No. 31 Squadron RAF
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| No. 31 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Active | 11 October 1915 |
| Role | Strike/attack/SEAD |
| Garrison/HQ | RAF Marham |
| Motto | "In cælum indicum primus" (First into Indian skies) |
| Equipment | Tornado GR4 |
| Battle honours | North West Frontier 1916-1918, Afghanistan 1919-1920, Mahoud 1919-1920, Waziristan 1919-1925, North West Frontier 1939, Iraq 1941, Syria 1941, Egypt and Libya 1941-1942, Burma 1941-1942, North Burma 1943-1944, Arakan 1943-1944, Manipur 1944, Burma 1944-1945, Gulf 1991, Kosovo, Iraq 2003 |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
A mullet (star) in front of a wreath of laurel. |
No. 31 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, known as the 'Goldstars'[1], currently operates the Tornado GR4 from RAF Marham, Norfolk.
Contents |
[edit] History
The squadron was formed at Farnborough on 11 October 1915. Its first deployment was to Risulpur, India with its BE2Cs and Farmans. In September 1919 BE2s were replaced by Bristol Fighters,
In April 1939 the Squadron changed to the bomber transport role. During 1941, the Squadron began to concentrate on transport duties with seconded DC2s. Returning to India the squadron re-equipped with the Dakota. After the Japanese invasion of Burma, it flew missions between Calcutta and Rangoon dropping supplies for the XIVth Army. After World War II the squadron moved to Java. In 1946 the Squadron was disbanded in Java and reformed at Mauripur, India.
At the end of 1947 it was again disbanded, but reformed in July 1948. In 1955, the unit reverted to its previous identity, and No. 31 Squadron moved to Laarbruch in Germany with Canberra PR7s. The squadron flew Canberras until 1971 when they were replaced by Phantoms. These were replaced by SEPECAT Jaguars were received when the squadron moved to RAF Bruggen during 1976. Finally the squadron took delivery of Tornado GR1s in 1984.
[edit] Current role
Now part of the Marham Wing, 31 Squadron's aircraft and crews were part of the RAF Tornado force in the Gulf War of 1991 and the Squadron continued to fly on regular operations over Iraq. On Jan 1 1995 the Squadron was declared operational in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) role equipped with the Air Launched Anti Radiation Missile ALARM Anti Radiation Missile. During 1999 the Squadron re-equipped with the Tornado GR4 qualifying for night flights by the end of that year. 1999 also saw 31 Sqn participate in Operation Engadine, NATO operations over the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
In 2001 No 31 Squadron moved to RAF Marham, and in 2003 formed the core of the Ali Al Salem Air Combat Wing, operating over Iraq during Operation Resinate South and Operation Telic.
While all Tornado GR.4s are capable of carrying the ALARM Anti Radiation Missile, only 31 and IX Sqns specialise in the role. In this role they are known as "Pathfinder" squadrons.
31 Squadron became the lead RAF Tornado GR4 unit on the Brimstone anti-tank missile, accepting the weapon into RAF service at its home base, RAF Marham, on April 7 2005.
[edit] 31 Sqn Trivia
- Bomber Harris was a former Goldstar.
- 31 Sqn was the lead Squardon of the Ali Al Salem Combat Air Wing during Op Telic (Gulf War 2), commanded by Wing Commander Paddy Teakle.
- The Squadron owns a Vintage Mercedes Benz car that is painted black with the Green & Gold Chequerboard and Goldstar logos. It also has flashing lights on the roof. It is known as the '31 Junta Wagon'.
- The Squadron Official drink is 'Green & Gold' made up of a measure of Creme de Menthe and a measure of Advocaat poured on top so that it floats in 2 layers. This is usually drunk following the Loyal Toast at Dinner nights.
- 31 Sqn was the last RAF Squadron to be based at RAF Bruggen in Germany, before returning to the UK to be based at RAF Marham in August 2001.
