Western Front 1916-1918, Somme 1916-1918, Arras, Ypres 1917, Amiens, France and Low Countries 193-1940, Battle of Britain 1940, Home Defence 1940-1942, Dieppe, North Africa 1942-1943, Italy 1943, South East Europe 1944-1945, Gulf 1991
The King's Flight was formed for King Edward VIII in 1936 and has provided air transport for the British Royal Family and senior government ministers since. The Queen's Flight was merged with No. 32 Squadron in 1995 to form No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. No. 32 Squadron's aircraft have served as transports in several recent conflicts including Operation Granby (Gulf War), Operation Veritas (Afghanistan) and Operation Telic (Iraq 2003.)
The Royal Family and government ministers do not use No. 32 Squadron's planes exclusively, with both the Queen and Tony Blair recently using chartered British Airways jets, primarily for intercontinental travel. Prior to this both RAF and BOACVC10s have performed the role.
In April 2004 it was reported that the squadron's jets were to lose their distinctive red, white and blue livery due to the concern over the aircraft's vulnerability to terrorist attack. While they do carry missile countermeasures it is felt that applying a civilian scheme would lower the profile of the squadron's planes. So far no such plan has been announced for the two unmistakable VC-25s of the USAF (Air Force One.)
RAF Kenley (or Kenley Aerodrome) was a station of the Royal Flying Corps in World War I and the RAF in World War II.
During World War II RAF Kenley was one of the three main fighter stations, which, together with Croydon Airport and Biggin Hill, was responsible for the air defence of London.
It was during the crucial days of the Battle of Britain that all three RAF stations came into their own, fighting off the overwhelming might of the German Luftwaffe.
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