Against the backdrop of RAF Cranwell, 33 and 230 Squadrons closed an outstanding chapter in their service to the nation at their Lodgement Ceremony.
‘Lodgement’ or ‘lodging’ in an RAF context refers to the permanent housing of a unit’s Standard (or flag) when a squadron is disbanded. It honours the service and sacrifice of all who have served under it. The act of lodging is an alternative to the permanent ‘laying up’ in a church, as it allows the squadron to reclaim the Standard if it were to be reformed at a future date.
the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the Moroccan Forces.
Image courtesy of the Air Historical Branch
Formed on the 12 January 1916 at the height of the First World War, 33 Squadron was at the forefront of British airpower, continually evolving through numerous conflicts, innovation and humanitarian service. It was instrumental in in Home Defence at Lincolnshire, protecting the UK against German airship raids.
During the Second World War the Squadron remained largely in the Middle East including Palestine and later Greece. 1944 saw the Squadron secure its place in history as it took part in Operation Overlord (invasion of Normandy) flying the Spitfire IX.
Throughout the 1950s to the 1970s the Squadron saw service in the Far East. It later took part in the Gulf War in 1991, the Kosovo War in the late 1990s and assisted humanitarian efforts after the Mozambique floods in 2000 as well as NATO operations in Bosnia. 33 Squadron was latterly deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Telic in 2009.
Norway, February 1987.
Image courtesy of the Air Historical Branch
Formed on the 20 August 1918 at Felixstowe, the 230 Squadron flew Sopwith Camels on escort duties, as well as carrying out a critical maritime reconnaissance and attack role during the Great War.
based at Young Sound, August 1952.
Image courtesy of the Air Historical Branch
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the Squadron saw service at RAF Nicosia in Cyprus and British Cameroon flying internal security patrols as the colony prepared for the Cameroons Referendum in 1961. It has also protected Sovereign interests starting in Pembroke Dock, Aboukir (Egypt), Seletar (Singapore), Germany and Northern Ireland. In 2023 it returned to Borneo and finally ending at Brunei. The Squadron motto (written in Malay) is ‘Kita Chari Jauh’ (We Search Far).
Mont de Marsan airbase, France.
Image courtesy of the Air Historical Branch
Whether in war or peace, in combat or relief, 33 and 230 Squadron have exemplified the RAF’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. The Squadron Standards carry the weight of generations who served with honour and distinction.
