List of wings of the Royal Air Force

Wings within the Royal Air Force have both administrative and tactical applications. Over the years, the structure and role of wings has changed to meet the demands placed on the RAF. Many of the RAF's numbered wings were originally Royal Flying Corps (RFC) or Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) units.

Wings can be found at every station in the RAF and also abroad, deployed on operations.

Wings by number

No. 1 Wing – No. 99 Wing
In late 1918, a scoreboard lists the claims for aircraft destroyed by No. 80 Wing RAF between July and November that year. The wing's squadrons at the time (including two from the Australian Flying Corps), are: 4 Sqn AFC, 88 Sqn RAF, 4 Sqn AFC, 92 Sqn RAF, 103 Sqn RAF, 46 Sqn RAF, and 54 Sqn RAF.
WingDate of establishmentDate of disestablishmentNotes
No. 1 Wing RAF29 November 19145 March 1919Originally Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Corps Wing[1]
15 May 1919?At RAF Yatesbury[1]
1 January 192612 April 1926Army Cooperation Wing[1]
23 September 193915 December 1937General Reconnaissance Wing during Spanish Civil War with 209 and 210 Squadrons[1]
25 August 193922 September 1939Bomber Wing in Egypt with 30 and 55 Sqns[1]
24 January 194024 June 1940Barrage balloon Wing in France[1]
October 1958September 1961Signals Wing[1]
?? Air Mobility Wing
No. 2 Wing RAF29 November 191412 September 1919Originally RFC Corps Wing[1]
15 May 1919April 1920At Plymouth with 238 Sqn[1]
25 August 193921 September 1939Bomber Wing in Egypt[1]
3 November 1941November 1941112 Sqn and 3 Sqn RAAF[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 3 Wing RAF1 March 19155 January 1918Originally RFC Corps Wing[1]
1 August 191813 June 1919Training Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 4 Wing RAF29 November 191423 August 1916RFC Training Wing[1]
10 January 191715 May 1919Originally RFC Reserve Wing[1]
2 October 193524 August 1936Flying Boat Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 5 Wing RAF29 November 19141 April 1920Originally RFC;[1] 1917–18: Corps Artillery Wing in Palestine Brigade, with 14 and 113 Squadrons (RE 8 and Nieuport), 142 Squadron (RE 8 and Armstrong Whitworth)[2]
1 April 1923April 1924Controlled all fighter squadrons north of the Thames[1]
16 October 193514 August 1936Controlled 3, 35, 47 and 207 Sqns during the Abyssinia Crisis[1]
13 December 19396 July 1940Signals Wing controlling radar units in France[1]
1 April 1953 September 1966 Signals Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 6 Wing RAF20 August 191522 November 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
31 January 1916July 1918Existed concurrently in East Africa, controlling 26 Sqn[1]
No. 7 Wing RAF8 November 191512 September 1918Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
18 October 19199 July 1920Training Wing[1]
?? Force Protection Wing
No. 8 Wing RAF15 November 191830 June 1919Training Wing[1]
30 June 191927 April 1920Training Wing[1]
No. 9 Wing RAF6 May 191630 July 1919Originally RFC HQ Wing[1]
18 October 1918??Training Wing[1]
No. 10 Wing RAF30 January 19165 March 1919Originally RFC Army Wing[1]
18 October 19197 February 1920?Training Wing[1]
No. 11 Wing RAF10 February 19169 September 1919Originally RFC Army Wing[1]
April 192015 January 1923Irish Wing[1]
No. 12 Wing RAF30 January 191620 September 1919Originally RFC Army Wing[1]
2 June 19227 February 1923?Irish Wing[1]
No. 13 Wing RAF10 March 19161 March 1919RFC Army Wing[1]
No. 14 Wing RAF1 April 191614 March 1919Originally RFC Army Wing;[1] on Italian Front January–November 1918[3]
No. 15 Wing RAF21 June 191620 March 1919Originally RFC Reserve Army Wing[1]
15 August 194312 July 1944Fighter Wing[1]
No. 16 Wing RAF25 June 191629 July 1916RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
20 September 191614 November 1919Originally RFC Corps Wing[1]
5 July 194320 April 1944Mobile Wing[1]
8 March 19463 June 1946[1]
No. 17 Wing RAF9 August 191612 August 1918Originally RFC training Wing[1]
28 September 191814 May 1919Controlled units in Malta[1]
4 July 194312 July 1944Fighter Wing[1]
No. 18 Wing RAF25 March 19161 October 1919Originally RFC Training/Home Defence Wing[1]
December 194312 May 1944Fighter Wing[1]
No. 19 Wing RAF1 May 191625 March 1919Originally RFC Training/Home Defence Wing[1]
December 194312 May 1944Fighter Wing in 2nd Tactical Air Force[1]
No. 20 Wing RAF25 July 191622 July 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1] in Egypt
December 194312 May 1944Fighter Wing[1]
No. 21 Wing RAF9 August 191618 February 1919RFC Training Wing[1]
1 January 194412 May 1944Base Defence Wing[1]
1 May 196031 August 1963Air Defence Missile Wing[1]
No. 22 Wing RAF14 September 191620 May 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
9 January 194420 April 1944Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Fighter Wing[1]
No. 23 Wing RAF13 November 191631 May 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
20 January 194420 April 1944Fighter Wing[1]
No. 24 Wing RAF25 September 19168 April 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
16 February 194412 May 1944Base Defence Wing[1]
1 April 195931 August 1963Air Defence Missile Wing[1]
No. 25 Wing RAF18 September 19161 July 1918Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
1 March 194412 May 1944Base Defence Wing[1]
No. 26 Wing RAF1 May 19174 April 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
No. 27 Wing RAF5 May 19171 April 1919RFC Training Wing[1]
1946Maritime Strike Wing[1]
No. 28 Wing RAF15 May 191715 May 1919RFC Training Wing[1]
No. 29 Wing RAF1 June 19179 April 1919Originally RFC Flying Training Wing based at Shawbury (No. 9 TDS)[1][4]
No. 30 Wing RAF1 June 1917October 1918Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
15 April 19412 July 1941Became RAF Iceland[1]
No. 31 Wing RAF5 June 1917January 1920Originally RFC HQ/Corps Wing; became Mesopotamia Wing[1]
15 April 194115 December 1941Became RAF Long Kesh[1]
No. 32 Wing RAF5 November 191715 May 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1] in Egypt
15 August 19411 July 1943Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 33 Wing RAF30 August 191715 May 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
15 August 19411 July 1943Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 34 Wing RAF8 September 191712 October 1918Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
22 August 194130 September 1945Army Cooperation Wing[1]

June 1944: reconnaissance wing in 2nd TAF at Northolt with Nos 16 (Spitfire PRXI), 69 (Wellington XIII) and 140 (Mosquito PRIX/XVI) Squadrons;[5][6] September 1944 – May 1945: in 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before) [7]

1 April 19531 January 1961Reconnaissance Wing[1]
1 April 2006Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) (ISTAR) at Waddington[1]
No. 35 Wing RAF22 September 19179 April 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
22 August 194122 June 1946Army Cooperation Wing[1]

June 1944: reconnaissance wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Gatwick with Nos 2 (Mustang II), 4 (Spitfire PRXI) and 268 (Mustang IA) Squadrons[5][6] September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 2, 4 (PR) and 268 Sqns (Spitfire)[7]

No. 36 Wing RAF8 October 191723 June 1918Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
15 August 194116 July 1943Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 37 Wing RAF15 October 19179 April 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
August 194128 July 1943Army Cooperation Wing[1]
No. 38 Wing RAF9 November 191715 April 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
19 January 194211 October 1943Army Cooperation Wing, raised to status of 38 Group[1]

September 1943: in Northwest African Troop Carrier Command with 296 Squadron (Albemarle)[8]

1 April 20062011 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing (Air Transport) at Lyneham[1]
2011 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing formed by RAF Brize Norton and RAF Northholt
No. 39 Wing RAF27 October 19174 April 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[1]
3 December 19427 August 1945RCAF Reconnaissance Wing[1] June 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Odiham with Nos 168, 414 (RCAF) and 430 (RCAF) Squadrons (Mustang I), 400 (RCAF) Squadron (Spitfire PRXI)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 400 (RCAF), 414 (RCAF) and 430 (RCAF) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

No. 40 Wing RAF5 October 19171 April 1920Originally RFC Army Wing;[1] 1917–18: in Palestine Brigade, with 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps (Bristol Fighter and Handley Page), 111 (SE-5A), 144 (DH-9) and 145 (SE-5A) Squadrons[2]
No. 41 Wing RAF11 October 191715 February 1919Originally RFC day bomber wing[1] at Azelot (HQ at Lupcourt) in Independent Air Force (IAF) October 1917 – November 1918 with 55 (DH4), 99 and 104 Sqns (DH9)[9]
No. 42 Wing RAFOctober 19171919Originally RFC Training Wing formed in Canada[1]
May 2007 Expeditionary Support Wing
No. 43 Wing RAFOctober 19171919Originally RFC Training Wing formed in Canada[1]
No. 44 Wing RAFOctober 19171919Originally RFC Training Wing formed in Canada[1]
No. 45 Wing RAFOctober 19171919Originally Training Wing to form in Canada, never activated[1]
15 February 194615 June 1946Transport Wing formed from 45 Group[1]
No. 46 Wing RAF29 October 19176 March 1919Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 47 Wing RAF29 October 191713 June 1919Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 48 Wing RAF1 February 191813 June 1919Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 49 Wing RAF29 October 191713 June 1919Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
No. 50 Wing RAF29 October 191722 May 1919Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[1]
11 January 19376 August 1940Army Cooperation wing[1] with British Expeditionary Force (BEF) Air Component in France 1939–40, Nos 4, 13, and 16 Squadrons flying Westland Lysanders.[10][11]
21 April 194121 November 1942Maintenance Wing[1]
No. 51 Wing RAFNovember 191730 July 1919Originally RFC Corps Wing[12] in VII Brigade RFC on Italian Front November 1917 – March 1918[3]
11 May 193910 June 1940Army Cooperation Wing[12] with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45 with 2, 26 and 81 Sqns[11]
21 April 194121 November 1942Maintenance Wing[12]
No. 52 Wing RAFSeptember 19181 April 1920Corps Wing formed in India; redesignated No. 3 Indian Wing[12]
1 November 193914 July 1940Bomber wing with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 53 and 59 Sqns[11]
21 May 194121 November 1942Maintenance Wing[12]
No. 53 Wing RAF8 February 191813 June 1919Originally RFC Home Defence Wing[12]
23 March 19411 January 1946Maintenance Wing[12]
No. 54 Wing RAF6 March 19188 May 1919Originally RFC Night Wing[12]
25 May 19429 October 1946Maintenance Wing[12]
No. 55 Wing RAF6 March 191825 September 1919Originally RFC Training Wing[12]
1 August 194215 January 1947Barrack & Clothing/Maintenance Wing[12]
No. 56 Wing RAFAugust 191815 May 1919Training Wing[12]
22 July 194415 October 1946Maintenance Wing[12]
No. 57 Wing RAF19183 July 1918Training Wing[12]
22 July 194415 January 1947Maintenance Wing[12]
No. 58 Wing RAF1 April 191821 December 1918Training Wing[12]
No. 59 Wing RAF27 July 191824 June 1919Training Wing[12]
No. 60 Wing RAF27 July 191814 September 1918Training Wing[12]
30 August 193920 January 1940Fighter Wing, raised to No. 14 Group[12]
20 January 194031 May 1940Fighter wing[12] with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 85 and 87 Sqns[11]
No. 61 Wing RAF1 April 191813 November 1918Naval[12]
10 October 193931 May 1940Fighter wing[12] with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 607 and 615 Sqns[11]
No. 62 Wing RAF1 April 19181 October 1918Naval[12]
10 October 193931 May 1940Fighter Servicing Wing[12]
No. 63 Wing RAF1 April 191821 May 1919Naval[12]
20 February 194031 May 1940Fighter Servicing Wing[12]
No. 64 Wing RAF1 April 191822 April 1919Naval[12]
6 June 191815 September 1919Egypt[12]
2 July 19401 August 1940Wing Servicing Unit[12]
No. 65 Wing RAF1 April 19181 March 1919Naval[12]
194024 June 1940Wing Servicing Unit[12]
No. 66 Wing RAF1 April 191815 August 1919Former No. 6 Wing RNAS at Otranto, Italy, April–November 1918 with 224 and 225 Sqns[12][3]
No. 67 Wing RAF1 April 19186 December 1918Naval[12] at Taranto April–November 1918 with 226 Sqn at Pizzone and 227 Sqn non-operational[3]
6 November 193924 July 1940Fighter wing with RAF Advanced Air Striking Force (AASF) in France 1939–45, Nos 1, 73, and 212 (PR) Squadrons[11]
No. 68 Wing RAF11 July 19181 September 1919Operations Wing[12]
No. 69 Wing RAF21 July 191825 July 1919Training Wing[12]
15 March 194520 October 1945Signals Wing[12]
No. 70 Wing RAF20 August 19181 May 1919Operations Wing[12]
1 September 19391 July 1940Bomber Wing[12] On September 1939, Nos. 18 and 57 Sqns at RAF Upper Heyford as part of No. 2 Group RAF; Bomber-Reconnaissance wing with BEF Air Component in France 1939–45, Nos 18 and 57 Sqns[11]
17 February 194131 May 1946Signals Wing[12]
22 August 19511 August 1953Signals Wing[12]
No. 71 Wing RAF20 August 19181 May 1919Operations Wing[12]
1 September 19391 July 1940Bomber Wing[12] with RAF AASF in France 1939–45, Nos 105, 114, 139 and 150 Sqns[11]
17 February 194130 June 1943Signals Wing[12]
No. 72 Wing RAF8 August 191815 May 1919Operations Wing[12]
23 August 19396 February 1940Bomber Wing[12]
17 February 194115 May 1944Signals Wing[12]
15 May 194422 September 1946Signals Wing[12]
No. 73 Wing RAF20 August 19181 May 1919Operations Wing[12]
17 February 19411 November 1946Signals Wing[12]
No. 74 Wing RAF20 August 19181 May 1919Operations Wing[12]
24 August 193910 February 1940Bomber Wing[12]
17 February 194130 June 1946Signals Wing[12]
No. 75 Wing RAF8 August 191815 May 1919Operations Wing[12]
24 August 193930 June 1940Bomber Wing[12] with RAF AASF in France 1939–45; in May 1940 consisted of 88 Sqn at Mourmelon, 103 Sqn at Betheniville and 208 Sqn at Auberive (Battles).[11]
10 February 194115 April 1941Bomber Wing[12]
17 February 19411 November 1946Signals Wing[12]
No. 76 Wing RAF20 August 19181 December 1918Operations Wing[12]
24 August 193924 June 1940Bomber Wing[12] with RAF AASF in France 1939–45, 12, 142, and 226 Sqns[11]
17 February 194130 June 1943Signals Wing[12]
No. 77 Wing RAF8 August 19181 November 1918Operations Wing[12]
17 February 194115 May1944Signals Wing[12]
No. 78 Wing RAF8 August 1918November 1918Operations Wing[12]
25 May 194131 July 1946Signals Wing:[12] Chain Home technical control wing at RAF Ashburton in Devon.[13]
No. 79 Wing RAF8 August 1918November 1918Operations Wing[12]
22 August 1939?Bomber Wing[12] September 1939 at Watton in 2 Group, Bomber Command, with 21 and 82 Sqns (Blenheim I & IV)[14]
27 September 194130 June 1943Signals Wing[12]
No. 80 Wing RAF1 July 19181 March 1919Army Wing[12] consisted of two Australian Flying Corps units (Nos 2 and 4 Squadrons, AFC) as well as Nos 46, 54, 88, 92 and 103 Squadrons, RAF
7 October 194024 September 1945Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Wing at Radlett[12][15][16]
1 August 195315 March 1957
No. 81 Wing RAF3 June 191821 June 1918Corps Wing[12]
1 July 19181 March 1919Corps Wing[12]
August 193918 September 1939Bomber Wing[12]
2 June 194130 April 1946Signals Wing[12]
No. 82 Wing RAF3 June 19181 March 1919[12]
August 1939?Bomber Wing[12] September 1939: at Wyton in 2 Group, Bomber Command, with 114 and 139 Sqns (Blenheim I & IV)[14]
No. 83 Wing RAF3 June 19181 March 1919Night bomber wing at Xaffévillers in IAF June–November 1918 with 97, 100 and 215 Sqns (Handley Page O/400)[9][12]
August 1939?Bomber Wing[12] September 1939: at Wattisham in 2 Group, Bomber Command, with 107 and 110 Sqns (Blenheim I & IV)[14]
19 August 1942July 1943Signals Wing[12]
No. 84 Wing RAF12 October 19183 November 1919Night bomber wing at Roville-aux-Chênes in IAF August–November 1918 with 115 and 216 Sqns (Handley Page O/400)[9]
1 May 19431 September 1944Signals Wing[12]
No. 85 Wing RAFSeptember 1918November 1918Day bomber wing at Bettoncourt in IAF September–November 1918 with 110 Sqn (DH9a) and 45 Sqn (Sopwith Camel, re-equipping with Sopwith Snipe for escort)[9]
1 July 1946 31 October 1948 Reformed from 85 (Base) Group 1 July 1946[17]

HQ was at Uetersen, Germany, 1 September 1947 – 31 October 1948.

April 2006 Expeditionary Logistics Wing
No. 86 Wing RAF29 September 191810 December 1918Night Bomber Wing[12]
13 December 19188 October 1919Communications Wing[12]
5 May 193916 February1940General Reconnaissance Wing[12]
No. 87 Wing RAF29 August 191810 December 1918Night Bomber Wing[12]
1944?[12]
15 July 194626 August 1946Transport Wing[12]
No. 88 Wing RAF17 October 19181919Day Bomber Wing[12]
6 August 194218 November 1942[12]
1944[12]
No. 89 Wing RAFOctober 19181919Army Wing[12]
No. 90 Wing RAF6 November 19181 March 1919Army Wing[12]
No. 91 Wing RAF24 October 19181919Army Wing[12]
No. 96 Wing RAF1 October 194110 May 1944Wireless (Observer) Wing[12]

No. 100 Wing – No. 199 Wing
WingDate of establishmentDate of disestablishmentNotes
No. 100 Wing RAF2 May 19399 September 1941General Reconnaissance Wing[12]
No. 101 Wing RAF16 February 1940July 1941General Reconnaissance Wing[12]
No. 102 Wing RAF14 April 194131 January 1942General Reconnaissance Wing[12]
No. 103 Wing RAF12 February 194530 September 1946Air Disarmament Wing[12]
No. 104 Wing RAF5 February 19451 October 1945Photographic Reconnaissance Wing[12]
No. 105 Wing RAF28 February 194314 August 1944Combined Operations Wing[12]
No. 106 Wing RAF3 July 194314 April 1944Photographic Reconnaissance Wing[12]
No. 107 Wing RAF26 June 19437 August 1943Special Duties Wing[12]
16 October 19441 September 1945Transport Wing[12]
No. 108 Wing RAF29 September 19448 May 1946Transport Wing[12]
No. 109 Wing RAF10 October 19441 March 1946Transport Wing[12]
No. 110 Wing RAF1 March 19405 May 1941Anti-Aircraft Cooperation Wing[12]
3 July 194415 February 1946Transport Wing[12]
No. 111 Wing RAF
No. 112 Wing RAF
No. 113 Wing RAF
No. 114 Wing RAF
No. 115 Wing RAF
No. 116 Wing RAF
No. 117 Wing RAF
No. 118 Wing RAF
No. 119 Wing RAF
No. 120 Wing RAF
No. 121 Expeditionary Air WingJune 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Holmsley South with 174, 175 and 245 Squadrons (Typhoon);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 175, 184, 245 (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Coningsby
No. 122 Expeditionary Air WingJune 1944:: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Funtington with 19, 65 and 122 Squadrons (Mustang III);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 3, 56, 80, 486 (RNZAF) (Tempest V) and 616 (Meteor) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 2012 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Cottesmore
No. 123 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Thorney Island with 198 and 609 Squadrons (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 164, 183, 198, 609 (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

No. 124 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Hurn with 181, 182 and 247 Squadrons (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 137, 181, 182, 247 (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

No. 125 Expeditionary Air WingJune 1944: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Ford with 132, 453 (RAAF) and 602 Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 41, 130, 350 (Belgian) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]
Later: fighter wing at Leuchars

1 April 2006 2013 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Leuchars
No. 126 Wing RAFJune 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Tangmere with 401, 411 and 412 RCAF Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 401 (RCAF), 402 (RCAF), 411 (RCAF), 412 (RCAF) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

No. 127 Wing RAFJune 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Tangmere with 403, 416 and 421 RCAF Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 403 (RCAF), 416 (RCAF), 421 (RCAF), 443 (RCAF) (Typhoon) Sqns[7]

No. 128 Wing RAF
No. 129 Wing RAFJune 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Westhampnett with 184 Sqn (Typhoon)[5][6]
No. 130 Wing RAF
No. 131 Wing RAF1st Polish Fighter Wing: June 1944 in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Selsey with 302, 308 and 317 Squadrons (Spitfire IX LF);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before);[7] attacked by Jagdgeschwader 1 during Operation Bodenplatte

No. 132 Wing RAFJune 1944: Norwegian wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Bognor with 6, 331 (Nor) and 332 (Nor) Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 66, 127, 322 (Dutch)) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

No. 133 Wing RAF2nd Polish Fighter Wing: June 1944 in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Coolham with 129, 306 (Pol) and 315 (Pol) Sqns (Mustang III)[5][6]
No. 134 Wing RAFJune 1944: Czech wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Appledram with 310, 313 Czech Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]
No. 135 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Chailey with 222, 349 (Belgian) and 485 (RNZAF) Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 33, 222, 274 (Typhoon) 349 (Belgian) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Leeming
No. 136 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 84 Group, 2nd TAF at Thorney Island with 164 and 183 Squadrons (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 418 (RCAF), 605 (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

No. 137 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at Hartford Bridge with 88 (Boston IIIA), 226 (Mitchell II) and 342 (French) (Boston IIIA) Squadrons[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 226, 342 (French) (Mitchell) Sqns[7]

No. 138 WingJune 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at Lasham with 107, 305 (Polish) and 613 Sqns (Mosquito VI);[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before)[7]
Today: Fighter / Ground Attack wing at Marham

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Marham
  • Believed to have deployed to West Africa in 2014 for Operation Turus with Tornado GR4
No. 139 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at Dunsfold with 98, 180 and 320 (Dutch) Sqns (Mitchell II)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before)[7]

No. 140 Wing RAF20 September 1943May 1945June 1944: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF at with 21, 464 (RAAF) and 487 (RNZAF) Sqns (Mosquito VI) at Gravesend; 137 Sqn (Typhoon) at Manston[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 2 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 21, 461 (RAAF), 487 (RNZAF) (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

1 April 2006 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Lossiemouth
No. 141 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 85 Group, 2nd TAF at Hartford Bridge with 91, 124 and 322 (Dutch) Sqns (Spitfire XIV)[5][6]
No. 142 Wing RAFJune 1944: Night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 264 and 604 Sqns (Mosquito XIII)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: Air/Sea Rescue wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 276 Sqn (Spitfire/Walrus)[7]

No. 143 Wing RAFJune 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Hurn with 438, 439 and 440 RCAF Sqns (Typhoon)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 83 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe (composition as before)[7]

No. 144 Wing RAFJune 1944: Canadian wing in 83 Group, 2nd TAF at Ford with 441, 442 and 443 (RCAF) Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6] g
No. 145 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 2nd TAF at Merston with 329, 340 and 341 Sqns (Spitfire IX LF)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: French wing in 84 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 74, 340 (French), 341 (French), 345 (French), 485 (RNZAF) (Spitfire) Sqns[7]

No. 146 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 2nd TAF at Needs Oar Point with 193, 197, 257 and 266 Sqns (Typhoon)[5][6]
No. 147 Wing RAFJune 1944: Night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 29 Sqn (Mosquito)[6]
No. 148 Wing RAFJune 1944: Night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 409 (RCAF) Sqn (Mosquito)[5][6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 85 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 264, 409 (RCAF) (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

No. 149 Wing RAFJune 1944: Canadian night fighter wing in 85 Group, 2nd TAF with 410 and 488 RCAF Sqs (Mosquito)[6]

September 1944 – May 1945: in 85 Group, 2nd TAF in North West Europe with 219, 410 (RCAF), 488 (RCAF) (Mosquito) Sqns[7]

No. 150 Wing RAFJune 1944: in 85 Group under operational control of 2nd TAF with 3 (Tempest V), 56 (Spitfire IX LF; Tempest from July) and 486 (RNZAF) (Tempest V) Sqns at Newchurch and 124 (Spitfire VII) Sqn at Bradwell Bay[5][6]
No. 151 Wing RAFFought alongside the Soviets on the Kola Peninsula during the first months of Operation Barbarossa during the Second World War. After the war, an air defence missile formation.
No. 152 Wing RAF
No. 153 Wing RAF
No. 154 Wing RAF
No. 155 Wing RAF
No. 156 Wing RAF
No. 157 Wing RAF
No. 159 Wing RAF
No. 160 Wing RAF
No. 164 Wing RAF
No. 165 Wing RAFJune 1943: at Comilla in 224 Group with 79 and 146 Sqns (Hurricane)[20]
No. 166 Wing RAFJune 1943: at Chittagong in 224 Group with 67 and 261 Sqns (Hurricane)[20]

Redesignated 902 Wing

No. 167 Wing RAF
No. 168 Wing RAFJune 1943: at Digri in 221 Group with 159 Sqn (Liberator) at Salbani and detachment 28 Sqn (Hurricane) at Alipore; non-operational: 2 Sqn (RIAF) (Hurricane) at Ranchi, 5 Sqn (Hurricane) at Kharagpur, 45 and 110 Sqns (Vengeance) at Digri, 82 Sqn (Vengeance) at Salbani and 177 Sqn (Beaufighter) at Amarda Road.[20]
No. 169 Wing RAFJune 1943: at Agartala in 224 Group with 17 (Hurricane) and 27 (Beaufighter) Sqns[20]
No. 170 Wing RAFJune 1943: at Imphal in 221 Group with 155 (Mohawk) and

detachment 28 Sqn (Hurricane), and 42 Sqn at Kumbhirgram[20] Redesignated 908 Wing

No. 171 Wing RAF25/11/1942 - 30/9/1944; Army Co-operation/Reconnaissance/Photo Reconnaissance[21] No. 681 Squadron RAF and No. 684 Squadron RAF 1 July 1944
No. 172 Wing RAF18/10/1942 - 1/12/1944; Composite[21]
No. 173 Wing RAF25/11/1942 - 1/3/1945; Composite; Naval Co-operation[21]
No. 174 Wing RAF
No. 175 Wing RAFJune 1943: at Jessore in 221 Group with 99 and 215 Sqns (Wellington)[20]

December 1944 and June 1945: in 231 Group with 99 Sqn (Liberator) Sqn [22][23]

No. 177 Wing RAFDecember 1944: Transport Wing in Combat Cargo Task Force, Eastern Air Command (EAC) with 31, 62, 117 and 194 Sqns (Dakota)[22]
No. 179 Wing RAF
No. 180 Wing RAF
No. 181 Wing RAF
No. 182 Wing RAF
No. 183 Wing RAF
No. 183 Wing RAF
No. 184 Wing RAFDecember 1944 and June 1945: in 231 Group, Strategic Air Force EAC, with 355 and 356 Sqns (Liberator)[22][23]
No. 185 Wing RAFDecember 1944: in 231 Group, Strategic Air Force EAC, with 159, 215, 357 Sqns (Liberator)[22]

June 1945: in 231 Group, RAF Burma, with 159 (Liberator), 357 (Liberator/Dakota), 358 (Liberator) Sqns and 1341 Flight (Halifax)[23] October 1945: at Penang in RAF Malaya with a detachment of 27 Sqn (Beaufighter)[24]

No. 186 Wing RAF
No. 187 Wing RAF
No. 188 Wing RAF
No. 189 Wing RAF
No. 190 Wing RAF
No. 191 Wing RAF
No. 192 Wing RAF

No. 200 Wing – No. 299 Wing
WingDate of establishmentDate of disestablishmentNotes
No. 215 Wing RAF
No. 231 Wing RAFMay 1942: Medium Bomber Wing in 205 Group at El Daba, Egypt, with 37, 70 and 108 Squadrons (Wellington IC)
September–October 1942: 37 and 70 Squadrons[25][26]
September 1943: in Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) with 37 and 70 Sqns (Wellington III/X)[8]
January 1944: in Mediterranean Allied Strategic Air Force (MASAF) with 37 and 70 Sqns (Wellington X)[8]
April 1945: in 205 Group MASAF with 37 and 70 Sqns (Liberator VI)[27]
No. 232 Wing RAFOctober 1942: Bomber Wing in Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) with 55 and 223 Squadrons RAF (Baltimore), 82, 83 and 343 Bombardment Squadrons, USAAF (Mitchell II)[26]
January 1944: in Desert Air Force (DAF) with 18, 114 (Boston) and 223 (Baltimore) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 13, 18, 114 Sqns (Boston IV/V), 55 Sqn (Boston V) and 256 Sqn (Mosquito XII/XIII)[27]
No. 233 Wing RAFMay–October 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Gambut with 2 (SAAF) and 260 Squadrons (Kittyhawk I) and 4 (SAAF) and 5 (SAAF) (Tomahawk)[25][26]
No. 234 Wing RAFOctober 1942: in Egypt with 889 Squadron Fleet Air Arm (FAA) (Fulmar II and Hurricane IIC)[26]
No. 235 Wing RAFOctober 1942: General Reconnaissance Wing under 201 Group in Egypt with 13 (Greek) (Blenheim IV/Bisley), 47 (Wellesley), 450 (RAAF) (Hudson III) and 701 (FAA) (Walrus) Squadrons[26]
January 1944: in 201 Group under RAF Middle East Command with 13 (Greek), 15 (SAAF) (Baltimore), 47 (Beaufighter), 459 (RAAF) (Hudson/Ventura) and 603 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
No. 236 Wing RAFMay 1942: Medium Bomber Wing in 205 Group at El Daba with 104 and 148 Squadrons (Wellington IC and II)
September–October 1942: 108 and 148 Squadrons[25][26]
September 1943: in NASAF with 40 and 104 Sqns (Wellington III/X)[8]
January 1944: in MASAF with 40 and 104 Sqns (Wellington III/X)[8]
April 1945: in 205 Group MASAF, with 40 and 104 Sqns (Liberator VI)[27]
No. 237 Wing RAF
No. 238 Wing RAFMay 1942:Medium Bomber Wing in 205 Group with 38 Squadron at Maaten Bagush and 140 Squadron at Shallufa (Wellington IC)
September–October 1942: 40 (Wellington IC) and 104 (Wellington II) Squadrons[25][26]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 16 (SAAF) Sqn (Beaufort)[8]
No. 239 Wing RAFMay and September 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Gambut with 3 (RAAF), 112, 250 and 450 (RAAF) Squadrons (Kittyhawk I)[25]
October 1942: 66 Fighter Squadron USAAF attached[26]
September 1943: in DAF with 112, 250, 260 and 450 (RAAF) Sqns (Kittyhawk)[8]
January 1944: in DAF with 3 (RAAF), 5 (SAAF), 112, 250, 260 and 450 (RAAF) Sqns (Kittyhawk)[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 3 (RAAF), 5 (SAAF), 112, and 260 Sqns (Mustang III/IV), 250 and 450 (RAAF) Sqns (Kittyhawk IV)[27]
No. 240 Wing RAFSeptember 1943: Heavy Bomber wing in US 9th Air Force with 178 (Halifax/Liberator) and 462 (RAAF) (Halifax) Sqns[8]
January 1944: under RAF Middle East with 178 (Liberator) and 462 (RAAF) (Halifax) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in 205 Group MASAF with 178 Sqn (Liberator VI)[27]
No. 241 Wing RAF
No. 242 Wing RAFOctober 1942: Heavy Bomber Wing in 205 Group in Egypt with 160 Squadron (Liberator)[26]
No. 243 Wing RAFMay 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Gambut with 33 Squadron and 274 Squadrons (Hurricane IIA/B), 80 Squadron (Hurricane IIC) and 143 Squadron (from June) (Spitfire VC)

September 1942: 33, 73 and 213 Squadrons (Hurricane IIC), 145 and 601 Squadrons (Spitfire VC)[25] October 1942: 212 Group WDAF with 80 (Hurricane IIC), 127 and 335 (Greek) (Hurricane IIB) and 274 (Hurricane IIE) Squadrons[26]

No. 244 Wing RAFSeptember 1942: Fighter Wing in 211 Group WDAF at Amiriya with 1 (SAAF) and 238 Squadrons (Hurricane IIB), 80 Squadron (Hurricane IIC) and 92 Squadron (Spitfire VB/C)[25]
October 1942: 73 (Hurricane IIC), 92 (Spitfire VB/C), 145, 601 (Spitfire VB) Squadrons[26]
September 1943: in DAF with 1 (SAAF), 91, 145, 417 (RCAF) and 601 Sqns (Spitfire)[8]
January 1944: under US 64th Fighter Wing with 80, 92, 145, 241, 274, 417 (RCAF) and 601 Sqns (Spitfire)[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 91, 145, 417 (RCAF) Sqns (Spitfire VIII), 241 Sqn (Spitfire VIII/IX), and 601 Sqn (Spitfire IX)[27]
No. 245 Wing RAFOctober 1942: Bomber Wing in 205 Group in Egypt with 14 (Boston III/Marauder), 462 (RAAF) (Halifax) Squadrons[26]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 1 General Reconnaissance Unit (1 Flt) (Wellington)[8]
January 1944: in 201 Group under RAF Middle East with 1 GRU (Wellington) and 252 Sqn (Beaufighter), detachment under Allied HQ Levant, with 17 (SAAF) (Ventura) and Picardy (Free French) (Blenheim/Vengeance) Sqns[8]
No. 246 Wing RAFOctober 1942: Fighter-Bomber Wing in 207 Group in East Africa with 41 (SAAF) Squadron (Hurricane IIB and Hartebeest)[26]
September 1943 and January 1944: Reconniassance Wing in East Africa with 209, 259, 262 (Catalina) and 230 (Sunderland) Sqns[8]
April 1945: under Air HQ, East Africa, with 259 Sqn (Sunderland V/Catalina I/IB)[27]
No. 247 Wing RAFOctober 1942: Torpedo Bomber/Reconnaissance Wing under 201 Group in Egypt with 38 (Wellington IC/VIII), 203 (Baltimore) and 252 (Beaufighter) Sqns[26]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 38 (Wellington) 203 (Baltimore) and 252 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in 201 Group under RAF Middle East with 16 (SAAF) and 227 (Beaufighter), 38 (Wellington) and 454 (RAAF) (Baltimore) Sqns[8]
No. 248 Wing RAFOctober 1942: Torpedo Bomber Wing under 201 Group in Egypt 38 and 221 Squadrons (Wellington IC/VIII), 39 Squadron (Beaufort) and 203 Squadron (Blenheim IV, Bisley, Baltimore I/II/III, Maryland)[26]
September 1943: in Malta with 69 (Baltimore) and 221 (Wellington) Sqns[8]
No. 249 Wing RAFSeptember 1943: in 216 Group, Middle East Air Command, with 117 (Dakota), 162 (Wellington/Bisley) and 28 (SAAF) (Dakota/Anson/Wellington) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in 216 Group, RAF Middle East, with 216 and 267 Sqns (Dakota)[8]
April 1945: in 216 Ferry and Air Transport Group RAF, Mediterranean Allied Air Forces (MAAF), with 44 (SAAF) (Air Ambulance) (Dakota/Anson/Expeditor)

[27]

No. 250 Wing RAFNovember 1941: in 202 Group at Ismailia with 1 GRU (Wellington I/IC) and 73 Squadron (Hurricane I) at Port Said[25]

October 1942: in Egypt with 89 (Beaufighter) and 94 (Hurricane IIC and Spitfire VC) Squadrons[26]

No. 251 Wing RAF
No. 252 Wing RAFNovember 1941: in 202 Group at Alexandria, with 213 Squadron (Heliopolis) and part of 73 Squadron (Hurricane I)[25]

October 1942: in Egypt with 46 (Beaufighter) and 417 (RCAF) (Hurricane IIC and Spitfire VC) Squadrons[26]

No. 253 Wing RAFUntil November 1941: Army Cooperation Wing in WDAF at Ghot Wahas with 208, 237 (Rhodesian) and 451 (RAAF) Squadrons (Hurricane I)[25]
April 1945: in DAF with 15 (SAAF), 454 (RAAF) and 500 Sqns (Baltimore)[27]
No. 254 Wing RAFJuly 1944: in Balkan Air Force (BAF) at Termoli with 39 (Beaufighter TF X), 213 (Mustang III) and 13 (Greek) (Baltimore IV/V) Squadrons[28]
April 1945: in BAF with 25 (SAAF) and 30 Sqns (Marauder III), 28 and 132 Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force (IAF) Sqns (Baltimore IV/V)[27]
No. 255 Wing RAF
No. 256 Wing RAF
No. 257 Wing RAF
No. 258 Wing RAFNovember 1941: Fighter Wing in WDAF with 2 (SAAF), 3 (RAAF), 4 (SAAF), 112 and 250 Squadrons (Tomahawk)[25]
September 1943 and January 1944: Reconnaissance Wing in East Africa with 265 Sqn (Catalina)[8]
April 1945: under Air HQ, East Africa, with 265 Sqn (Catalina I/IB)[27]
No. 259 Wing RAFNovember 1941: at Nicosia with 213 Squadron (Hurricane I) and 815 Squadron Fleet Air Arm at Lakatamia[25]
September 1943: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 46 (Beaufighter) and 208 (Hurricane) Sqns[8]
January 1944: Fighter Reconnaissance Wing in Cyprus under Allied HQ Levant, with 208 Sqn (Hurricane/Spitfire)[8]
No. 260 Wing RAF
No. 261 Wing RAF
No. 262 Wing RAFNovember 1941: Fighter Wing in WDAF with 1 (SAAF), 94, 229, 238, 260 and 274 Squadrons (Hurricane I)[25]
No. 263 Wing RAFNovember 1941: at Beirut with 335 (Greek) Squadron in Palestine (Hurricane I), a Free French squadron in Lebanon (Morane 406) and a Free French flight in Syria (Blenheim IV)[25]
January 1944: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 55 Sqn (Baltimore)[8]
No. 264 Wing RAF
No. 265 Wing RAF
No. 266 Wing RAF
No. 267 Wing RAF
No. 268 Wing RAF
No. 269 Wing RAFNovember 1941: Fighter Wing in WDAF at Sidi Haniesh, with 30 and RN(F) (FAA) Squadrons (Hurricane I/IIA/B)[25]
No. 270 Wing RAFNovember 1941: Light Bomber Wing in WDAF at Fuka with 8 (detachment), 45 and 55 Squadrons at Fuka, 14 and 84 Squadrons at Maaten Bagush, and 342 (Lorraine) (Free French) Squadron at Abu Sueir (Blenheim IV)[25]
No. 272 Wing RAF
No. 273 Wing RAF
No. 274 Wing RAF
No. 275 Wing RAF
No. 276 Wing RAF
No. 280 Wing RAF
No. 281 Wing RAFJuly 1944: Fighter Wing in Balkan Air Force at Termoli with 32 (Spitfire VC/B/VIII/IX), 249 (Spitfire VC) and 253 (Spitfire VC) Squadrons RAF, 102 (Macchi C.202) and 155 (Macchi C.205) Squadrons IAF[28]
April 1945: in BAF with 73 (Spitfire IX), 253 (Spitfire VIII/IX), 352 (Yugoslav) (Spitfire Vc), 6 and 351 (Yugoslav) (Hurricane IV) Sqns[27]
No. 282 Wing RAFApril 1945: in 216 Ferry and Air Transport Group MAAF with 216 Sqn (Dakota/Anson/Expeditor)[27]
No. 283 Wing RAFOctober 1942: Transport Wing in 216 Group in East Africa with 163 Squadron (Hudson VI)[26]
April 1945: in BAF with 16 (SAAF), 19 (SAAF) (Beaufighter X), 213 (Mustang III/IV) and 249 (Mustang III) Sqns[27]
No. 284 Wing RAFJanuary 1944: Transport Wing in 216 Group MAAF with 28 (SAAF) Sqn (Dakota/Anson)[8]
April 1945: in 216 Ferry and Air Transport Group MAAF with 28 (SAAF) Sqn (Dakota/Anson/Expeditor)[27]
No. 285 Wing RAFSeptember 1942: Reconnaissance Wing in WDAF at Burg el Arab, with 2 PRU (Spitfire VB), 1437 Flight (Maryland and Baltimore) and 60 (SAAF) Squadron at Wadi Natrun (Maryland);[25] joined in October by 208 and 40 (SAAF) Squadrons (Hurricane I/IIA/B)[26]
September 1943: in DAF with 40 (SAAF) and 225 Sqns (Spitfire), 1437 Flt (Mustang)[8]
January 1944: in DAF with 40 (SAAF) (Spitfire) and 600 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in DAF with 40 (SAAF) (Spitfire IX) and 318 (Polish) (Spitfire V/IX) Sqns[27]
No. 286 Wing RAF(As Malta Wing) September 1943: 126, 185, 229, 249 Sqns and 1435 Flight (Spitfire)[8]
January 1944: in 242 Group, Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force (MACAF), with 14 Sqn (Marauder), 126, 249 Sqns and 1435 Flt (Spitfire), 255 and 416 (USAAF) Sqns (Beaufighter), and 608 (Hudson) Sqn[8]
No. 287 Wing RAFApril 1945: in MACAF with 272 Sqn (Beaufighter X) and 1435 Flt (Spitfire IX)[27]
No. 292 Wing RAF
No. 293 Wing RAFJune 1943: at Calcutta in 221 Group with 136 (Hurricane) and 176 (Beaufighter) Sqns at Baigachi, 607 and 615 (Hurricane) Sqns at Alipore.[20]

December 1944: in Air Defence of Calcutta, EAC, with 69 (Beaufighter) and 615 (Spitfire) Sqns[22]

No. 294 Wing RAF
No. 295 Wing RAF
No. 296 Wing RAF
No. 297 Wing RAF
No. 298 Wing RAFIncluded 26 Squadron SAAF

No. 300 Wing – No. 499 Wing
WingDate of establishmentDate of disestablishmentNotes
No. 300 Wing RAF
No. 301 Wing RAF
No. 302 Wing RAF
No. 303 Wing RAF
No. 321 Wing RAF
No. 322 Wing RAFNovember 1942: Mobile Wing in Eastern Air Command (North West Africa) at Maison Blanche with 81, 154 and 242 Squadrons (Spitfire VC), and 225 Squadron (Hurricane IIE)[26]
September 1943: in DAF covering Operation Baytown with 81, 151, 154, 232 and 242 Sqns (Spitfire)[8][29]
January 1944: in Air Defences, Eastern Mediterranean, with 154, 232 and 242 Sqns (Spitfire)[8]
No. 323 Wing RAFNovember 1942: Non-mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Maison Blanche with 43 and 253 Squadrons (Hurricane IIC) and 4 PRU (Spitfire PR IV)[26]
September 1943: in Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) with 32, 73, 253 (Spitfire), 87 (Hurricane/Spitfire) and 219 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8] January 1944: in 242 Group MACAF with 73 Sqn (Spitfire)[8]
April 1945: in MACAF with 38 (Wellington XIV) and 624 (Walrus) Sqns and IAF Seaplane Wing (82°, 83°, 84°, 85° Gruppi) (CANT Z.501/506/RS 14)[27]
No. 324 Wing RAFNovember 1942: Mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Maison Blanche with 72, 93, 111 and 152 Squadrons (Spitfire VB) and 255 Squadron (Beaufighter VIF)[26] September 1943: in DAF covering Operation Baytown with 43, 72, 93, 111, 243 (Spitfire) and 600 (BeaufighterVIF) Sqns[8][29]
April 1945: in DAF with 42, 73, 93 Sqns (Spitfire IX)[27]
No. 325 Wing RAF14 September 194230 June 1943 Naval Co-operation wing
November 1942: Mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Algiers with 32 and 87 Squadrons (Hurricane IIC), 232 and 243 Squadrons (Spitfire VB), 241 (Hurricane IIE) and 600 (Beaufighter VIF) Aqns[26]
25 August 1943 12 August 1944 General Reconnaissance Wing in NACAF with 272 and 603 (Beaufighter), 608 (Hudson) and 614 (Bisley) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in Malta with 52 (Baltimore) and 614 (Bisley) Sqns[8]
1 April 2006 2013 Deployable Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Kinloss
No. 326 Wing RAFNovember 1942: Semi-mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Blida with 13, 18, 114 and 614 Squadrons (Bisley)[26]
No. 328 Wing RAFNovember 1942: Non-mobile Wing in EAC (NWA) at Blida with 500 and 608 Squadrons (Hudson V), 700 (FAA) Squadron (Walrus) and 813 (FAA) Squadron (Swordfish)[26]
September 1943: in NACAF with 13 (Bisley), 14 (Marauder), 39, 47, 255 (Beaufighter), 52 (Baltimore) and 458 (RAAF) (Wellington) Sqns[8]
January 1944: in US 63d Fighter Wing, with I/22 (Free French) (Maruader), 23 (Mosquito) and 500 (Hudson/Ventura) Sqns[8]
No. 329 Wing RAF
No. 330 Wing RAFSeptember 1943: in NASAF with 142 and 150 Squadrons (Wellington III/X)[8]
January 1944: in MASAF with 142 and 150 Sqns (Wellington X)[8]
No. 331 Wing RAFSeptember 1943: in NASAF with 420, 424 and 425 Squadrons RCAF (Wellington X)[8]
No. 332 Wing RAF
No. 333 Wing RAFJanuary 1944: in Malta with 52 (Baltimore) and 614 (Bisley) Sqns[8]
No. 334 Wing RAFJuly 1944: Special Duties Wing in Balkan Air Force at Brindisi and Lecce with 148 Squadron RAF (Halifax II/V and Lysander), 1586 Polish Flight (Halifax II/IIA and Liberator III), and 1 and 88 IAF Sqns (SM 82 and Cz 1007)[28]
April 1945: in BAF with 1 (SM82) and 88 (Cz 1007) IAF Sqns, 148 (Halifax IV/V/Lysander IIIA) and 44 (SAAF) (Dakota) Sqns, and 16 (USAAF) Sqn (Dakota I/III)[27]
No. 335 Wing RAFJanuary 1944: in Malta with 87 (Hurricane/Spitfire) and 272 (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
No. 336 Wing RAFJanuary 1944: in Mediterranean Allied Photographic Reconnaissance Wing, with 60 (SAAF) (Mosquito) and 683 (Spitfire) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in MAAF with 681 and 683 Sqns (Spitfire PR IX/PR XIX), 60 (SAAF) and detachment 680 Sqn (Mosquito PR XVI)[27]
No. 337 Wing RAFJanuary 1944: in MACAF, with I/5 and III/6 Free French (Airacobra) and 417 (USAAF) (Beaufighter) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in Air HQ Greece, BAF, with 13 (Greek) (Baltimore V), 335 (Greek) and 336 (Greek) (Spitfire Vb/Vc), 252 (Beaufighter XC) and detachment 624 (Walrus) Sqns[27]
No. 338 Wing RAFJanuary 1944: in MACAF with I/4 (Airacobra) and II/3 (Hurricane) Free French, 32 (Spitfire), 39 (Beaufighter X) and 153 (Beaufighter VIF) Sqns[8]
April 1945: in MACAF with 237 (Rhodesian) (Spitfire IX) and 255 (Mosquito XIX) Sqns[27]
No. 339 Wing RAF
No. 340 Wing RAFApril 1945: in MACAF with II/6 and II/9 (Free French) (Airacobra), 2S (Free French (Latécoère) and 4S (Free French) (Walrus) Sqns[27]
No. 341 Wing RAFJune 1945: Transport Wing in 232 Group, RAF Burma, with 62, 194 and 267 Sqns (Dakota)[23]
No. 342 Wing RAFJune 1945: Transport Wing in 232 Group, RAF Burma, with 31, 117 and 436 (RCAF) Sqns (Dakota)[23]
No. 343 Wing RAF
No. 344 Wing RAF
No. 345 Wing RAFJune 1945: Transport Wing in 232 Group, RAF Burma, with 435 (RCAF) Sqn (Dakota)[23]
No. 346 Wing RAFJune 1945: in 222 Group with 22 (Beaufighter), 230 (Sunderland), 136 (Spitfire) Sqns[23]
No. 347 Wing RAFJune 1945: Photo Reconnaissance Wing in 231 Group, RAF Burma, with 681 (Spitfire) and 684 (Mosquito) Sqns[23]
No. 348 Wing RAF
No. 349 Wing RAF
No. 350 Wing RAF
No. 351 Wing RAF

No. 500 Wing – No. 999 Wing
WingDate of establishmentDate of disestablishmentNotes
No. 500 Wing RAF
No. 551 Wing RAFWould have been part of Tiger Force, scheduled to be operational by 1 January 1946 at RAF Coningsby, as of August 1945.[30] Formation does not seem to have been completed. Later served as part of Second Tactical Air Force at RAF Gutersloh in Germany in the mid 1950s.
No. 552 Wing RAF
No. 553 Wing RAF
No. 554 Wing RAF
No. 700 Wing RAF
No. 701 Wing RAF
No. 900 Wing RAF
No. 901 Wing RAF1 October 1944
December 1945December 1944: Tactical Wing at Chiringa, India, in 224 Group 3rd Tactical Air Force (3 TAF), with 27, 177, and 211 Sqns (Beaufighter)[22][31]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 45, 82, 84 (Mosquito) and 211 (Beaufighter) Sqns[23][31]
November 1945: at St. Thomas Mount[31]

1 April 2006 Expeditionary Air Wing deployed to Middle East[31] within No 83 Expeditionary Air Group
No. 902 Wing RAF1 December 1944
Tactical Wing formed from 166 (Tactical) Wing;[32] December 1944: at Chittagong in 224 Group EAC with 9 (RIAF) (Hurricane), 39 and 135 (Thunderbolt), and 459 USAAF (Lightning) Sqns[22]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 11 Sqn (Hurricane)[23]
October 1945: at Tengah in RAF Malaya with 152 and 155 Sqns (Spitfire)[24]

1 April 2006 Expeditionary Air Wing deployed to Middle East[32] within No 83 Expeditionary Air Group
No. 903 Wing RAF1 December 194431 October 1945Tactical Wing formed at Patenga in 224 Group, 3 TAF

[33]
December 1944: temporarily at Comilla with 67 Sqn (Spitfire)[22]
October 1945: at Kallang in RAF Malaya with 31 Sqn (Dakota)[24]

2003 2009 Expeditionary Air Wing at Contingency Operating Base Basra/Basra Airport, Iraq for Operation Telic
2009 2014 Expeditionary Air Wing at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan for Operation Herrick
14 December 2014 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus in support of Operation Shader
No. 904 Wing RAFDecember 1944: at Cox's Bazar in 224 Group EAC with 2 (RIAF) and 4 (RIAF) Sqns (Hurricane) and 237 Sqn (Spitfire)[22]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 134 and 258 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[23]
December 1945: at Batavia with 60 and 81 Sqns (Thunderbolt), 84 and detachments 47 and 110 Sqns (Mosquito), detachment 681 (Spitfire PR), 155 (Spitfire), 31 (Dakota) and 656 (AOP) (Auster) Sqns [34]

2006 2015 Expeditionary Air Wing at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan for Operation Herrick
No. 905 Wing RAFNovember 194431 October 1945December 1944: at Jalia, India, in 224 Group, EAC[35] with 134 and 258 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[22]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 5, 30, 123 and 135 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[23]
October 1945: at Kuala Lumpur in RAF Malaya with 60, 81, 131, 258 (Thunderbolt) and 656 (AOP) (Auster) Sqns[24]

1 April 2006 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Mount Pleasant[35] Falkland Islands
No. 906 Wing RAF1 December 194413 November 1945Tactical Wing formed at Tulihal from 170 (Bomber) Wing;[36] December 1944: at Imphal in 221 Group EAC with 1 (RIAF), 42 and 60 Sqns (Hurricane)[22]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 28 (Hurricane), 176 (Beaufighter), 273 and 607 (Spitfire) Sqns[23]

2011 2011 Expeditionary Air Wing at Gioia del Colle Air Base, Italy in support of Operation Ellamy[36]
15 January 2013 Expeditionary Air Wing at Al Minhad Air Base, United Arab Emirates
No. 907 Wing RAFDecember 1944: at Tamu in 221 Group EAC with 11 (Hurricane) and 152 (Spitfire) Sqns[22]

June 1945: Non-operational in 224 Group with 20 Sqn (Hurricane)[23]

2011 2011 Expeditionary Air Wing at RAF Akrotiri in support of Operation Ellamy
No. 908 Wing RAFDecember 1944: at Kumbhirgram in 221 Group EAC with 43 Sqn (Mosquito)[22]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 47 and 110 Sqns (Mosquito)[23]

No. 909 Wing RAFDecember 1944: at Pallel in 221 Group EAC with 17, 153 and 607 Sqns (Spitfire), 34 and 113 Sqns (Hurricane)[22]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 152 and 155 Sqns (Spitfire)[23]

No. 910 Wing RAFDecember 1944: at Wangjing in 221 Group EAC with 79, 146 and 261 Sqns (Thunderbolt)[22]

June 1945: in 221 Group, RAF Burma, with 34, 42, 79 and 113 Sqns (Thunderbolts)[23]

Expeditionary Air Wings
Main article: Expeditionary Air Wing

Formed on 1 April 2006, Expeditionary Air Wing's (EAW) are established at the following RAF Flying Stations:

Deployed EAWs

Disbanded EAWs

Force Protection Wings
Main article: RAF Force Protection Force Headquarters

Formed from RAF Regiment field squadrons and RAF Police components, Force Protection (FP) Wings are responsible for defending aircraft and personnel whilst deployed on operations. the overarching Force Protection Force HQ is located at RAF Honington. Each Wing is parented by an RAF Station with whom it is usually deployed:[40]

RAF Force Protection Wings were, until April 2004, known as Tactical Survive To Operate Headquarters (Tac STO HQs).

Miscellaneous Wings

Station-based Wings

A typical Royal Air Force flying station (not training) will have the following integrated wing-based structure:

  • Administrative Wing / Base (Station) Support Wing / Support Wing
  • Depth Support Wing
  • Forward Support Wing
  • Operations Wing

On a smaller RAF Station, these functions may be termed squadrons but their role is identical.

Specialised Station-based Wings

Some stations has Wings which are customised to their particular role with the RAF:

Tactical Wings

Wings termed 'Tactical' within the Royal Air Force provide are cohesive, specialised teams.

See also

Notes
  1. Wings 1–50 at Air of Authority.
  2. Bullock.
  3. MacmIllan Appendix I: 'Commanding Officers RNAS/RFC/RAF in Italy: Brigade, Wings, Squadrons'.
  4. "Royal Air Force".
  5. Delve, 'Orders of Battle, June 1944'.
  6. Ellis, Normandy, Appendix VI: 'Allied Air Forces'.
  7. Ellis, Germany, 'Appendix V: The Allied Air Forces'.
  8. Molony, Vol V, Appendix 4, 'Orders of Battle Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces'.
  9. Rennles.
  10. "Royal Air force, Order of Battle, France, 10th May 1940". free.fr. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  11. Ellis, France.
  12. Wings 51–110 at Air of Authority.
  13. "Subterranea Britannica: Sites:RAF Hayscastle Cross Chain Home & Rotor Radar Station". subbrit.org.uk. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  14. Falconer, Appendix IV: 'Orders of Battle'.
  15. Jones, p. 176.
  16. http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/54/a5897154.shtml
  17. Groups 70–106 at Air of Authority.
  18. Royal Air Force Facebook Post 24 April 2017 at 16:41
  19. "Royal Air Force". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  20. Woodburn Kirby, Vol II, Appendix 32, 'Order of Battle of Air Forces, India and Ceylon, June 1943'.
  21. RAFWeb. "Wing Nos 111-192".
  22. Woodburn Kirby, Vol IV, Appendix 4, "Outline Order of Battle of Air Command, South East Asia, 12th December 1944".
  23. Woodburn Kirby, Vol V, Appendix 1: "Outline Order of Battle of Air Command, South-East Asia 30th June 1945".
  24. Woodburn Kirby, Vol V, Appendix 21: "Outline Order of Battle, RAF Malaya, 1st October 1945".
  25. Playfair, Vol III, Appendix 5, 'Royal Air Force Orders of Battle'.
  26. Playfair, Vol IV, Appendix 8, 'Orders of Battle Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces'.
  27. Jackson, Vol VI, Pt III, 'Appendix 3: Order of Battle Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Force'.
  28. Molony, Vol VI, Table V, pp. 406–7.
  29. Molony, Vol V, p. 238.
  30. "Lancaster Main Page". lancaster-archive.com. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  31. '901 EAW history' RAF retrieved 20 March 2017.
  32. '902 EAW' retrieved 20 March 2017.
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  36. '906 EAW' retrieved 20 March 2017.
  37. "Royal Air Force Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft near Baltics".
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