More about this squadron

504 Squadron is an operational support squadron primarily made up of Gunners, supported by a full-time headquarters training team. We can be found at RAF Wittering near Peterborough on the A1, where our wing and regular RAF Regiment squadron is located too. They offer us important advice and equipment when we prepare our Reservists for operations.

Reservists train one weekend a month, either at RAF Wittering or in a nearby military training area. For those undergoing selection, basic recruit or initial trade training also takes place one weekend a month, but on a different date to make sure that instructors and equipment are available.

History and heritage

We were formed in 1928 as a special Reserve squadron at Hucknall Airfield, operating Hawker Horsley aircraft. After becoming part of the Auxiliary Air Force in 1936, we were embodied into the RAF Fighter Command at the outbreak of the Second World War. During the war, we fought in the Battle of Britain flying Hurricanes and Spitfires. We then operated from 30 different airfields and escorted heavy bombers into Germany and fighter sweeps. In 1945, our squadron was re-equipped with Meteors, the RAF’s first jet fighter. By 1957, we were based at Wymeswold, near Cottesmore, flying Meteor Mk 8 aircraft. The squadron was then disbanded.

In early 1997, a new Reserves unit was formed at RAF Cottesmore and we were awarded our current title two years later.

2012 saw the relocation of the squadron to RAF Wittering. As a consequence of this move the squadron will undertake a re-role. The details of this is eagerly awaited but is likely to include the inclusion of more trades and operational diversity.

Throughout our very long history, we have been granted a number of awards. In 1946, the City of Nottingham gave us the Freedom of Nottingham. In 1957, we were presented with a new squadron standard depicting our battle honours: Battle of Britain, Home Defence and Arnhem. In September 2011 we were awarded the Freedom of Ashfield District in Nottinghamshire.

Roles and specialist skills

All Gunners are trained as riflemen, providing ground defence to prevent attacks on airfields. As a Gunner, you will be trained in fieldcraft, learning the military skills needed to survive in the field, as well as move and observe the enemy covertly. You will also learn to operate the full range of infantry weapon systems employed by the RAF Regiment. During pre-deployment training, you will, among many other things, learn about grenade machine guns, advanced communications, off-road driving and vehicle recovery.

On operations, you will be part of highly mobile armed teams, organised to protect RAF assets and counter threats to RAF bases. You will form part of a range of groups, from vehicle-mounted patrols to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Warning and Report Cells. You may be deployed by helicopter or react to intelligence gathered from sniper assets to counter the enemy’s movements.

Understandably, this is a very demanding role and Gunners must be robust, as well as mentally and physically fit. For reasons of combat effectiveness, women cannot be accepted for this role.

Recent deployments

From 2005 until 2009, our Reservists were deployed at Basra Airport in Iraq as part of Operation Telic. Since 2006, our Reservists have also been deployed to either Kandahar Airfield or Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick. During the winter of 2008–09, 11 Reservists were deployed to Cyprus to provide security and a quick-reaction force for the base.

The calling-up of Reservists has been constant in the last few years. Since 2005, over 60 of our Reservists have completed operational tours of between 10 and 12 months.

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