THE SQUADRON
31 Squadron is stationed at RAF Waddington and is the first UK-based Protector RG1 squadron.
First into Indian skies
WHAT WE DO
By remotely operating the Protector aircraft, 31 Squadron are protecting the UK through the credible and agile delivery of decisive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Attack capabilities, seamlessly integrating a world class Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) with national, allied and partner forces across multiple domains.
History
1915 Formed at Farnborough
1916 The first operational military unit in Indian skies, along the North West Frontier, assisting the Army.
1919 Took part in operations during the Third Anglo-Afghan War between May and August.
1931 From February to June, the Squadron replaced their outdated Bristol F.2Bs with the Westland Wapiti IIA.
1939 Inherited Vickers Valentia from 216 Squadron.
1939 The outbreak of WWII saw the Squadron's Frontier work continue in Iraq, Syria, Iran and Egypt.
1941 Receipt of Douglas DC2s brought a significant upgrade and moved the Squadron to fully Air Transport.
1942 Flew the Dakota in Burma from early 1942, supporting the Fourteenth - the 'Forgotten Army'
1947 31 Squadron disbands
1948 31 Squadron reformed at RAF Hendon, its first home base, operating the Anson XIX and then the Devon C1.
1955 Returned to the front line at RAF Laarbruch in Germany, operating Canberra PR7s.
1971 Moved to RAF Brüggen and re-equipped with the Phantom FGR2.
1976 Retained its role as strike/attack with the introduction of the Jaguar GR1.
1984 Saw the introduction of the Tornado GR1
1999 Upgraded to the Tornado GR4
2014 Last RAF jet unit to return from Operation Herrick
2019 31 Squadron disbands with the retirement of the Tornado.
2023 On the 11 October 2023, 31 Squadron reforms as the first to operate the Protector RG1.
BATTLE HONOURS
1916 - 1918* North West Frontier
1919 - 1920 Afghanistan
1919 - 1920 Mahoud
1919 - 1925 Waziristan
1939 North West Frontier
1941* Iraq
1941 Syria
1941 - 1942* Egypt and Libya
1941 - 1942* Burma
1943 - 1944* North Burma
1943 - 1944* Arakan
1944* Manipur
1941 - 1942* Burma
1991 Gulf
1999* Kosovo
2003* Iraq
2003 - 2011 Iraq
*Honours’ marked with an asterisk, are emblazoned on the Squadron Standard