List of Royal Flying Corps squadrons facts for kids
The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the air force of the British Army a long time ago. It was created on April 13, 1912. The main flying groups were called squadrons. The RFC existed until April 1, 1918, when it joined with the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) to form the Royal Air Force (RAF).
When World War I started on August 4, 1914, the RFC had 147 officers, 1,097 other staff, and 179 aircraft. It grew very quickly during the war! By the end of 1916, it had 46,000 people and 2,712 aircraft. A year later, it had 10,938 aircraft and many squadrons.
Contents
RFC Squadrons: The Flying Teams
These are the main flying squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps. Each squadron had a number, a date it was formed, and where it started. Many of them later became part of the Royal Air Force.
| Name | Date Formed | Starting Location | What Happened Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Squadron | 13 May 1912 | Woolwich | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 2 Squadron | 13 May 1912 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 3 Squadron | 13 May 1912 | Larkhill | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 4 Squadron | 16 September 1912 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 5 Squadron | 26 July 1913 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 6 Squadron | 31 January 1914 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 7 Squadron | 1 May 1914 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Belgium. |
| No. 8 Squadron | 1 January 1915 | Brooklands | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 9 Squadron | 8 December 1914 | Saint-Omer | Was disbanded and reformed. Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Belgium. |
| No. 10 Squadron | 1 January 1915 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 11 Squadron | 14 February 1915 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 12 Squadron | 14 February 1915 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 13 Squadron | 10 January 1915 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 14 Squadron | 3 February 1915 | Shoreham | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Palestine. |
| No. 15 Squadron | 1 March 1915 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 16 Squadron | 10 February 1915 | Saint-Omer | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 17 Squadron | 1 February 1915 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Greece. |
| No. 18 Squadron | 11 May 1915 | Northolt | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 19 Squadron | 1 September 1915 | Castle Bromwich | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 20 Squadron | 1 September 1915 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 21 Squadron | 23 July 1915 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 22 Squadron | 1 September 1915 | Fort Grange, Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 23 Squadron | 1 September 1915 | Fort Grange, Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 24 Squadron | 1 September 1915 | Hounslow Heath | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 25 Squadron | 25 September 1915 | Montrose | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 26 Squadron | 8 October 1915 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in South Africa. |
| No. 27 Squadron | 5 November 1915 | Hounslow Heath | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 28 Squadron | 7 November 1915 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Italy. |
| No. 29 Squadron | 7 November 1915 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Belgium. |
| No. 30 Squadron | 24 March 1915 | Ismailia, Egypt | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Egypt. |
| No. 31 Squadron | 11 October 1915 | Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in India. |
| No. 32 Squadron | 12 January 1916 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 33 Squadron | 12 January 1916 | Filton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 34 Squadron | 7 January 1916 | Castle Bromwich | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Italy. |
| No. 35 Squadron | 1 February 1916 | Thetford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 36 Squadron | 18 March 1916 | Cramlington | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 37 Squadron | 15 April 1916 | Orfordness | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 38 Squadron | 1 April 1916 | Thetford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 39 Squadron | 15 April 1916 | Hounslow Heath | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 40 Squadron | 26 February 1916 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 41 Squadron | 14 July 1916 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 42 Squadron | 1 April 1916 | Filton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 43 Squadron | 15 April 1916 | Stirling | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 44 Squadron | 24 July 1917 | Hainault Farm | Was disbanded and reformed. Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 45 Squadron | 1 March 1916 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Italy. |
| No. 46 Squadron | 19 April 1916 | Wyton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 47 Squadron | 1 March 1916 | Beverley | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Greece. |
| No. 48 Squadron | 15 April 1916 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 49 Squadron | 15 April 1916 | Dover | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 50 Squadron | 15 May 1916 | Dover | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 51 Squadron | 15 May 1916 | Thetford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 52 Squadron | 15 May 1916 | Hounslow Heath | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 53 Squadron | 15 May 1916 | Catterick | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 54 Squadron | 5 May 1916 | Castle Bromwich | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 55 Squadron | 27 April 1916 | Castle Bromwich | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 56 Squadron | 8 June 1916 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 57 Squadron | 8 June 1916 | Copmanthorpe | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 58 Squadron | 10 January 1916 | Cramlington | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 59 Squadron | 1 August 1916 | Narborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 60 Squadron | 30 April 1916 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 61 Squadron | 2 August 1917 | Rochford | Was disbanded and reformed. Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 62 Squadron | 8 August 1916 | Filton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 63 Squadron | 31 August 1916 | Stirling | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Iraq. |
| No. 64 Squadron | 1 August 1916 | Sedgeford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 65 Squadron | 1 August 1916 | Wyton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 66 Squadron | 30 June 1916 | Filton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Italy. |
| No. 67 Squadron | January 1916 | Point Cook, Australia | Later became No. 1 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 68 Squadron | 20 September 1916 | Kantara, Egypt | Later became No. 2 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 69 Squadron | 19 September 1916 | Point Cook | Later became No. 3 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 70 Squadron | 22 April 1916 | South Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 71 Squadron | 16 October 1916 | Point Cook | Later became No. 4 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 72 Squadron | 2 July 1917 | Netheravon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Iraq. |
| No. 73 Squadron | 1 July 1917 | Upavon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 74 Squadron | 1 July 1917 | London Colney | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 75 Squadron | 1 October 1916 | Goldington | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 76 Squadron | 15 September 1916 | Ripon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 77 Squadron | 1 October 1916 | Edinburgh | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Scotland. |
| No. 78 Squadron | 1 November 1916 | Newhaven | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 79 Squadron | 1 August 1917 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 80 Squadron | 1 August 1917 | Montrose | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 81 Squadron | 7 January 1917 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 82 Squadron | 7 January 1917 | Doncaster | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 83 Squadron | 7 January 1917 | Montrose | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 84 Squadron | January 1917 | Beaulieu | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 85 Squadron | 1 August 1917 | Upavon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 86 Squadron | 1 September 1917 | Shoreham | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 87 Squadron | 1 September 1917 | Upavon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 88 Squadron | 24 July 1917 | Gosport | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 89 Squadron | 1 September 1917 | Catterick | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 90 Squadron | 8 October 1917 | Shawbury | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 91 Squadron | 1 September 1917 | Grantham | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 92 Squadron | 1 September 1917 | London Colney | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 93 Squadron | 1 September 1917 | Croydon | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 94 Squadron | 1 August 1917 | Harling Road | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 95 Squadron | 8 October 1917 | Ternhill | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 96 Squadron | 8 October 1917 | South Carlton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 97 Squadron | 1 December 1917 | Waddington | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 98 Squadron | 30 August 1917 | Harlaxton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 99 Squadron | 15 August 1917 | Yatesbury | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 100 Squadron | 23 February 1917 | Hingham | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 101 Squadron | 12 July 1917 | South Farnborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 102 Squadron | August 1917 | Hingham | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in France. |
| No. 103 Squadron | 1 September 1917 | Beaulieu | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 104 Squadron | 4 September 1917 | Wyton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 105 Squadron | September 1917 | Andover | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 106 Squadron | 30 September 1917 | Andover | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 107 Squadron | 15 May 1918 | Lake Down, Wiltshire | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 108 Squadron | 11 November 1917 | Stonehenge, Wiltshire | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 109 Squadron | 1 November 1917 | South Carlton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 110 Squadron | 1 November 1917 | Rendcomb | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 111 Squadron | 1 August 1917 | Deir al-Balah, Palestine | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Palestine. |
| No. 112 Squadron | 30 July 1917 | Detling | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 113 Squadron | 1 August 1917 | Ismailia, Egypt | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Palestine. |
| No. 114 Squadron | September 1917 | Lahore, India | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 115 Squadron | 1 December 1917 | Catterick | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 116 Squadron | 1 December 1917 | Andover | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 117 Squadron | 1 January 1918 | Waddington | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 118 Squadron | 1 January 1918 | Catterick | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 119 Squadron | 1 January 1918 | Andover | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 120 Squadron | 1 January 1918 | Cramlington | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 121 Squadron | 1 January 1918 | Narborough | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 122 Squadron | 1 January 1918 | Sedgeford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 123 Squadron | 1 February 1918 | Waddington | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 124 Squadron | March 1918 | Old Sarum | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 125 Squadron | 1 February 1918 | Old Sarum | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 126 Squadron | 1 February 1918 | Old Sarum | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 127 Squadron | 1 February 1918 | Catterick | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 128 Squadron | 1 February 1918 | Thetford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 129 Squadron | 1 March 1918 | Duxford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 130 Squadron | 1 March 1918 | Wyton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 131 Squadron | 1 March 1918 | Shawbury | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 132 Squadron | 1 March 1918 | Ternhill | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 133 Squadron | 1 March 1918 | Ternhill | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 134 Squadron | 1 March 1918 | Ternhill | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 141 Squadron | 1 January 1918 | Rochford | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 142 Squadron | 2 February 1918 | Ismailia, Egypt | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in Palestine. |
| No. 143 Squadron | 1 February 1918 | Throwley | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 144 Squadron | 20 March 1918 | Port Said, Egypt | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918. |
| No. 148 Squadron | 10 February 1918 | Andover | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
| No. 149 Squadron | 3 March 1918 | Yapton | Became part of the RAF on April 1, 1918, based in England. |
Training Squadrons: Learning to Fly
The RFC also had many squadrons where pilots and aircrew learned their skills. These were first called "Reserve Aeroplane Squadrons," then "Reserve Squadrons," and finally "Training Squadrons." It's important to know that the numbers for these training squadrons were separate from the main flying squadrons. So, No. 1 Training Squadron was different from No. 1 Squadron.
| Name | Date Formed | Starting Location | What Happened Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Training Squadron | 12 November 1914 | Farnborough | Started as a Reserve Aeroplane Squadron. |
| No. 2 Training Squadron | 12 November 1914 | Brooklands | |
| No. 3 Training Squadron | 21 January 1915 | Netheravon | |
| No. 4 Training Squadron | 29 January 1915 | Farnborough | |
| No. 5 Training Squadron | 11 May 1915 | Castle Bromwich | |
| No. 6 Training Squadron | 17 July 1915 | Montrose | |
| No. 7 Training Squadron | 28 July 1915 | Netheravon | |
| No. 8 Training Squadron | 28 July 1915 | Netheravon | |
| No. 9 Training Squadron | 27 July 1915 | Norwich | |
| No. 10 Training Squadron | 1 September 1915 | Joyce Green | Formed from a part of No. 2 Reserve Aeroplane Squadron. |
| No. 11 Training Squadron | 12 October 1915 | Northolt | Formed from No. 4 Reserve Aeroplane Squadron. |
| No. 12 Training Squadron | 15 November 1915 | Dover | |
| No. 13 Training Squadron | 27 November 1915 | Dover | |
| No. 14 Training Squadron | 1 December 1915 | Catterick | |
| No. 15 Training Squadron | 15 December 1915 | Thetford | |
| No. 16 Training Squadron | 15 December 1915 | Beaulieu | |
| No. 17 Training Squadron | 25 December 1915 | Croydon | |
| No. 18 Training Squadron | 1 January 1916 | Montrose | |
| No. 19 Training Squadron | 29 January 1916 | Hounslow | Later became 39 (Home Defence) Squadron RFC. |
| No. 20 Training Squadron | 1 February 1916 | Dover | |
| No. 29 (Australian) Training Squadron | 15 June 1917 | Shawbury | Later became No. 5 Training Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 30 (Australian) Training Squadron | 15 June 1917 | Parkhouse | Later became No. 6 Training Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 32 (Australian) Training Squadron | 24 October 1917 | Yatesbury | Later became No. 7 Training Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 33 (Australian) Training Squadron | 24 October 1917 | Wendover | Later became No. 8 Training Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. |
| No. 78 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Beverley | Moved to Camp Borden, Canada. |
| No. 79 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Beverley | Moved to Camp Borden, Canada. |
| No. 80 (Canadian) Training Squadron | January 1917 | Doncaster | Moved to Camp Borden, Canada. |
| No. 81 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Beaulieu | Moved to Camp Borden, Canada. |
| No. 82 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Montrose | Moved to Camp Borden, Canada. |
| No. 83 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Catterick | Moved to Deseronto, Canada. |
| No. 84 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Turnhouse | Moved to Deseronto, Canada. |
| No. 85 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Montrose | Moved to Rathbun, Canada. |
| No. 86 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Spitalgate | Moved to Deseronto, Canada. |
| No. 87 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 9 February 1917 | Gosport | Moved to Deseronto, Canada. |
| No. 88 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 15 March 1917 | Catterick | Moved to Rathbun, Canada. |
| No. 89 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 15 March 1917 | Turnhouse | Moved to Armour Heights, Canada. |
| No. 90 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 15 March 1917 | Doncaster | Moved to Armour Heights, Canada. |
| No. 91 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 15 March 1917 | Gosport | Moved to Armour Heights, Canada. |
| No. 92 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 15 March 1917 | Netheravon | Moved to Armour Heights, Canada. |
| No. 93 (Canadian) Training Squadron | 1917 | Armour Heights | |
| No. 188 (Night) Training Squadron | 20 December 1917 | Throwley | |
| No. 189 (Night) Training Squadron | 20 December 1917 | Ripon | |
| No. 190 (Night) Training Squadron | 24 October 1917 | Rochford | Started as No. 190 Depot Squadron. |
| No. 191 (Night) Training Squadron | 6 November 1917 | Marham | Started as No. 191 Depot Squadron. |
| No. 192 (Night) Training Squadron | 5 September 1917 | Gainsborough | Started as No. 192 Depot Squadron. |
| No. 198 (Night) Training Squadron | 8 February 1917 | Rochford | Changed names several times before becoming a night training squadron. |
| No. 199 (Night) Training Squadron | 1 June 1917 | Rochford | |
| No. 200 (Night) Training Squadron | 1 July 1917 | East Retford |
Flying Schools: Where Pilots Learned
The RFC also had many schools to teach pilots and other aircrew how to fly, shoot, and work with the army.
| Name | Date Formed | Location | What They Taught |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Flying School | 12 May 1912 | Upavon | A very important school for all flying training. |
| Flying Training School | November 1915 | Beaulieu | Taught basic flying skills. |
| No. 1 Aerial Gunnery School | Ayr | Taught pilots how to use machine guns from planes. | |
| No. 1 School of Military Aeronautics | 1915 | Wantage Hall, Reading | Taught officers about military aviation. |
| No. 1 School of Special Flying | 2 August 1917 | Gosport | Taught advanced flying techniques. |
| No. 2 School of Military Aeronautics | 27 October 1916 | Brasenose College, Oxford | Another school for military aviation studies. |
| No. 2 School of Navigation and Bomb Dropping | 1917 | Andover | Taught how to navigate and drop bombs. |
| Artillery & Infantry Cooperation School | Taught how to work with ground troops. | ||
| Machine Gun School | 3 October 1915 | Dover | Taught machine gun use, later became the School of Aerial Gunnery. |
| Observer School | Oxford | Taught observers how to spot for the army. | |
| School of Technical Training | 1917 | Coley Park | Taught how to fix and maintain aircraft. |
| Wireless and Observers School | 24 October 1916 | Brooklands | Taught how to use radios and observe from planes. |
See also
- List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
List of Royal Flying Corps squadrons Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.