On Thursday 29th July 2021 XIII Squadron was presented with its new Squadron Standard, the third in its 106-year history, by Deputy Commander of Operations Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew.
The Standard was presented at a formal parade at RAF Waddington complete with Typhoon flypast provided by RAF Coningsby. The Standard was consecrated by The Venerable (Air Vice-Marshal) John R Ellis QHC. Deputy Commander of Operations Air Marshal Mayhew, a former Commanding Officer of XIII Squadron, was the parade Reviewing Officer with Officer Commanding XIII Squadron, Wing Commander Ferris, the Parade Commander.
“XIII Squadron’s Standard parade is a proud moment for us all where we can reflect on our history as well as looking forward to our future. This event gives the Squadron personnel and their families a chance to acknowledge the vital operational contribution the Squadron continues to provide, thank those that support us and celebrate appropriately after months of operating under COVID-19 restrictions.”
Wing Commander Ferris
Officer Commanding XIII Squadron
XIII Squadron, (the Stabbed Cats) whose motto is 'We assist by watching' has a rich history stretching back to 1915 having operated aircraft including, but not limited to: the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c, de Havilland Mosquito, Meteors, Blenheims, Canberra, Panavia Tornado and more recently the Reaper MQ-9A. Battle Honours include the Western Front in 1915, North Africa in 1942-1943 and the Gulf in 1991.
The Squadron in its current guise stood up as the first UK based Reaper Squadron in 2012, with its first operational mission in April 2013. They provide vital real-time surveillance and reconnaissance in support of frontline troops.
