List of wings of the Royal Air Force

Wings within the Royal Air Force have both administrative and tactical applications. Over the years, the structure and role of wings has changed to meet the demands placed on the RAF. Many of the RAF's numbered wings were originally Royal Flying Corps (RFC) or Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) units.

Wings can be found at every station in the RAF and also abroad, deployed on operations.

Wings by number

[edit]

No. 1 Wing – No. 99 Wing

[edit]
In late 1918, a scoreboard lists the claims for aircraft destroyed by No. 80 Wing RAF between July and November that year. The wing's squadrons at the time (including two from the Australian Flying Corps), are: 4 Sqn AFC, 88 Sqn RAF, 4 Sqn AFC, 92 Sqn RAF, 103 Sqn RAF, 46 Sqn RAF, and 54 Sqn RAF.
Wing Date of establishment Date of disestablishment Notes
No. 1 Wing RAF 29 November 1914 5 March 1919 Originally Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Corps Wing[1]
15 May 1919 ? At RAF Yatesbury[1]
1 January 1926 12 April 1926 Army Cooperation Wing[1]
23 September 1939 15 December 1937 General Reconnaissance Wing during Spanish Civil War with 209 and 210 Squadrons[1]
25 August 1939 22 September 1939 Bomber Wing in Egypt with 30 and 55 Sqns[1]
24 January 1940 24 June 1940 Barrage balloon Wing in France[1]
October 1958 September 1961 Signals Wing[1]
?? Air Mobility Wing
No. 2 Wing RAF 29 November 1914 12 September 1919 Originally RFC Corps Wing[1]
15 May 1919 April 1920 At Plymouth with 238 Sqn[1]
25 August 1939 21 September 1939 Bomber Wing in Egypt[1]
3 November 1941 November 1941 112 Sqn and 3 Sqn RAAF[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 3 Wing RAF 1 March 1915 5 January 1918 Originally RFC Corps Wing[1]
1 August 1918 13 June 1919 Training Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 4 Wing RAF 29 November 1914 23 August 1916 RFC Training Wing[1]
10 January 1917 15 May 1919 Originally RFC Reserve Wing[1]
2 October 1935 24 August 1936 Flying Boat Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 5 Wing RAF 29 November 1914 1 April 1920 Originally RFC;[1] 1917–18: Corps Artillery Wing in Palestine Brigade, with 14 and 113 Squadrons (RE 8 and Nieuport), 142 Squadron (RE 8 and Armstrong Whitworth)[2]
1 April 1923 April 1924 Controlled all fighter squadrons north of the Thames[1]
16 October 1935 14 August 1936 Controlled 3, 35, 47 and 207 Sqns during the Abyssinia Crisis[1]
13 December 1939 6 July 1940 Signals Wing controlling radar units in France[1]
1 April 1953 September 1966 Signals Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 6 Wing RAF 20 August 1915 22 November 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
31 January 1916 July 1918 Existed concurrently in East Africa, controlling 26 Sqn[1]
No. 7 Wing RAF 8 November 1915 12 September 1918 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
18 October 1919 9 July 1920 Training Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 8 Wing RAF 15 November 1918 30 June 1919 Training Wing[1]
30 June 1919 27 April 1920 Training Wing[1]
No. 9 Wing RAF 6 May 1916 30 July 1919 Originally RFC HQ Wing[1]
18 October 1918 ? ?Training Wing[1]
No. 10 Wing RAF 30 January 1916 5 March 1919 Originally RFC Army Wing[1]
18 October 1919 7 February 1920 ?Training Wing[1]
No. 11 Wing RAF 10 February 1916 9 September 1919 Originally RFC Army Wing[1]
April 1920 15 January 1923 Irish Wing[1]
No. 12 Wing RAF 30 January 1916 20 September 1919 Originally RFC Army Wing[1]
2 June 1922 7 February 1923 ?Irish Wing[1]
No. 13 Wing RAF 10 March 1916 1 March 1919 RFC Army Wing[1]
No. 14 Wing RAF 1 April 1916 14 March 1919 Originally RFC Army Wing;[1] on Italian Front January–November 1918[3]
No. 15 Wing RAF 21 June 1916 20 March 1919 Originally RFC Reserve Army Wing[1]
15 August 1943 12 July 1944 Fighter Wing[1]
No. 16 Wing RAF 25 June 1916 29 July 1916 RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
20 September 1916 14 November 1919 Originally RFC Corps Wing[1]
5 July 1943 20 April 1944 Mobile Wing[1]
8 March 1946 3 June 1946 [1]
No. 17 Wing RAF 9 August 1916 12 August 1918 Originally RFC training Wing[1]
28 September 1918 14 May 1919 Controlled units in Malta[1]
4 July 1943 12 July 1944 Fighter Wing[1]
No. 18 Wing RAF 25 March 1916 1 October 1919 Originally RFC Training/Home Defence Wing[1]
December 1943 12 May 1944 Fighter Wing[1]
No. 19 Wing RAF 1 May 1916 25 March 1919 Originally RFC Training/Home Defence Wing[1]
December 1943 12 May 1944 Fighter Wing in 2nd Tactical Air Force[1]
No. 20 Wing RAF 25 July 1916 22 July 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1] in Egypt [citation needed]
December 1943 12 May 1944 Fighter Wing[1]
No. 21 Wing RAF 9 August 1916 18 February 1919 RFC Training Wing[1]
1 January 1944 12 May 1944 Base Defence Wing[1]
1 May 1960 31 August 1963 Air Defence Missile Wing[1]
No. 22 Wing RAF 14 September 1916 20 May 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
9 January 1944 20 April 1944 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Fighter Wing[1]
No. 23 Wing RAF 13 November 1916 31 May 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
20 January 1944 20 April 1944 Fighter Wing[1]
No. 24 Wing RAF 25 September 1916 8 April 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
16 February 1944 12 May 1944 Base Defence Wing[1]
1 April 1959 31 August 1963 Air Defence Missile Wing[1]
No. 25 Wing RAF 18 September 1916 1 July 1918 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
1 March 1944 12 May 1944 Base Defence Wing[1]
No. 26 Wing RAF 1 May 1917 4 April 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
No. 27 Wing RAF 5 May 1917 1 April 1919 RFC Training Wing[1]
1946 Maritime Strike Wing[1]
No. 28 Wing RAF 15 May 1917 15 May 1919 RFC Training Wing[1]
No. 29 Wing RAF 1 June 1917 9 April 1919 Originally RFC Flying Training Wing based at Shawbury (No. 9 TDS)[1][4]
No. 30 Wing RAF 1 June 1917 October 1918 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
15 April 1941 2 July 1941 Became RAF Iceland[1]
No. 31 Wing RAF 5 June 1917 January 1920 Originally RFC HQ/Corps Wing; became Mesopotamia Wing[1]
15 April 1941 15 December 1941 Became RAF Long Kesh[1]
No. 32 Wing RAF 5 November 1917 15 May 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1] in Egypt [citation needed]
15 August 1941 1 July 1943 Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 33 Wing RAF 30 August 1917 15 May 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
15 August 1941 1 July 1943 Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 34 Wing RAF 8 September 1917 12 October 1918 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
22 August 1941 30 September 1945 Army Cooperation Wing[1]

June 1944: reconnaissance wing in 2nd TAF at Northolt with Nos 16 (Spitfire PRXI), 69 (Wellington XIII) and 140 (Mosquito PRIX/XVI) Squadrons;[5][6] September 1944 – May 1945: in 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before) [7]

1 April 1953 1 January 1961 Reconnaissance Wing[1]
1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) (ISTAR) at Waddington[1]
No. 35 Wing RAF 22 September 1917 9 April 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
22 August 1941 22 June 1946 Army Cooperation Wing[1]

June 1944: reconnaissance wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Gatwick with Nos 2 (Mustang II), 4 (Spitfire PRXI) and 268 (Mustang IA) Squadrons[5][6] September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 2, 4 (PR) and 268 Sqns (Spitfire)[7]

No. 36 Wing RAF 8 October 1917 23 June 1918 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
15 August 1941 16 July 1943 Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 37 Wing RAF 15 October 1917 9 April 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
August 1941 28 July 1943 Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 38 Wing RAF 9 November 1917 15 April 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
19 January 1942 11 October 1943 Army Cooperation Wing, raised to status of 38 Group[1]

September 1943: in Northwest African Troop Carrier Command with 296 Squadron (Albemarle)[8]

1 April 2006 2011 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing (Air Transport) at Lyneham[1]
2011 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing formed by RAF Brize Norton and RAF Northholt
No. 39 Wing RAF 27 October 1917 4 April 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
3 December 1942 7 August 1945 RCAF Reconnaissance Wing[1] June 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Odiham with Nos 168, 414 (RCAF) and 430 (RCAF) Squadrons (Mustang I), 400 (RCAF) Squadron (Spitfire PRXI)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 400 (RCAF), 414 (RCAF) and 430 (RCAF) (Spitfire) Sqns[7] All three constituent squadrons disbanded at Lüneburg Airfield in August 1945, and there is an additional note that the wing disbanded at Lüneburg on 2 August 1945.[9]

No. 40 Wing RAF 5 October 1917 1 April 1920 Originally RFC Army Wing;[1] 1917–18: in Palestine Brigade, with 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps (Bristol Fighter and Handley Page), 111 (SE-5A), 144 (DH-9) and 145 (SE-5A) Squadrons[2]
No. 41 Wing RAF 11 October 1917 15 February 1919 Originally RFC day bomber wing[1] at Azelot (HQ at Lupcourt) in Independent Air Force (IAF) October 1917 – November 1918 with 55 (DH4), 99 and 104 Sqns (DH9)[10]
No. 42 Wing RAF October 1917 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing formed in Canada[1]
May 2007 Expeditionary Support Wing
No. 43 Wing RAF October 1917 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing formed in Canada[1]
No. 44 Wing RAF October 1917 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing formed in Canada[1]
No. 45 Wing RAF October 1917 1919 Originally Training Wing to form in Canada, never activated[1]
15 February 1946 15 June 1946 Transport Wing formed from 45 Group[1]
No. 46 Wing RAF 29 October 1917 6 March 1919 Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 47 Wing RAF 29 October 1917 13 June 1919 Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 48 Wing RAF 1 February 1918 13 June 1919 Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 49 Wing RAF 29 October 1917 13 June 1919 Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 50 Wing RAF 29 October 1917 22 May 1919 Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
11 January 1937 6 August 1940 Army Cooperation wing[1] with British Expeditionary Force (BEF) Air Component in France 1939–40, Nos 4, 13, and 16 Squadrons flying Westland Lysanders.[11][12]
21 April 1941 21 November 1942 Maintenance Wing[1]
No. 51 Wing RAF November 1917 30 July 1919 Originally RFC Corps Wing[13] in VII Brigade RFC on Italian Front November 1917 – March 1918[3]
11 May 1939 10 June 1940 Army Cooperation Wing[13] with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45 with 2, 26 and 81 Sqns[12]
21 April 1941 21 November 1942 Maintenance Wing[13]
No. 52 Wing RAF September 1918 1 April 1920 Corps Wing formed in India; redesignated No. 3 Indian Wing[13]
1 November 1939 14 July 1940 Bomber wing with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 53 and 59 Sqns[12]
21 May 1941 21 November 1942 Maintenance Wing[13]
No. 53 Wing RAF 8 February 1918 13 June 1919 Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[13]
23 March 1941 1 January 1946 Maintenance Wing[13]
No. 54 Wing RAF 6 March 1918 8 May 1919 Originally RFC Night Wing[13]
25 May 1942 9 October 1946 Maintenance Wing[13]
No. 55 Wing RAF 6 March 1918 25 September 1919 Originally RFC Training Wing[13]
1 August 1942 15 January 1947 Barrack & Clothing/Maintenance Wing[13]
No. 56 Wing RAF August 1918 15 May 1919 Training Wing[13]
22 July 1944 15 October 1946 Maintenance Wing[13]
No. 57 Wing RAF 1918 3 July 1918 Training Wing[13]
22 July 1944 15 January 1947 Maintenance Wing[13]
No. 58 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 21 December 1918 Training Wing[13]
No. 59 Wing RAF 27 July 1918 24 June 1919 Training Wing[13]
No. 60 Wing RAF 27 July 1918 14 September 1918 Training Wing[13]
30 August 1939 20 January 1940 Fighter Wing, raised to No. 14 Group[13]
20 January 1940 31 May 1940 Fighter wing[13] with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 85 and 87 Sqns[12]
No. 61 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 13 November 1918 Naval[13]
10 October 1939 31 May 1940 Fighter wing[13] with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 607 and 615 Sqns[12]
No. 62 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 1 October 1918 Naval[13]
10 October 1939 31 May 1940 Fighter Servicing Wing[13]
No. 63 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 21 May 1919 Naval[13]
20 February 1940 31 May 1940 Fighter Servicing Wing[13]
No. 64 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 22 April 1919 Naval[13]
6 June 1918 15 September 1919 Egypt[13]
2 July 1940 1 August 1940 Wing Servicing Unit[13]
No. 65 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 1 March 1919 Naval[13]
1940 24 June 1940 Wing Servicing Unit[13]
No. 66 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 15 August 1919 Former No. 6 Wing RNAS at Otranto, Italy, April–November 1918 with 224 and 225 Sqns[13][3]
No. 67 Wing RAF 1 April 1918 6 December 1918 Naval[13] at Taranto April–November 1918 with 226 Sqn at Pizzone and 227 Sqn non-operational[3]
6 November 1939 24 July 1940 Fighter wing with RAF Advanced Air Striking Force (AASF) in France 1939–45, Nos 1, 73, and 212 (PR) Squadrons[12]
No. 68 Wing RAF 11 July 1918 1 September 1919 Operations Wing[13]
No. 69 Wing RAF 21 July 1918 25 July 1919 Training Wing[13]
15 March 1945 20 October 1945 Signals Wing[13]
No. 70 Wing RAF 20 August 1918 1 May 1919 Operations Wing[13]
1 September 1939 1 July 1940 Bomber Wing[13] In September 1939, Nos. 18 and 57 Sqns at RAF Upper Heyford as part of No. 2 Group RAF; Bomber-Reconnaissance wing with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 18 and 57 Sqns[12]
17 February 1941 31 May 1946 Signals Wing[13]
22 August 1951 1 August 1953 Signals Wing[13]
No. 71 Wing RAF 20 August 1918 1 May 1919 Operations Wing[13]
1 September 1939 1 July 1940 Bomber Wing[13] with RAF AASF in France 1939–45, Nos 105, 114, 139 and 150 Sqns[12]
17 February 1941 30 June 1943 Signals Wing[13]
No. 72 Wing RAF 8 August 1918 15 May 1919 Operations Wing[13]
23 August 1939 6 February 1940 Bomber Wing[13]
17 February 1941 15 May 1944 Signals Wing[13]
15 May 1944 22 September 1946 Signals Wing[13]
No. 73 Wing RAF 20 August 1918 1 May 1919 Operations Wing[13]
17 February 1941 1 November 1946 Signals Wing[13]
No. 74 Wing RAF 20 August 1918 1 May 1919 Operations Wing[13]
24 August 1939 10 February 1940 Bomber Wing[13]
17 February 1941 30 June 1946 Signals Wing[13]
No. 75 Wing RAF 8 August 1918 15 May 1919 Operations Wing[13]
24 August 1939 30 June 1940 Bomber Wing[13] with RAF AASF in France 1939–45; in May 1940 consisted of 88 Sqn at Mourmelon, 103 Sqn at Betheniville and 208 Sqn at Auberive (Battles).[12]
10 February 1941 15 April 1941 Bomber Wing[13]
17 February 1941 1 November 1946 Signals Wing[13]
No. 76 Wing RAF 20 August 1918 1 December 1918 Operations Wing[13]
24 August 1939 24 June 1940 Bomber Wing[13] with RAF AASF in France 1939–45, 12, 142, and 226 Sqns[12]
17 February 1941 30 June 1943 Signals Wing[13]
No. 77 Wing RAF 8 August 1918 1 November 1918 Operations Wing[13]
17 February 1941 15 May 1944 Signals Wing[13]
No. 78 Wing RAF 8 August 1918 November 1918 Operations Wing[13]
25 May 1941 31 July 1946 Signals Wing:[13] Chain Home technical control wing at RAF Ashburton in Devon.[14]
No. 79 Wing RAF 8 August 1918 November 1918 Operations Wing[13]
22 August 1939 ? Bomber Wing[13] September 1939 at Watton in 2 Group, Bomber Command, with 21 and 82 Sqns (Blenheim I & IV)[15]
27 September 1941 30 June 1943 Signals Wing[13]
No. 80 Wing RAF 1 July 1918 1 March 1919 Army Wing[13] consisted of two Australian Flying Corps units (Nos 2 and 4 Squadrons, AFC) as well as Nos 46, 54, 88, 92 and 103 Squadrons, RAF
7 October 1940 24 September 1945 Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Wing at Radlett[13][16][17]
1 August 1953 15 March 1957
No. 81 Wing RAF 3 June 1918 21 June 1918 Corps Wing[13]
1 July 1918 1 March 1919 Corps Wing[13]
August 1939 18 September 1939 Bomber Wing[13]
2 June 1941 30 April 1946 Signals Wing[13]
No. 82 Wing RAF 3 June 1918 1 March 1919 [13]
August 1939 ? Bomber Wing[13] September 1939: at Wyton in 2 Group, Bomber Command, with 114 and 139 Sqns (Blenheim I & IV)[15]
No. 83 Wing RAF 3 June 1918 1 March 1919 Night bomber wing at Xaffévillers in IAF June–November 1918 with 97, 100 and 215 Sqns (Handley Page O/400)[10][13]
August 1939 ? Bomber Wing[13] September 1939: at Wattisham in 2 Group, Bomber Command, with 107 and 110 Sqns (Blenheim I & IV)[15]
19 August 1942 July 1943 Signals Wing[13]
No. 84 Wing RAF 12 October 1918 3 November 1919 Night bomber wing at Roville-aux-Chênes in IAF August–November 1918 with 115 and 216 Sqns (Handley Page O/400)[10]
1 May 1943 1 September 1944 Signals Wing[13]
No. 85 Wing RAF September 1918 November 1918 Day bomber wing at Bettoncourt in IAF September–November 1918 with 110 Sqn (DH9a) and 45 Sqn (Sopwith Camel, re-equipping with Sopwith Snipe for escort)[10]
1 July 1946 31 October 1948 Reformed from 85 (Base) Group 1 July 1946[18]

HQ was at Uetersen, Germany, 1 September 1947 – 31 October 1948.

April 2006 Expeditionary Logistics Wing
No. 86 Wing RAF 29 September 1918 10 December 1918 Night Bomber Wing[13]
13 December 1918 8 October 1919 Communications Wing[13]
5 May 1939 16 February 1940 General Reconnaissance Wing[13]
No. 87 Wing RAF 29 August 1918 10 December 1918 Night Bomber Wing[13]
1944 ? [13]
15 July 1946 26 August 1946 Transport Wing[13]
No. 88 Wing RAF 17 October 1918 1919 Day Bomber Wing[13]
6 August 1942 18 November 1942 [13]
1944 [13]
No. 89 Wing RAF October 1918 1919 Army Wing[13]
No. 90 Wing RAF 6 November 1918 1 March 1919 Army Wing[13]
No. 91 Wing RAF 24 October 1918 1919 Army Wing[13]
No. 96 Wing RAF 1 October 1941 10 May 1944 Wireless (Observer) Wing[13]

No. 100 Wing – No. 199 Wing

[edit]
Wing Date of establishment Date of disestablishment Notes
No. 100 Wing RAF 2 May 1939 9 September 1941 General Reconnaissance Wing[13]
No. 101 Wing RAF 16 February 1940 July 1941 General Reconnaissance Wing[13]
No. 102 Wing RAF 14 April 1941 31 January 1942 General Reconnaissance Wing[13]
No. 103 Wing RAF 12 February 1945 30 September 1946 Air Disarmament Wing[13]
No. 104 Wing RAF 5 February 1945 1 October 1945 Photographic Reconnaissance Wing[13]
No. 105 Wing RAF 28 February 1943 14 August 1944 Combined Operations Wing[13]
No. 106 Wing RAF 3 July 1943 14 April 1944 Photographic Reconnaissance Wing[13]
No. 107 Wing RAF 26 June 1943 7 August 1943 Special Duties Wing[13]
16 October 1944 1 September 1945 Transport Wing[13]
No. 108 Wing RAF 29 September 1944 8 May 1946 Transport Wing[13]
No. 109 Wing RAF 10 October 1944 1 March 1946 Transport Wing[13]
No. 110 Wing RAF 1 March 1940 5 May 1941 Anti-Aircraft Cooperation Wing[13]
3 July 1944 15 February 1946 Transport Wing[13]
No. 111 Wing RAF
No. 112 Wing RAF
No. 113 Wing RAF
No. 114 Wing RAF
No. 115 Wing RAF
No. 116 Wing RAF
No. 117 Wing RAF
No. 118 Wing RAF
No. 119 Wing RAF
No. 120 Wing RAF
No. 121 Expeditionary Air Wing June 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Holmsley South with 174, 175 and 245 Squadrons (Typhoon);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 175, 184, 245 (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Coningsby
No. 122 Expeditionary Air Wing June 1944:: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Funtington with 19, 65 and 122 Squadrons (Mustang III);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 3, 56, 80, 486 (RNZAF) (Tempest V) and 616 (Meteor) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 2012 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Cottesmore
No. 123 Wing RAF June 1944: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Thorney Island with 198 and 609 Squadrons (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 164, 183, 198, 609 (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

No. 124 Wing RAF June 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Hurn with 181, 182 and 247 Squadrons (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 137, 181, 182, 247 (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

No. 125 Expeditionary Air Wing June 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Ford with 132, 453 (RAAF) and 602 Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 41, 130, 350 (Belgian) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]
Later: fighter wing at Leuchars

1 April 2006 2013 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Leuchars
No. 126 Wing RAF June 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Tangmere with 401, 411 and 412 RCAF Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 401 (RCAF), 402 (RCAF), 411 (RCAF), 412 (RCAF) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

No. 127 Wing RAF June 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Tangmere with 403, 416 and 421 RCAF Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 403 (RCAF), 416 (RCAF), 421 (RCAF), 443 (RCAF) (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

No. 128 Wing RAF
No. 129 Wing RAF June 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Westhampnett with 184 Sqn (Typhoon)[5][6]
No. 130 Wing RAF
No. 131 Wing RAF 1st Polish Fighter Wing: June 1944 in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Selsey with 302, 308 and 317 Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before);[7] attacked by Jagdgeschwader 1 during Operation Bodenplatte

No. 132 Wing RAF June 1944: Norwegian wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Bognor with 6, 331 (Nor) and 332 (Nor) Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 66, 127, 322 (Dutch)) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

No. 133 Wing RAF 2nd Polish Fighter Wing: June 1944 in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Coolham with 129, 306 (Pol) and 315 (Pol) Sqns (Mustang III)[5][6]
No. 134 Wing RAF June 1944: Czech wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Appledram with 310, 313 Czech Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]
No. 135 Wing RAF June 1944: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Chailey with 222, 349 (Belgian) and 485 (RNZAF) Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 33, 222, 274 (Typhoon) 349 (Belgian) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Leeming
No. 136 Wing RAF June 1944: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Thorney Island with 164 and 183 Squadrons (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 418 (RCAF), 605 (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

No. 137 Wing RAF June 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at Hartford Bridge with 88 (Boston IIIA), 226 (Mitchell II) and 342 (French) (Boston IIIA) Squadrons[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 226, 342 (French) (Mitchell) Sqns[7]

No. 138 Wing June 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at Lasham with 107, 305 (Polish) and 613 Sqns (Mosquito VI);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before)[7]
Today: Fighter / Ground Attack wing at Marham

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Marham
  • Believed to have deployed to West Africa in 2014 for Operation Turus with Tornado GR4
No. 139 Wing RAF June 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at Dunsfold with 98, 180 and 320 (Dutch) Sqns (Mitchell II)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before)[7]

No. 140 Wing RAF 20 September 1943 May 1945 June 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at with 21, 464 (RAAF) and 487 (RNZAF) Sqns (Mosquito VI) at Gravesend; 137 Sqn (Typhoon) at Manston[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 21, 461 (RAAF), 487 (RNZAF) (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Lossiemouth
No. 141 Wing RAF June 1944: in 85 Group, 2nd TAF at Hartford Bridge with 91, 124 and 322 (Dutch) Sqns (Spitfire XIV)[5][6]
No. 142 Wing RAF June 1944: Night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 264 and 604 Sqns (Mosquito XIII)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: Air/Sea Rescue wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 276 Sqn (Spitfire/Walrus)[7]

No. 143 Wing RAF June 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Hurn with 438, 439 and 440 RCAF Sqns (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before)[7]

No. 144 Wing RAF June 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Ford with 441, 442 and 443 (RCAF) Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6] g
No. 145 Wing RAF June 1944: in 2nd TAF at Merston with 329, 340 and 341 Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: French wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 74, 340 (French), 341 (French), 345 (French), 485 (RNZAF) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

No. 146 Wing RAF June 1944: in 2nd TAF at Needs Oar Point with 193, 197, 257 and 266 Sqns (Typhoon)[5][6]
No. 147 Wing RAF June 1944: Night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 29 Sqn (Mosquito)[6]
No. 148 Wing RAF June 1944: Night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 409 (RCAF) Sqn (Mosquito)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 85 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 264, 409 (RCAF) (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

No. 149 Wing RAF June 1944: Canadian night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 410 and 488 RCAF Sqs (Mosquito)[6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 85 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 219, 410 (RCAF), 488 (RCAF) (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

No. 150 Wing RAF June 1944: in 85 Group under operational control of 2nd TAF with 3 (Tempest V), 56 (Spitfire IX LF; Tempest from July) and 486 (RNZAF) (Tempest V) Sqns at Newchurch and 124 (Spitfire VII) Sqn at Bradwell Bay[5][6]
No. 151 Wing RAF Fought alongside the Soviets on the Kola Peninsula during the first months of Operation Barbarossa during the Second World War. After the war, an air defence missile formation.[citation needed]
No. 152 Wing RAF
No. 153 Wing RAF
No. 154 Wing RAF
No. 155 Wing RAF
No. 156 Wing RAF
No. 157 Wing RAF
No. 159 Wing RAF
No. 160 Wing RAF
No. 164 Wing RAF
No. 165 Wing RAF June 1943: at Comilla in 224 Group with 79 and 146 Sqns (Hurricane)[21]
No. 166 Wing RAF June 1943: at Chittagong in 224 Group with 67 and 261 Sqns (Hurricane)[21]

Redesignated 902 Wing

No. 167 Wing RAF
No. 168 Wing RAF June 1943: at Digri in 221 Group with 159 Sqn (Liberator) at Salbani and detachment 28 Sqn (Hurricane) at Alipore; non-operational: 2 Sqn (RIAF) (Hurricane) at Ranchi, 5 Sqn (Hurricane) at Kharagpur, 45 and 110 Sqns (Vengeance) at Digri, 82 Sqn (Vengeance) at Salbani and 177 Sqn (Beaufighter) at Amarda Road.[21]
No. 169 Wing RAF June 1943: at Agartala in 224 Group with 17 (Hurricane) and 27 (Beaufighter) Sqns[21]
No. 170 Wing RAF June 1943: at Imphal in 221 Group with 155 (Mohawk) and

detachment 28 Sqn (Hurricane), and 42 Sqn at Kumbhirgram[21] Redesignated 908 Wing

No. 171 Wing RAF 25/11/1942 - 30/9/1944; Army Co-operation/Reconnaissance/Photo Reconnaissance[22] No. 681 Squadron RAF and No. 684 Squadron RAF 1 July 1944 [1]
No. 172 Wing RAF 18/10/1942 - 1/12/1944; Composite[22]
No. 173 Wing RAF 25/11/1942 - 1/3/1945; Composite; Naval Co-operation[22]
No. 174 Wing RAF
No. 175 Wing RAF June 1943: at Jessore in 221 Group with 99 and 215 Sqns (Wellington)[21]

December 1944 and June 1945: in 231 Group with 99 Sqn (Liberator) Sqn [23][24]

No. 177 Wing RAF December 1944: Transport Wing in Combat Cargo Task Force, Eastern Air Command (EAC) with 31, 62, 117 and 194 Sqns (Dakota)[23]
No. 179 Wing RAF
No. 180 Wing RAF
No. 181 Wing RAF
No. 182 Wing RAF
No. 183 Wing RAF
No. 183 Wing RAF
No. 184 Wing RAF December 1944 and June 1945: in 231 Group, Strategic Air Force EAC, with 355 and 356 Sqns (Liberator)[23][24]
No. 185 Wing RAF December 1944: in 231 Group, Strategic Air Force EAC, with 159, 215, 357 Sqns (Liberator)[23]

June 1945: in 231 Group, RAF Burma, with 159 (Liberator), 357 (Liberator/Dakota), 358 (Liberator) Sqns and 1341 Flight (Halifax)[24] October 1945: at Penang in RAF Malaya with a detachment of 27 Sqn (Beaufighter)[25]

No. 186 Wing RAF
No. 187 Wing RAF
No. 188 Wing RAF
No. 189 Wing RAF
No. 190 Wing RAF
No. 191 Wing RAF
No. 192 Wing RAF

No. 200 Wing – No. 299 Wing

[edit]
Wing Date of establishment Date of disestablishment Notes
No. 215 Wing RAF
No. 231 Wing RAF May 1942: Medium Bomber Wing in 205 Group at El Daba, Egypt, with 37, 70 and 108 Squadrons (Wellington IC)
September–October 1942: 37 and 70 Squadrons[26][27]
September 1943: in Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) with 37 and 70 Sqns (Wellington III/X)[8]
January 1944: in Mediterranean Allied Strategic Air Force (MASAF) with 37 and 70 Sqns (Wellington X)[8]
April 1945: in 205 Group MASAF with 37 and 70 Sqns (Liberator VI)[28]
No. 232 Wing RAF October 1942: Bomber Wing in Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) with 55 and 223 Squadrons RAF (Baltimore), 82, 83 and 343 Bombardment Squadrons, USAAF (Mitchell II)[27]
January 1944: in Desert Air Force (DAF) with 18, 114 (Boston) and 223 (Baltimore) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 13, 18, 114 Sqns (Boston IV/V), 55 Sqn (Boston V) and 256 Sqn (Mosquito XII/XIII)[28]
No. 233 Wing RAF May–October 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Gambut with 2 (SAAF) and 260 Squadrons (Kittyhawk I) and 4 (SAAF) and 5 (SAAF) (Tomahawk)[26][27]
No. 234 Wing RAF October 1942: in Egypt with 889 Squadron Fleet Air Arm (FAA) (Fulmar II and Hurricane IIC)[27]
No. 235 Wing RAF October 1942: General Reconnaissance Wing under 201 Group in Egypt with 13 (Greek) (Blenheim IV/Bisley), 47 (Wellesley), 450 (RAAF) (Hudson III) and 701 (FAA) (Walrus) Squadrons[27]
January 1944: in 201 Group under RAF Middle East Command with 13 (Greek), 15 (SAAF) (Baltimore), 47 (Beaufighter), 459 (RAAF) (Hudson/Ventura) and 603 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
No. 236 Wing RAF May 1942: Medium Bomber Wing in 205 Group at El Daba with 104 and 148 Squadrons (Wellington IC and II)
September–October 1942: 108 and 148 Squadrons[26][27]
September 1943: in NASAF with 40 and 104 Sqns (Wellington III/X)[8]
January 1944: in MASAF with 40 and 104 Sqns (Wellington III/X)[8]
April 1945: in 205 Group MASAF, with 40 and 104 Sqns (Liberator VI)[28]
No. 237 Wing RAF
No. 238 Wing RAF May 1942:Medium Bomber Wing in 205 Group with 38 Squadron at Maaten Bagush and 140 Squadron at Shallufa (Wellington IC)
September–October 1942: 40 (Wellington IC) and 104 (Wellington II) Squadrons[26][27]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 16 (SAAF) Sqn (Beaufort)[8]
No. 239 Wing RAF May and September 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Gambut with 3 (RAAF), 112, 250 and 450 (RAAF) Squadrons (Kittyhawk I)[26]
October 1942: 66 Fighter Squadron USAAF attached[27]
September 1943: in DAF with 112, 250, 260 and 450 (RAAF) Sqns (Kittyhawk)[8]
January 1944: in DAF with 3 (RAAF), 5 (SAAF), 112, 250, 260 and 450 (RAAF) Sqns (Kittyhawk)[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 3 (RAAF), 5 (SAAF), 112, and 260 Sqns (Mustang III/IV), 250 and 450 (RAAF) Sqns (Kittyhawk IV)[28]
No. 240 Wing RAF September 1943: Heavy Bomber wing in US 9th Air Force with 178 (Halifax/Liberator) and 462 (RAAF) (Halifax) Sqns[8]
January 1944: under RAF Middle East with 178 (Liberator) and 462 (RAAF) (Halifax) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in 205 Group MASAF with 178 Sqn (Liberator VI)[28]
No. 241 Wing RAF
No. 242 Wing RAF October 1942: Heavy Bomber Wing in 205 Group in Egypt with 160 Squadron (Liberator)[27]
No. 243 Wing RAF May 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Gambut with 33 Squadron and 274 Squadrons (Hurricane IIA/B), 80 Squadron (Hurricane IIC) and 143 Squadron (from June) (Spitfire VC)

September 1942: 33, 73 and 213 Squadrons (Hurricane IIC), 145 and 601 Squadrons (Spitfire VC)[26] October 1942: 212 Group WDAF with 80 (Hurricane IIC), 127 and 335 (Greek) (Hurricane IIB) and 274 (Hurricane IIE) Squadrons[27]

No. 244 Wing RAF September 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Amiriya with 1 (SAAF) and 238 Squadrons (Hurricane IIB), 80 Squadron (Hurricane IIC) and 92 Squadron (Spitfire VB/C)[26]
October 1942: 73 (Hurricane IIC), 92 (Spitfire VB/C), 145, 601 (Spitfire VB) Squadrons[27]
September 1943: in DAF with 1 (SAAF), 91, 145, 417 (RCAF) and 601 Sqns (Spitfire)[8]
January 1944: under US 64th Fighter Wing with 80, 92, 145, 241, 274, 417 (RCAF) and 601 Sqns (Spitfire)[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 91, 145, 417 (RCAF) Sqns (Spitfire VIII), 241 Sqn (Spitfire VIII/IX), and 601 Sqn (Spitfire IX)[28]
No. 245 Wing RAF October 1942: Bomber Wing in 205 Group in Egypt with 14 (Boston III/Marauder), 462 (RAAF) (Halifax) Squadrons[27]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 1 General Reconnaissance Unit (1 Flt) (Wellington)[8]
January 1944: in 201 Group under RAF Middle East with 1 GRU (Wellington) and 252 Sqn (Beaufighter), detachment under Allied HQ Levant, with 17 (SAAF) (Ventura) and Picardy (Free French) (Blenheim/Vengeance) Sqns[8]
No. 246 Wing RAF October 1942: Fighter-Bomber Wing in 207 Group in East Africa with 41 (SAAF) Squadron (Hurricane IIB and Hartebeest)[27]
September 1943 and January 1944: Reconniassance Wing in East Africa with 209, 259, 262 (Catalina) and 230 (Sunderland) Sqns[8]
April 1945: under Air HQ, East Africa, with 259 Sqn (Sunderland V/Catalina I/IB)[28]
No. 247 Wing RAF October 1942: Torpedo Bomber/Reconnaissance Wing under 201 Group in Egypt with 38 (Wellington IC/VIII), 203 (Baltimore) and 252 (Beaufighter) Sqns[27]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 38 (Wellington) 203 (Baltimore) and 252 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in 201 Group under RAF Middle East with 16 (SAAF) and 227 (Beaufighter), 38 (Wellington) and 454 (RAAF) (Baltimore) Sqns[8]
No. 248 Wing RAF October 1942: Torpedo Bomber Wing under 201 Group in Egypt 38 and 221 Squadrons (Wellington IC/VIII), 39 Squadron (Beaufort) and 203 Squadron (Blenheim IV, Bisley, Baltimore I/II/III, Maryland)[27]
September 1943: in Malta with 69 (Baltimore) and 221 (Wellington) Sqns[8]
No. 249 Wing RAF September 1943: in 216 Group, Middle East Air Command, with 117 (Dakota), 162 (Wellington/Bisley) and 28 (SAAF) (Dakota/Anson/Wellington) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in 216 Group, RAF Middle East, with 216 and 267 Sqns (Dakota)[8]
April 1945: in 216 Ferry and Air Transport Group RAF, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF), with 44 (SAAF) (Air Ambulance) (Dakota/Anson/Expeditor)

[28]

No. 250 Wing RAF November 1941: in 202 Group at Ismailia with 1 GRU (Wellington I/IC) and 73 Squadron (Hurricane I) at Port Said[26]

October 1942: in Egypt with 89 (Beaufighter) and 94 (Hurricane IIC and Spitfire VC) Squadrons[27]

No. 251 Wing RAF
No. 252 Wing RAF November 1941: in 202 Group at Alexandria, with 213 Squadron (Heliopolis) and part of 73 Squadron (Hurricane I)[26]

October 1942: in Egypt with 46 (Beaufighter) and 417 (RCAF) (Hurricane IIC and Spitfire VC) Squadrons[27]

No. 253 Wing RAF Until November 1941: Army Cooperation Wing in WDAF at Ghot Wahas with 208, 237 (Rhodesian) and 451 (RAAF) Squadrons (Hurricane I)[26]
April 1945: in DAF with 15 (SAAF), 454 (RAAF) and 500 Sqns (Baltimore)[28]
No. 254 Wing RAF July 1944: in Balkan Air Force (BAF) at Termoli with 39 (Beaufighter TF X), 213 (Mustang III) and 13 (Greek) (Baltimore IV/V) Squadrons[29]
April 1945: in BAF with 25 (SAAF) and 30 Sqns (Marauder III), 28 and 132 Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force (IAF) Sqns (Baltimore IV/V)[28]
No. 255 Wing RAF
No. 256 Wing RAF
No. 257 Wing RAF
No. 258 Wing RAF November 1941: Fighter Wing in WDAF with 2 (SAAF), 3 (RAAF), 4 (SAAF), 112 and 250 Squadrons (Tomahawk)[26]
September 1943 and January 1944: Reconnaissance Wing in East Africa with 265 Sqn (Catalina)[8]
April 1945: under Air HQ, East Africa, with 265 Sqn (Catalina I/IB)[28]
No. 259 Wing RAF November 1941: at Nicosia with 213 Squadron (Hurricane I) and 815 Squadron Fleet Air Arm at Lakatamia[26]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 46 (Beaufighter) and 208 (Hurricane) Sqns[8]
January 1944: Fighter Reconnaissance Wing in Cyprus under Allied HQ Levant, with 208 Sqn (Hurricane/Spitfire)[8]
No. 260 Wing RAF
No. 261 Wing RAF
No. 262 Wing RAF November 1941: Fighter Wing in WDAF with 1 (SAAF), 94, 229, 238, 260 and 274 Squadrons (Hurricane I)[26]
No. 263 Wing RAF November 1941: at Beirut with 335 (Greek) Squadron in Palestine (Hurricane I), a Free French squadron in Lebanon (Morane 406) and a Free French flight in Syria (Blenheim IV)[26]
January 1944: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 55 Sqn (Baltimore)[8]
No. 264 Wing RAF
No. 265 Wing RAF
No. 266 Wing RAF
No. 267 Wing RAF
No. 268 Wing RAF
No. 269 Wing RAF November 1941: Fighter Wing in WDAF at Sidi Haniesh, with 30 and RN(F) (FAA) Squadrons (Hurricane I/IIA/B)[26]
No. 270 Wing RAF November 1941: Light Bomber Wing in WDAF at Fuka with 8 (detachment), 45 and 55 Squadrons at Fuka, 14 and 84 Squadrons at Maaten Bagush, and 342 (Lorraine) (Free French) Squadron at Abu Sueir (Blenheim IV)[26]
No. 272 Wing RAF
No. 273 Wing RAF
No. 274 Wing RAF
No. 275 Wing RAF
No. 276 Wing RAF
No. 280 Wing RAF
No. 281 Wing RAF July 1944: Fighter Wing in Balkan Air Force at Termoli with 32 (Spitfire VC/B/VIII/IX), 249 (Spitfire VC) and 253 (Spitfire VC) Squadrons RAF, 102 (Macchi C.202) and 155 (Macchi C.205) Squadrons IAF[29]
April 1945: in BAF with 73 (Spitfire IX), 253 (Spitfire VIII/IX), 352 (Yugoslav) (Spitfire Vc), 6 and 351 (Yugoslav) (Hurricane IV) Sqns[28]
No. 282 Wing RAF April 1945: in 216 Ferry and Air Transport Group MAAF with 216 Sqn (Dakota/Anson/Expeditor)[28]
No. 283 Wing RAF October 1942: Transport Wing in 216 Group in East Africa with 163 Squadron (Hudson VI)[27]
April 1945: in BAF with 16 (SAAF), 19 (SAAF) (Beaufighter X), 213 (Mustang III/IV) and 249 (Mustang III) Sqns[28]
No. 284 Wing RAF January 1944: Transport Wing in 216 Group MAAF with 28 (SAAF) Sqn (Dakota/Anson)[8]
April 1945: in 216 Ferry and Air Transport Group MAAF with 28 (SAAF) Sqn (Dakota/Anson/Expeditor)[28]
No. 285 Wing RAF September 1942: Reconnaissance Wing in WDAF at Burg el Arab, with 2 PRU (Spitfire VB), 1437 Flight (Maryland and Baltimore) and 60 (SAAF) Squadron at Wadi Natrun (Maryland);[26] joined in October by 208 and 40 (SAAF) Squadrons (Hurricane I/IIA/B)[27]
September 1943: in DAF with 40 (SAAF) and 225 Sqns (Spitfire), 1437 Flt (Mustang)[8]
January 1944: in DAF with 40 (SAAF) (Spitfire) and 600 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 40 (SAAF) (Spitfire IX) and 318 (Polish) (Spitfire V/IX) Sqns[28]
No. 286 Wing RAF (As Malta Wing) September 1943: 126, 185, 229, 249 Sqns and 1435 Flight (Spitfire)[8]
January 1944: in 242 Group, Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force (MACAF), with 14 Sqn (Marauder), 126, 249 Sqns and 1435 Flt (Spitfire), 255 and 416 (USAAF) Sqns (Beaufighter), and 608 (Hudson) Sqn[8]
No. 287 Wing RAF April 1945: in MACAF with 272 Sqn (Beaufighter X) and 1435 Flt (Spitfire IX)[28]
No. 292 Wing RAF
No. 293 Wing RAF June 1943: at Calcutta in 221 Group with 136 (Hurricane) and 176 (Beaufighter) Sqns at Baigachi, 607 and 615 (Hurricane) Sqns at Alipore.[21]

December 1944: in Air Defence of Calcutta, EAC, with 69 (Beaufighter) and 615 (Spitfire) Sqns[23]

No. 294 Wing RAF
No. 295 Wing RAF
No. 296 Wing RAF
No. 297 Wing RAF
No. 298 Wing RAF Included 26 Squadron SAAF

No. 300 Wing – No. 499 Wing

[edit]
Wing Date of establishment Date of disestablishment Notes
No. 300 Wing RAF
No. 301 Wing RAF
No. 302 Wing RAF
No. 303 Wing RAF
No. 321 Wing RAF
No. 322 Wing RAF November 1942: Mobile Wing in Eastern Air Command (North West Africa) at Maison Blanche with 81, 154 and 242 Squadrons (Spitfire VC), and 225 Squadron (Hurricane IIE)[27]
September 1943: in DAF covering Operation Baytown with 81, 151, 154, 232 and 242 Sqns (Spitfire)[8][30]
January 1944: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 154, 232 and 242 Sqns (Spitfire)[8]
No. 323 Wing RAF November 1942: Non-mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Maison Blanche with 43 and 253 Squadrons (Hurricane IIC) and 4 PRU (Spitfire PR IV)[27]
September 1943: in Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) with 32, 73, 253 (Spitfire), 87 (Hurricane/Spitfire) and 219 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8] January 1944: in 242 Group MACAF with 73 Sqn (Spitfire)[8]
In May 1944, B Flight, 1st Emergency Rescue Squadron, USAAF, flying Consolidated OA-10 Catalinas, was attached to the wing for operations in Italy. April 1945: in MACAF with 38 (Wellington XIV) and 624 (Walrus) Sqns and IAF Seaplane Wing (82°, 83°, 84°, 85° Gruppi) (CANT Z.501/506/RS 14)[28]
No. 324 Wing RAF November 1942: Mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Maison Blanche with 72, 93, 111 and 152 Squadrons (Spitfire VB) and 255 Squadron (Beaufighter VIF)[27] September 1943: in DAF covering Operation Baytown with 43, 72, 93, 111, 243 (Spitfire) and 600 (BeaufighterVIF) Sqns[8][30]
April 1945: in DAF with 42, 73, 93 Sqns (Spitfire IX)[28]
No. 325 Wing RAF 14 September 1942 30 June 1943 Naval Co-operation wing
November 1942: Mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Algiers with 32 and 87 Squadrons (Hurricane IIC), 232 and 243 Squadrons (Spitfire VB), 241 (Hurricane IIE) and 600 (Beaufighter VIF) Aqns[27]
25 August 1943 12 August 1944 General Reconnaissance Wing in NACAF with 272 and 603 (Beaufighter), 608 (Hudson) and 614 (Bisley) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in Malta with 52 (Baltimore) and 614 (Bisley) Sqns[8]
1 April 2006 2013 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Kinloss
No. 326 Wing RAF November 1942: Semi-mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Blida with 13, 18, 114 and 614 Squadrons (Bisley)[27]
No. 328 Wing RAF November 1942: Non-mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Blida with 500 and 608 Squadrons (Hudson V), 700 (FAA) Squadron (Walrus) and 813 (FAA) Squadron (Swordfish)[27]
September 1943: in NACAF with 13 (Bisley), 14 (Marauder), 39, 47, 255 (Beaufighter), 52 (Baltimore) and 458 (RAAF) (Wellington) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in US 63d Fighter Wing, with I/22 (Free French) (Maruader), 23 (Mosquito) and 500 (Hudson/Ventura) Sqns[8]
No. 329 Wing RAF
No. 330 Wing RAF September 1943: in NASAF with 142 and 150 Squadrons (Wellington III/X)[8]
January 1944: in MASAF with 142 and 150 Sqns (Wellington X)[8]
No. 331 Wing RAF September 1943: in NASAF with 420, 424 and 425 Squadrons RCAF (Wellington X)[8]
No. 332 Wing RAF
No. 333 Wing RAF January 1944: in Malta with 52 (Baltimore) and 614 (Bisley) Sqns[8]
No. 334 Wing RAF July 1944: Special Duties Wing in Balkan Air Force at Brindisi and Lecce with 148 Squadron RAF (Halifax II/V and Lysander), 1586 Polish Flight (Halifax II/IIA and Liberator III), and 1 and 88 IAF Sqns (SM 82 and Cz 1007)[29]
April 1945: in BAF with 1 (SM82) and 88 (Cz 1007) IAF Sqns, 148 (Halifax IV/V/Lysander IIIA) and 44 (SAAF) (Dakota) Sqns, and 16 (USAAF) Sqn (Dakota I/III)[28]
No. 335 Wing RAF January 1944: in Malta with 87 (Hurricane/Spitfire) and 272 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
No. 336 Wing RAF January 1944: in Mediterranean Allied Photographic Reconnaissance Wing, with 60 (SAAF) (Mosquito) and 683 (Spitfire) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in MAAF with 681 and 683 Sqns (Spitfire PR IX/PR XIX), 60 (SAAF) and detachment 680 Sqn (Mosquito PR XVI)[28]
No. 337 Wing RAF January 1944: in MACAF, with I/5 and III/6 Free French (Airacobra) and 417 (USAAF) (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in Air HQ Greece, BAF, with 13 (Greek) (Baltimore V), 335 (Greek) and 336 (Greek) (Spitfire Vb/Vc), 252 (Beaufighter XC) and detachment 624 (Walrus) Sqns[28]
No. 338 Wing RAF January 1944: in MACAF with I/4 (Airacobra) and II/3 (Hurricane) Free French, 32 (Spitfire), 39 (Beaufighter X) and 153 (Beaufighter VIF) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in MACAF with 237 (Rhodesian) (Spitfire IX) and 255 (Mosquito XIX) Sqns[28]
No. 339 Wing RAF
No. 340 Wing RAF April 1945: in MACAF with II/6 and II/9 (Free French) (Airacobra), 2S (Free French (Latécoère) and 4S (Free French) (Walrus) Sqns[28]
No. 341 Wing RAF June 1945: Transport Wing in 232 Group, RAF Burma, with 62, 194 and 267 Sqns (Dakota)[24]
No. 342 Wing RAF June 1945: Transport Wing in 232 Group, RAF Burma, with 31, 117 and 436 (RCAF) Sqns (Dakota)[24]
No. 343 Wing RAF
No. 344 Wing RAF
No. 345 Wing RAF June 1945: Transport Wing in 232 Group, RAF Burma, with 435 (RCAF) Sqn (Dakota)[24]
No. 346 Wing RAF June 1945: in 222 Group with 22 (Beaufighter), 230 (Sunderland), 136 (Spitfire) Sqns[24]
No. 347 Wing RAF June 1945: Photo Reconnaissance Wing in 231 Group, RAF Burma, with 681 (Spitfire) and 684 (Mosquito) Sqns[24]
No. 348 Wing RAF
No. 349 Wing RAF
No. 350 Wing RAF
No. 351 Wing RAF

No. 500 Wing – No. 999 Wing

[edit]
Wing Date of establishment Date of disestablishment Notes
No. 500 Wing RAF
No. 551 Wing RAF Would have been part of Tiger Force, scheduled to be operational by 1 January 1946 at RAF Coningsby, as of August 1945.[31] Formation does not seem to have been completed. Later served as part of Second Tactical Air Force at RAF Gutersloh in Germany in the mid 1950s.
No. 552 Wing RAF
No. 553 Wing RAF
No. 554 Wing RAF
No. 700 Wing RAF
No. 701 Wing RAF
No. 900 Wing RAF
No. 901 Wing RAF 1 October 1944
 December 1945 December 1944: Tactical Wing at Chiringa, India, in 224 Group 3rd Tactical Air Force (3 TAF), with 27, 177, and 211 Sqns (Beaufighter)[23][32]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 45, 82, 84 (Mosquito) and 211 (Beaufighter) Sqns[24][32]
November 1945: at St. Thomas Mount[32]

1 April 2006 Expeditionary Air Wing deployed to Middle East[32] within No 83 Expeditionary Air Group
No. 902 Wing RAF 1 December 1944
 Tactical Wing formed from 166 (Tactical) Wing;[33] December 1944: at Chittagong in 224 Group EAC with 9 (RIAF) (Hurricane), 39 and 135 (Thunderbolt), and 459 USAAF (Lightning) Sqns[23]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 11 Sqn (Hurricane)[24]
October 1945: at Tengah in RAF Malaya with 152 and 155 Sqns (Spitfire)[25]

1 April 2006 Expeditionary Air Wing deployed to Middle East[33] within No 83 Expeditionary Air Group
No. 903 Wing RAF 1 December 1944 31 October 1945 Tactical Wing formed at Patenga in 224 Group, 3 TAF

[34]
December 1944: temporarily at Comilla with 67 Sqn (Spitfire)[23]
October 1945: at Kallang in RAF Malaya with 31 Sqn (Dakota)[25]

2003 2009 Expeditionary Air Wing at Contingency Operating Base Basra/Basra Airport, Iraq for Operation Telic
2009 2014 Expeditionary Air Wing at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan for Operation Herrick
14 December 2014 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus in support of Operation Shader
No. 904 Wing RAF December 1944: at Cox's Bazar in 224 Group EAC with 2 (RIAF) and 4 (RIAF) Sqns (Hurricane) and 237 Sqn (Spitfire)[23]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 134 and 258 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[24]
December 1945: at Batavia with 60 and 81 Sqns (Thunderbolt), 84 and detachments 47 and 110 Sqns (Mosquito), detachment 681 (Spitfire PR), 155 (Spitfire), 31 (Dakota) and 656 (AOP) (Auster) Sqns [35]

2006 2015 Expeditionary Air Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan for Operation Herrick
No. 905 Wing RAF November 1944 31 October 1945 December 1944: at Jalia, India, in 224 Group, EAC[36] with 134 and 258 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[23]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 5, 30, 123 and 135 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[24]
October 1945: at Kuala Lumpur in RAF Malaya with 60, 81, 131, 258 (Thunderbolt) and 656 (AOP) (Auster) Sqns[25]

1 April 2006 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Mount Pleasant[36] Falkland Islands
No. 906 Wing RAF 1 December 1944 13 November 1945 Tactical Wing formed at Tulihal from 170 (Bomber) Wing;[37] December 1944: at Imphal in 221 Group EAC with 1 (RIAF), 42 and 60 Sqns (Hurricane)[23]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 28 (Hurricane), 176 (Beaufighter), 273 and 607 (Spitfire) Sqns[24]

2011 2011 Expeditionary Air Wing at Gioia del Colle Air Base, Italy in support of Operation Ellamy[37]
15 January 2013 Expeditionary Air Wing at Al Minhad Air Base, United Arab Emirates
No. 907 Wing RAF December 1944: at Tamu in 221 Group EAC with 11 (Hurricane) and 152 (Spitfire) Sqns[23]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 20 Sqn (Hurricane)[24]

2011 2011 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Akrotiri in support of Operation Ellamy
No. 908 Wing RAF December 1944: at Kumbhirgram in 221 Group EAC with 43 Sqn (Mosquito)[23]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 47 and 110 Sqns (Mosquito)[24]

No. 909 Wing RAF December 1944: at Pallel in 221 Group EAC with 17, 153 and 607 Sqns (Spitfire), 34 and 113 Sqns (Hurricane)[23]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 152 and 155 Sqns (Spitfire)[24]

No. 910 Wing RAF December 1944: at Wangjing in 221 Group EAC with 79, 146 and 261 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[23]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 34, 42, 79 and 113 Sqns (Thunderbolts)[24]

Expeditionary Air Wings

[edit]
Main article: Expeditionary Air Wing

Formed on 1 April 2006, Expeditionary Air Wings (EAW) are established at the following RAF Flying Stations:

Deployed EAWs

[edit]

Disbanded EAWs

[edit]

Force Protection Wings

[edit]
Main article: RAF Force Protection Force Headquarters

Formed from RAF Regiment field squadrons and RAF Police components, Force Protection (FP) Wings are responsible for defending aircraft and personnel whilst deployed on operations. the overarching Force Protection Force HQ is located at RAF Honington. Each Wing is parented by an RAF Station with whom it is usually deployed:[41]

RAF Force Protection Wings were, until April 2004, known as Tactical Survive To Operate Headquarters (Tac STO HQs).

Miscellaneous Wings

[edit]

Station-based Wings

[edit]

A typical Royal Air Force flying station (not training) will have the following integrated wing-based structure:

  • Administrative Wing / Base (Station) Support Wing / Support Wing
  • Depth Support Wing
  • Forward Support Wing
  • Operations Wing

On a smaller RAF Station, these functions may be termed squadrons but their role is identical.

Specialised Station-based Wings

[edit]

Some stations has Wings which are customised to their particular role with the RAF:

Tactical Wings

[edit]

Wings termed 'Tactical' within the Royal Air Force provide are cohesive, specialised teams.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz da db Wings 1–50 at Air of Authority.
  2. ^ a b Bullock.
  3. ^ a b c d MacmIllan Appendix I: 'Commanding Officers RNAS/RFC/RAF in Italy: Brigade, Wings, Squadrons'.
  4. ^ "Royal Air Force".
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac Delve, 'Orders of Battle, June 1944'.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae Ellis, Normandy, Appendix VI: 'Allied Air Forces'.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Ellis, Germany, 'Appendix V: The Allied Air Forces'.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av Molony, Vol V, Appendix 4, 'Orders of Battle Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces'.
  9. ^ "RCAF Higher Formations and Reserve Units".
  10. ^ a b c d Rennles.
  11. ^ "Royal Air force, Order of Battle, France, 10th May 1940". free.fr. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ellis, France.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz Wings 51–110 at Air of Authority.
  14. ^ "Subterranea Britannica: Sites:RAF Hayscastle Cross Chain Home & Rotor Radar Station". subbrit.org.uk. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  15. ^ a b c Falconer, Appendix IV: 'Orders of Battle'.
  16. ^ Jones, p. 176.
  17. ^ "BBC - WW2 People's War - the War in 80 (Signals) Wing RAF". Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  18. ^ Groups 70–106 at Air of Authority.
  19. ^ Royal Air Force Facebook Post 24 April 2017 at 16:41
  20. ^ "Royal Air Force". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g Woodburn Kirby, Vol II, Appendix 32, 'Order of Battle of Air Forces, India and Ceylon, June 1943'.
  22. ^ a b c RAFWeb. "Wing Nos 111-192".
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Woodburn Kirby, Vol IV, Appendix 4, "Outline Order of Battle of Air Command, South East Asia, 12th December 1944".
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Woodburn Kirby, Vol V, Appendix 1: "Outline Order of Battle of Air Command, South-East Asia 30th June 1945".
  25. ^ a b c d Woodburn Kirby, Vol V, Appendix 21: "Outline Order of Battle, RAF Malaya, 1st October 1945".
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Playfair, Vol III, Appendix 5, 'Royal Air Force Orders of Battle'.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Playfair, Vol IV, Appendix 8, 'Orders of Battle Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces'.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Jackson, Vol VI, Pt III, 'Appendix 3: Order of Battle Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Force'.
  29. ^ a b c Molony, Vol VI, Table V, pp. 406–7.
  30. ^ a b Molony, Vol V, p. 238.
  31. ^ "Lancaster Main Page". lancaster-archive.com. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  32. ^ a b c d e '901 EAW history' RAF retrieved 20 March 2017.
  33. ^ a b c '902 EAW' retrieved 20 March 2017.
  34. ^ a b "'903 EAW' retrieved 20 March 2017". Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  35. ^ Woodburn Kirby, Appendix 23: 'Outline Order of Battle, RAF Netherlands East Indies, 31 December 1945'.
  36. ^ a b c '905 EAW' retrieved 20 March 2017.
  37. ^ a b c '906 EAW' retrieved 20 March 2017.
  38. ^ "Royal Air Force Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft near Baltics".
  39. ^ "904 Expeditionary Air Wing". RAF. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2013.
  40. ^ "Coalition operations in Libya to continue". Ministry of Defence (MoD). 21 March 2010.
  41. ^ "Force Protection". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  42. ^ a b "RAF stands up new ISTAR Air Wing". Janes.com. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  43. ^ Lake 1999, p. 279.

References

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  • David L. Bullock, Allenby's War: The Palestine-Arabian Campaigns 1916–1918, London: Blandford Press, 1988, ISBN 0-7137-1869-2.
  • Ken Delve, D-Day: The Air Battle, London: Arms & Armour Press, 1994, ISBN 1-85409-227-8.
  • Appendix 1, 'British Forces Engaged', Major L.F. Ellis, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The War in France and Flanders 1939–1940, London: HM Stationery Office, 1954.
  • Major L.F. Ellis, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: Victory in the West, Vol I: The Battle of Normandy, London: HM Stationery Office, 1962/Uckfield: Naval & Military, 2004, ISBN 1-845740-58-0.
  • Major L.F. Ellis, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: Victory in the West, Vol II: The Defeat of Germany, London: HM Stationery Office, 1968/Uckfield: Naval & Military, 2004, ISBN 1-845740-59-9.
  • Jonathan Falconer, Bomber Command Handbook 1939–1945, Stroud: Sutton, 1998, ISBN 0-7509-1819-5.
  • Gen Sir William Jackson, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The Mediterranean and Middle East, Vol VI: Victory in the Mediterranean, Part III: November 1944 to May 1945, London: HMSO, 1988/Uckfield, Naval & Military Press, 2004, ISBN 1-845740-72-6.
  • R.V. Jones, Most Secret War: British Scientific Intelligence 1939–1945, London: Hamish Hamilton 1978/Coronet 1979, ISBN 0-340-24169-1.
  • Lake, A (1999). Flying units of the RAF. Shrewsbury: Airlife. ISBN 1-84037-086-6.
  • Norman Macmillan, Offensive Patrol: The Story of the RNAS, RFC and RAF in Italy 1917–18, London: Jarrold, 1973.
  • Brig C.J.C. Molony, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The Mediterranean and Middle East, Vol V: The Campaign in Sicily 1943 and the Campaign in Italy 3rd September 1943 to 31st March 1944, London: HMSO, 1973/Uckfield, Naval & Military Press, 2004, ISBN 1-845740-69-6.
  • Brig C.J.C. Molony (Revised by Gen Sir William Jackson), History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The Mediterranean and Middle East, Vol VI: Victory in the Mediterranean, Part I: 1st April to 4th June 1944, London: HMSO, nd/Uckfield, Naval & Military Press, 2004, ISBN 1-845740-70-X.
  • Maj-Gen I.S.O. Playfair, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The Mediterranean and Middle East, Vol III: (September 1941 to September 1942) British Fortunes reach their Lowest Ebb, London: HMSO, 1960 /Uckfield, Naval & Military Press, 2004, ISBN 1-845740-67-X.
  • Maj-Gen I.S.O. Playfair & Brig C.J.C. Molony, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The Mediterranean and Middle East, Vol IV: The Destruction of the Axis forces in Africa, London: HMSO, 1966/Uckfield, Naval & Military Press, 2004, ISBN 1-845740-68-8.
  • Keith Rennles, Independent Force; The War Diary of the Daylight Squadrons of the Independent Air Force June–November 1918, London: Grub Street, 2002, ISBN 1-902304-90-X, pp. 6–7.
  • Maj-Gen S. Woodburn Kirby, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The War Against Japan Vol II, India's Most Dangerous Hour, London: HM Stationery Office, 1958.
  • Maj-Gen S. Woodburn Kirby, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The War Against Japan Vol IV, The Reconquest of Burma, London: HM Stationery Office, 1955.
  • Maj-Gen S. Woodburn Kirby, History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series: The War Against Japan Vol V, The Surrender of Japan, London: HM Stationery Office, 1969.
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