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LVII Squadron

Delivers elementary flying training under the UK Military Flying Training System.

I change my body, not my spirit.

About

  • One of two RAF elementary flying training squadrons
  • Flies from RAF Cranwell as part of 3 Flying Training School
  • Trainees undertake a 50 hour course where they are taught basic aircraft handling, pilot navigation, instrument and formation flying, and low flying
  • Upon completion of training, trainees are 'streamed' to continue training as either Combat Air, Heavy Air or Rotary Wing pilots

History

1916 - Formed at Copmanthorpe, Yorkshire as a flying training squadron flying Avro 504s and B.E.2s, before moving to France in December of that year as a bomber unit. At the time that 57 Squadron was sent to France, 57 Training Squadron was activated in Egypt and operated until 1918, the two numbers running concurrently.

1919 - Returned to the UK and was disbanded.

1931 - Reactivated as a day bomber unit.

1943 - Supplied the majority of the crews to 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) which stood up at RAF Scampton, where 57 was based.

1951 - Began operating the B-29 Superfortress bomber on loan from the USAF.

1982 - Supplied crews and aircraft to perform air to air refuelling supporting the long range Vulcan raids during the Falklands War.

2008 - Reformed at RAF Wyton flying the Grob Tutor T.1.

Based at

RAF College Cranwell

Battle honours

Western Front 1916–1918*

Amiens*

France & Low Countries 1939–1940*

Norway 1940*

Channel & North Sea 1940*

Ruhr 1941–1943*

Fortress Europe 1941–1944

Berlin 1941–1943*

Walcheren

 France & Germany 1944–1945*

South Atlantic 1982

(Honours marked with an asterisk, are emblazoned on the Squadron Standard)

Flying

Prefect T1

Contact

Please contact the home station Media Communications team for more information or to contact the Squadron

Media enquiries details for RAF College Cranwell

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