No. 2 Wing RAF facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No. 2 Wing RAF |
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| Active | 1914-16 1916-19 1919-20 1939 1941 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force Royal Flying Corps |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Size | Wing |
No. 2 Wing of the Royal Air Force was a special group of aircraft squadrons. It was first known as the Second Wing of the Royal Flying Corps. A "wing" is a military unit that controls several aircraft squadrons.
Contents
No. 2 Wing in World War I
Starting the Wing
By November 1914, the Royal Flying Corps had grown a lot. To help manage all the aircraft, they decided to create bigger groups called "wings." The Second Wing was formed on November 29, 1914. It was one of the very first numbered wings ever created. Its first leader was Charles Burke.
Fighting on the Western Front
The Second Wing was sent to France to help the British 2nd Army. They took part in battles on the Western Front, which was a major battle area. On March 20, 1916, the wing's name changed to 2nd Corps Wing RFC. It continued its work until September 12, 1919, when it was stood down.
Reforming After the War
After World War I, the wing was formed again on May 15, 1919. It was called No. 2 (Plymouth) Wing RAF and was based at RAF Cattewater. This wing was in charge of No. 238 Squadron RAF for about a year, until April 1920.
No. 2 Wing in World War II
Early Days of the War
The wing was reformed on August 25, 1939, as No. 2 (Bomber) Wing RAF. This happened just before World War II officially began. It was based at RAF Heliopolis. However, this version of the wing did not last long. It was disbanded on September 21, 1939, and its duties were taken over by No. 251 Wing RAF.
Later in the War
The wing was created once more on November 3, 1941. This time, it was called No. 2 Operational Wing RAF. It was located at LG.102 Sidi Haneish. This wing controlled two important squadrons: No. 112 Squadron RAF and No. 3 Squadron RAAF. But like before, this version of the wing was also short-lived. It was disbanded in November 1941 and its tasks were given to No. 258 Wing RAF.
