II (AC) Squadron History - The German Years
In September 1970, the Squadron excelled itself when it won the North European Command 'Big Click' tactical reconnaissance trophy, defeating squadrons from Germany, Norway and Denmark; this was all the more remarkable as many of the targets were maritime, a role not normally practiced by the Squadron. Later that same year the Squadron took delivery of the McDonnell Douglas Phantom at Bruggen the first two seat aircraft on the squadron since the Lysander days.

In March 1971, Hunter operations ceased at Gutersloh, and 2 months later II (AC) Squadron moved to Laarbruch where it was to stay for the next 20 years. To support the squadron, Numbers 3 and 4 MFPUs (Mobile Film Processing Units) amalgamated to form the newly named RIC (Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre), formed in 'Air Transportable Reconnaissance Exploitation Laboratories' (ATREL) cabins and was fully mobile. It was also at this time that the Squadron markings where revised to the present day two white triangles flanking a white circle containing the 'wake' knot and the aircraft tail letter within a white triangle on the fin (little known fact, all the tail letters spell the words SHINEY TWO AC!).

In 1976, following the remarkable achievement of no serious incidents being incurred during the Phantom period, the Squadron converted to the Jaguar. The Jaguar was to prove itself a very capable and reliable reconnaissance platform. Indeed, the Squadron excelled in Tactical Evaluations and exercises, particularly Red Flag in the United States, where it put up an impressive performance.

In 1989, II (AC) Squadron became the first RAF Tornado reconnaissance Squadron, which represented a change in the direction of tactical reconnaissance, as infra-red linescan video replaced the old photo-reconnaissance print method. The new system had a number of teething problems. However, the unexpected troubles that occurred in the Gulf region in 1991 acted as a catalyst to solve the majority of the GR1-A's problems and, at the eleventh hour a detachment of 6 aircraft, consisting of crews from II (AC) and XIII Squadrons, was sent to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia to prepare for war. During the ensuing conflict No 2 (Composite) Squadron, operated purely at night with a tactical reconnaissance capability that no other allied Squadron could achieve, producing valuable and timely reconnaissance material for the coalition forces.

After the war, the Squadron returned to Laarbruch until December 1991 when it moved to RAF Marham, after an absence of over 47 years from England.