No. 688 (Training) Squadron | |
---|---|
Badge of the Regiment | |
Active |
1945—1946 1969—1971 1990—Present |
Country |
United Kingdom Aden Protectorate United Kingdom |
Branch |
Royal Air Force British Army |
Role | Training |
Size | Squadron |
Part of | 2nd (Training) Regiment AAC |
Motto(s) | "Vigiliance" |
No. 668 Squadron AAC is a training squadron of the Army Air Corps of the British Army. The squadron is one of two squadrons that are under the 2nd (Training) Regiment Army Air Corps. The squadron is based at AAC Middle Wallop.[1]
First Formation (1945)[]
In 1945, six squadrons of the Army Air Corps were formed; 668 to 673 for airborne assault duties in India and South-East Asia. One of these squadrons was known as 668 Squadron AAC 668-670 Squadrons were based at Basal Airfield under No. 344 Wing AAC. Once the squadron's duties were complete, they moved back to the United Kingdom and disbanded with many of the other units.[1]
Second Formation (1969)[]
On 1 December 1969, 668 Aviation Squadron was expanded from No. 13 Flight AAC and attached to the resident infantry battalion based in Oman. The squadron used the De Haviland Beaver for Liaison and Supply Drops. The squadron also supported the RAF through Search and Rescue duties and night time casualty evacuations. The squadron was also equippied with the Sioux AH.1 and Westland Scout for top cover, reconnaissance, liaison tasks, and gunner support. In 1871 the British Protectorate of the Arab States gained independence and the squadron moved back to the United Kingdom where it was disbanded. During their time in the area, they were based at RAF Sharjah.[1][2]
From their predecessor in Aden, (668 Aviation Squadron), the modern day squadron's badge is two Arab knives reflecting the Sharjah of the 668 Squadron in India.[1]
Third Formation (1990)[]
In 1990, 668 (Training) Squadron was formed at the School of Army Aviation based at AAC Middle Wallop. The squadron's role is to train recruits through Phase Two and Three signals, ground crew, and tactical refuel training. The squadron also provides the Junior and Senior Command, Leadership and Management courses for the Junior and Senior Non-Commisioned Officers and the Ground Support Commanders Course for Army Air Corps Officers.[1][3][4]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "668 (Training) Squadron Army Air Corps." 668 (Trg) Sqn AAC - British Army Website, www.army.mod.uk/aviation/29780.aspx.
- ↑ "668 Squadron - British Army." Helis.com, www.helis.com/database/sqd/668-Squadron/.
- ↑ "Aviation." The British Army Homepage | The British Army, www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/our-schools-and-colleges/aviation/.
- ↑ "Army Air Corps Phase 2 & 3 Training." Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute, 23 Feb. 2015, bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com/military-training/armed-forces-of-the-united-kingdom/british-army-phase-2-specialist-phase-3-career-training/army-air-corps-phase-2-3-training/.