I flying ace credited with 11 confirmed aerial victories. Most unusually for a British or Commonwealth ace, all his victories resulted in the destruction of his foe....

, and
Henry Woollett.

As a VIP transport squadron

On 1 February 1920 the squadron was re-formed at RAF Kenley

RAF Kenley

The former Royal Air Force Station Kenley, more commonly known as RAF Kenley was a station of the Royal Flying Corps in World War I and the RAF in World War II. It is located near Kenley, London, England.-History:...

 with an unusual task. It had to provide aircraft to transport VIPs and government officials and senior members of the three services. During the General Strike of 1926

1926 United Kingdom general strike

The 1926 general strike in the United Kingdom was a general strike that lasted nine days, from 4 May 1926 to 13 May 1926. It was called by the general council of the Trades Union Congress in an unsuccessful attempt to force the British government to act to prevent wage reduction and worsening...

, because of the lack of a postal services, the squadron was used to deliver government dispatches around the country. It was soon in demand to provide air travel to royalty, when the Prince of Wales acquired his own aircraft they were looked after by the squadron.

During the 1920s the squadron used former wartime aircraft but it soon acquired more civil types better suited to the role. With the outbreak of the Second World War the squadron acquired more civil airliners which were impressed for wartime service. It provided a detachment in France to run a courier services, but with the withdrawal of British troops it was soon used to evacuate men back to England. Former British Airways

British Airways Ltd.

British Airways Ltd was a British airline company operating in Europe in the period 1935–39. It was formed in 1935 by the merger of Spartan Air Lines Ltd, United Airways Ltd , and Hillman's Airways...

 and Imperial Airways

Imperial Airways

Imperial Airways was the early British commercial long range air transport company, operating from 1924 to 1939 and serving parts of Europe but especially the Empire routes to South Africa, India and the Far East...

 aircraft were put to use on a network of communications flights including trips to Gibraltar and later Malta. The squadron also performed ambulance flights when required.

The squadron had grown into a large organisation not only with a network of routes around the United Kingdom and eventually extended to India. It also operated VIP transports including Sir Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...

's personal aircraft. It was decided to break the squadron up, the internal communication flight became 510 Squadron

No. 510 Squadron RAF

No. 510 Squadron was a Royal Air Force transport and liaison aircraft squadron that operated during the Second World War.-History:During 1942 it was decided that 24 Squadron was too large and the internal communication flight became no. 510 Squadron on 15 October 1942 at RAF Hendon...

 in October 1942. In June 1943 a second squadron, No. 512

No. 512 Squadron RAF

No. 512 Squadron was a Second World War Royal Air Force transport squadron.-History:No. 512 Squadron was formed on 18 June 1943 from the Dakota element of 24 Squadron at RAF Hendon. It operated on supply routes from the United Kingdom to Gibraltar and Algeria to support the campaign in North West...

, equipped with Douglas Dakota

C-47 Skytrain

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...

s was split off from No 24. This left 24 Sqn to concentrate on the long distance routes using the Avro York

Avro York

The Avro York was a British transport aircraft that was derived from the Second World War Lancaster heavy bomber, and used in both military and airliner roles between 1943 and 1964.-Design and development:...

 and C-47s. The long distance flights were taken over by other squadrons and No. 24 concentrated on short-range VIP duties using the Dakota.

After many years the squadron had to leave RAF Hendon in February 1946 as the airfield was now to small to operate the larger Avro York

Avro York

The Avro York was a British transport aircraft that was derived from the Second World War Lancaster heavy bomber, and used in both military and airliner roles between 1943 and 1964.-Design and development:...

s and Avro Lancastrian

Avro Lancastrian

|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Franks, Richard A. The Avro Lancaster, Manchester and Lincoln: A Comprehensive Guide for the Modeller. London: SAM Publications, 2000. ISBN 0-9533465-3-6....

s. The squadron was also designated a Commonwealth squadron with crews from various Commonwealth countries joining the squadron strength. Although it had a VIP role it still became involved in the Berlin Airlift. When the squadron re-equipped with the Handley Page Hastings

Handley Page Hastings

The Handley Page H.P.67 Hastings was a British troop-carrier and freight transport aircraft designed and built by Handley Page Aircraft Company for the Royal Air Force...

 it soon lost the VIP business and became a standard Transport Command squadron.

As a Transport Command squadron

In 1968 the squadron moved from RAF Colerne to RAF Lyneham

RAF Lyneham

RAF Lyneham is a Royal Air Force station in Wiltshire, England. It was the home of all the Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft of the Royal Air Force before they were relocated to RAF Brize Norton.The station was also home to No...

 and re-equipped with the Lockheed Hercules

C-130 Hercules

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...

. The squadron re-equipped with the new generation Hercules C.4 and C.5 RAF designation for the C-130J-30

C-130J Super Hercules

The Lockheed Martin C-130J "Super" Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any...

 and C-130J respectively) in 2002. It celebrated 40 years of Hercules operation in 2008 and remained at Lyneham until 2011 when the squadron relocated to RAF Brize Norton

RAF Brize Norton

RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, about west north-west of London, is the largest station of the Royal Air Force. It is close to the settlements of Brize Norton, Carterton and Witney....

.

Aircraft operated

• 1915-1915 Curtiss JN-4
  Curtiss JN-4
  The Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" was one of a series of "JN" biplanes built by the Curtiss Aeroplane Company of Hammondsport, New York, later the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. Although the Curtiss JN series was originally produced as a training aircraft for the U.S...
  
  
• 1915-1915 Caudron G.III
• 1915-1915 Avro 504
  Avro 504
  The Avro 504 was a World War I biplane aircraft made by the Avro aircraft company and under licence by others. Production during the War totalled 8,970 and continued for almost 20 years, making it the most-produced aircraft of any kind that served in World War I, in any military capacity, during...
  
  
• 1915-1915 RAF BE.2C
  Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2
  The Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 was a British single-engine two-seat biplane which was in service with the Royal Flying Corps from 1912 until the end of World War I. The "Bleriot" in its designation refers to the fact that, like the Bleriot types it was of tractor configuration, with the...
  
  
• 1915-1915 Bleriot IX
  Blériot IX
  |-References:* Devaux, Jean and Michel Marani. "Les Douze Premiers Aéroplanes de Louis Blériot". Pegase No 54, May 1989.* * -See also:...
  
  
• 1915-1915 Bristol Scout
  Bristol Scout
  The Bristol Scout was a simple, single seat, rotary-engined biplane originally intended as a civilian racing aircraft. Like other similar fast, light aircraft of the period - it was acquired by the RNAS and the RFC as a "scout", or fast reconnaissance type...
  
  
• 1915-1915 Maurice Farman Longhorn
• 1915-1915 Maurice Farman Shorthorn
• 1915-1916 Vickers FB.5
• 1916-1917 Airco DH.2
  Airco DH.2
  |-DH.2 aces:Distinguished pilots of the DH.2 included Victoria Cross winner Lanoe Hawker , who was the first commander of No 24 Squadron and ace Alan Wilkinson. The commander of No. 32 Squadron, Lionel Rees won the Victoria Cross flying the D.H.2 for single handedly attacking a formation of 10...
  
  
• 1917-1918 Airco DH.5
  Airco DH.5
  -Bibliography:* Bruce, J.M. Warplanes of the First World War, Vol. 1. London: MacDonald, 1965, pp. 128–132.* Jackson, A.J. De Havilland Aircraft since 1915. London: Putnam, 1962....
  
  
• 1917-1919 RAF SE.5A
• 1920-1930 Bristol Fighter
  Bristol F.2 Fighter
  The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...
  
  
• 1920-1927 de Havilland DH.9A
• 1927-1933 Avro 504N
  Avro 504
  The Avro 504 was a World War I biplane aircraft made by the Avro aircraft company and under licence by others. Production during the War totalled 8,970 and continued for almost 20 years, making it the most-produced aircraft of any kind that served in World War I, in any military capacity, during...
  
  
• 1927-1933 de Havilland Moth
  De Havilland Moth
  The de Havilland Moths were a series of light aircraft, sports planes and military trainers designed by Geoffrey de Havilland. In the late 1920s and 1930s they were the most common civil aircraft flying in Britain and during that time every light aircraft flying in the UK was commonly referred to...
  
  
• 1927-1933 Westland Wapiti
  Westland Wapiti
  The Westland Wapiti was a British two-seat general purpose military single-engined biplane of the 1920s. It was designed and built by Westland Aircraft Works to replace the Airco DH.9A in Royal Air Force service....
  
  
• 1927-1933 Fairey IIIF
• 1930-1933 Hawker Tomtit
  Hawker Tomtit
  -Bibliography:*Jackson, J.J. British Civil Aircraft 1919-72: Volume II. London: Putnam and Company, 1973. ISBN 0-85177-813-5* Mason, Francis K. Hawker Aircraft since 1920. London: Putnam & Company, 3rd revised edition 1991. ISBN 0-85177-839-9....
  
  
• 1931-1932 Avro Tutor
• 1933-1941 Hawker Hart
  Hawker Hart
  The Hawker Hart was a British two-seater biplane light bomber of the Royal Air Force , which had a prominent role during the RAF's inter-war period. The Hart was designed during the 1920s by Sydney Camm and built by Hawker Aircraft...
  
  
• 1933-1938 de Havilland Tiger Moth
  De Havilland Tiger Moth
  The de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and was operated by the Royal Air Force and others as a primary trainer. The Tiger Moth remained in service with the RAF until replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1952, when many of the surplus aircraft...
  
  
• 1933-1938 Hawker Audax
• 1933-1944 de Havilland Dragon Rapide and Dominie
  De Havilland Dragon Rapide
  The de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide was a British short-haul passenger airliner of the 1930s.-Design and development:Designed by the de Havilland company in late 1933 as a faster and more comfortable successor to the DH.84 Dragon, it was in effect a twin-engined, scaled-down version of the...
  
  
• 1937-1938 Miles Nighthawk
  Miles Nighthawk
  -See also:-Bibliography:* Amos, Peter. and Brown, Don Lambert. Miles Aircraft Since 1925, Volume 1. London: Putnam Aeronautical, 2000. ISBN 0-85177-787-0....
  
  
• 1937-1943 de Havilland Express
  De Havilland Express
  The de Havilland Express was a four-engined passenger aircraft from the 1930s manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company.-Development:...
  
  
• 1938-1940 Miles Magister
  Miles Magister
  -See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Amos, Peter. Miles Aircraft = The early years. Tonbridge: Air-Britain, 2009. ISBN 978 0 85130 410 6...
  
  
• 1938-1938 Avro Anson I
  Avro Anson
  The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, multi-role aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force, Fleet Air Arm and numerous other air forces prior to, during, and after the Second World War. Named for British Admiral George Anson, it was originally designed for maritime reconnaissance, but was...
  
  
• 1938-1944 Miles Mentor
  Miles Mentor
  |-See also:-Bibliography:* Amos, Peter. and Brown, Don Lambert. Miles Aircraft Since 1925, Volume 1. London: Putnam Aeronautical, 2000. ISBN 0-85177-787-0....
  
  
• 1938-1942 Percival Vega Gull
  Percival Vega Gull
  |-See also:-Bibliography:* Ellison, Norman H. Percivals Aircraft . Chalford, Stroud, UK: Chalford Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN 0-7524-0774-0....
  
  
• 1939-1940 de Havilland Leopard Moth
  De Havilland Leopard Moth
  -See also:...
  
  
• 1939-1940 de Havilland Fox Moth
  De Havilland Fox Moth
  |-References:NotesBibliography* Hotson, Fred W. The de Havilland Canada Story. Toronto: CANAV Books, 1983. ISBN 0-07-549483-3.* Jackson, A. J. British Civil Aircraft 1919-1972: Volume II. London: Putnam , 1988. ISBN 0-85177-813-5....
  
  
• 1939-1941 de Havilland Dragon
  De Havilland Dragon
  |-See also:-References:Bibliography ISBN 0-85177-813-5...
  
  
• 1939-1942 Lockheed 10 Electra
  Lockheed Model 10 Electra
  The Lockheed Model 10 Electra was a twin-engine, all-metal monoplane airliner developed by the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in the 1930s to compete with the Boeing 247 and Douglas DC-2...
  
  
• 1939-1942 Percival Q.6
• 1939-1940 de Havilland Puss Moth
  De Havilland Puss Moth
  |-See also:-References:* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London, Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10010-7-External links:*...
  
  
• 1939-1944 de Havilland Flamingo
  De Havilland Flamingo
  |-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Bain, Gordon. De Havilland: A Pictorial Tribute. London: AirLife, 1992. ISBN 1-85648-243-X.* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "De Havilland's War Orphan." Air Enthusiast. Number 30, March-June 1996, pp. 1—10. Bromley, Kent, UK: Pilot Press.*...
  
  
• 1939-1940 Airspeed Envoy
  Airspeed Envoy
  The Airspeed AS.6 Envoy was a British light, twin-engined transport aircraft designed and built by Airspeed Ltd. in the 1930s at Portsmouth Aerodrome, Hampshire.-Development and design:...
  
  
• 1940-1942 Miles Whitney Straight
• 1940-1940 Heston Phoenix
  Heston Phoenix
  -See also:...
  
  
• 1940-1940 Savoia-Marchetti S.73
  Savoia-Marchetti S.73
  |-References:* Lembo, Daniele,SIAI 81 Pipistrello, Aerei nella Storia, n.33....
  
  
• 1940-1940 Douglas DC-3
  Douglas DC-3
  The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made...
  
  
• 1940-1940 Avro Anson I
  Avro Anson
  The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, multi-role aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force, Fleet Air Arm and numerous other air forces prior to, during, and after the Second World War. Named for British Admiral George Anson, it was originally designed for maritime reconnaissance, but was...
  
  
• 1940-1940 Armstrong Whitworth Ensign
  Armstrong Whitworth Ensign
  |-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Bridgman, Leonard. Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II. New York: Crescent Books, 1988. ISBN 0-517-67964-7.-External links:* *...
  
  
• 1940-1942 de Havilland Hornet Moth
• 1940-1944 Airspeed Oxford
  Airspeed Oxford
  The Airspeed AS.10 Oxford was a twin-engine aircraft used for training British Commonwealth aircrews in navigation, radio-operating, bombing and gunnery during the Second World War.-Design and development:...
  
  
• 1941-1943 Stinson Reliant
  Stinson Reliant
  The Stinson Reliant was a popular single-engine four to five seat high-wing monoplane manufactured by the Stinson Aircraft Division of the Aviation Manufacturing Corporation of Wayne, Michigan.-Design and development:...
  
  
• 1941-1942 General Aircraft Cygnet
  General Aircraft Cygnet
  |-References:****-See also:...
  
  
• 1941-1942 Blackburn Botha
  Blackburn Botha
  -See also:-External links:*...
  
  
• 1941-1945 Beech 17 Traveler
• 1941-1941 Parnall Heck
  Parnall Heck
  |-See also:...
  
   III
• 1941-1942 de Havilland Leopard Moth
  De Havilland Leopard Moth
  -See also:...
  
  
• 1941-1943 Lockheed Hudson I
  Lockheed Hudson
  The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter...
  
  
• 1941-1942 Lockheed Hudson II
  Lockheed Hudson
  The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter...
  
  
• 1942-1942 Messerschmitt Bf 108
  Messerschmitt Bf 108
  -Popular culture:Bf 108s and postwar Nord 1000s, played the role of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in war movies, including The Longest Day, 633 Squadron, Von Ryan's Express and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-See also:-References:Notes...
  
  
• 1942-1943 Fokker F.XXII
  Fokker F.XXII
  The Fokker F.XXII was a 1930s Dutch four-engined 22-passenger airliner designed and built by Fokker.-Development:Developed as a smaller version of the Fokker F.XXXVI the F.XXII is a high-wing canilever monoplane with a fixed tailwheel landing gear. It was powered by four Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial...
  
  
• 1942-1943 Foster Wikner Wicko
  Foster Wikner Wicko
  |-References:*Grey, C.G. and Bridgman, L. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. . Newton Abbot: David & Charles. ISBN 0 7153 5734 4...
  
  
• 1942-1942 Lockheed Hudson IV
  Lockheed Hudson
  The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter...
  
  
• 1942-1945 Lockheed Hudson III
  Lockheed Hudson
  The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter...
  
  
• 1942-1942 Heston Phoenix
  Heston Phoenix
  -See also:...
  
  
• 1942-1943 Lockheed Hudson VI
  Lockheed Hudson
  The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter...
  
  
• 1942-1944 Lockheed 12
• 1942-1943 Percival Proctor
  Percival Proctor
  The Percival Proctor was a British radio trainer and communications aircraft of the Second World War. The Proctor was a single-engine, low-wing monoplane with seating for three or four, depending on the model.-Design and development:...
  
  
• 1943-1944 Grumman Goose
  Grumman Goose
  The Grumman G-21 Goose amphibious aircraft was designed as an eight-seat "commuter" plane for businessmen in the Long Island area. The Goose was Grumman’s first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engined aircraft, and its first aircraft to enter commercial airline service...
  
  
• 1943-1944 Vickers Wellington XVI
  Vickers Wellington
  The Vickers Wellington was a British twin-engine, long range medium bomber designed in the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey, by Vickers-Armstrongs' Chief Designer, R. K. Pierson. It was widely used as a night bomber in the early years of the Second World War, before being displaced as a...
  
  
• 1943-1944 Avro York I
  Avro York
  The Avro York was a British transport aircraft that was derived from the Second World War Lancaster heavy bomber, and used in both military and airliner roles between 1943 and 1964.-Design and development:...
  
  
• 1943-1952 Douglas Dakota
  C-47 Skytrain
  The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
  
  
• 1944-1944 Avro Anson XX
  Avro Anson
  The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, multi-role aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force, Fleet Air Arm and numerous other air forces prior to, during, and after the Second World War. Named for British Admiral George Anson, it was originally designed for maritime reconnaissance, but was...
  
  
• 1944-1945 Douglas Skymaster
  C-54 Skymaster
  The Douglas C-54 Skymaster was a four-engined transport aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces and British forces in World War II and the Korean War. Besides transport of cargo, it also carried presidents, British heads of government, and military staff...
  
  
• 1946-1949 Avro Lancastrian C2
  Avro Lancastrian
  |-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Franks, Richard A. The Avro Lancaster, Manchester and Lincoln: A Comprehensive Guide for the Modeller. London: SAM Publications, 2000. ISBN 0-9533465-3-6....
  
  
• 1946-1951 Avro York C1
  Avro York
  The Avro York was a British transport aircraft that was derived from the Second World War Lancaster heavy bomber, and used in both military and airliner roles between 1943 and 1964.-Design and development:...
  
  
• 1950-1950 Vickers Valetta C1
  Vickers Valetta
  |-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Andrews, C.F. and E.B. Morgan. Vickers Aircraft since 1908. London: Putnam, 1988. ISBN 0-85177-815-1....
  
  
• 1950-1950 Handley Page Hastings C1
  Handley Page Hastings
  The Handley Page H.P.67 Hastings was a British troop-carrier and freight transport aircraft designed and built by Handley Page Aircraft Company for the Royal Air Force...
  
  
• 1951-1968 Handley Page Hastings C2
  Handley Page Hastings
  The Handley Page H.P.67 Hastings was a British troop-carrier and freight transport aircraft designed and built by Handley Page Aircraft Company for the Royal Air Force...
  
  
• 1951-1968 Handley Page Hastings C4
  Handley Page Hastings
  The Handley Page H.P.67 Hastings was a British troop-carrier and freight transport aircraft designed and built by Handley Page Aircraft Company for the Royal Air Force...
  
  
• 1968-2000 Lockheed Hercules C130K
• 2000- Lockheed Hercules C130J

Commanding officers

The following officers have held command of No. 24 Squadron:

• 1 September 1915, Captain A G Moore
• 29 September 1915, Major L G Hawker
  Lanoe Hawker
  Lanoe George Hawker VC, DSO was a British flying ace, with seven credited victories, during the First World War. He was the first British flying ace, and the third pilot to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded...
  
  
• 29 November 1916, Major C E Rabagliati
• 23 March 1917, Major A G Moore
• 22 August 1917, Major J G Swart
• 2 February 1918, Major V A H Robeson
• 1 April 1920, Squadron Leader E H Johnston
• 23 October 1922, Squadron Leader O T Boyd
  Owen Tudor Boyd
  Air Marshal Owen Tudor Boyd CB, OBE, MC, AFC was an officer in the British Royal Flying Corps during most of World War I...
  
  
• 22 October 1923, Squadron Leader R S Maxwell
• 27 August 1925, Squadron Leader W H L O'Neill
• 20 September 1927, Squadron Leader S N Cole
• 20 March 1929, Squadron Leader D S Don
• 3 October 1931, Squadron Leader J Whitford
• 1 December 1935, Squadron Leader H K Goode
• June 1939, Wing Commander J Anderson
• October 1939, Wing Commander H K Goode
• April 1941, Wing Commander H G Lee
• June 1941, Wing Commander P M W Wright
• June 1942, Wing Commander H B Collins
• September 1944, Wing Commander T H Archbell
• October 1945, Wing Commander E L A Walter
• September 1946, Wing Commander C W K Nicholls
• March 1948, Wing Commander P H Lombard
• March 1950, Wing Commander C F Read
  Charles Read (RAAF officer)
  Air Marshal Sir Charles Frederick Read KBE, CB, DFC, AFC is a retired senior commander in the Royal Australian Air Force . He served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1972 to 1975. Born in Sydney, Read joined the RAAF in 1937, and began his career flying biplane fighters. As a Beaufighter pilot, he...
  
   (RAAF
  Royal Australian Air Force
  The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
  
  )
• December 1950, Squadron Leader H A Nash
• October 1951, Major J N Robbs (SAAF
  South African Air Force
  The South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra...
  
  )
• October 1953, Squadron Leader J L Kerr
• September 1955, Squadron Leader R B Bolt (RNZAF
  Royal New Zealand Air Force
  The Royal New Zealand Air Force is the air arm of the New Zealand Defence Force...
  
  )
• February 1957, Squadron Leader M M Mair
• October 1957, Wing Commander D W Hitchins (RAAF)
• October 1959, Wing Commander H D Archer
• November 1961, Wing Commander R B Sillars
• November 1963, Wing Commander R T Saunders
• January 1966, Wing Commander G Moss
• January 1968, Wing Commander J E H Tetley
• July 1970, Wing Commander R D Bates
• July 1972, Wing Commander M J Hardy
• July 1974, Wing Commander C E Evans
• February 1976, Wing Commander M C A Davis
• August 1978, Wing Commander K Chapman
• October 1980, Wing Commander D R Jones
• March 1983, Wing Commander C J M Carrington
• June 1985, Wing Commander R M Peach
• December 1987, Wing Commander D B Farquhar
• April 1990, Wing Commander R D Iredale
• October 1992, Wing Commander M D Stringer
• June 1995, Wing Commander R M Bailey
• April 1998, Wing Commander P N Oborn CBE
• August 2000, Squadron Leader G C Cook
• December 2000, Wing Commander R Hobson
• June 2003, Wing Commander K Groves
• October 2005, Squadron Leader S K Marston
• December 2005, Wing Commander D Turnbull
• June 2008, Wing Commander A Bacon
• November 2010 Wing Commander P G Cochrane
• February 2011 Wing Commander T Jones

External links

• RAF website