RAF Patch b 13 Squadron Royal Air Force Crest Tornado Recce

RAF Patch 13 Squadron Royal Air Force Crest Patch Tornado Recce 1992 Tornado RAF Honington 106mm by 86mm four and one eighth inches by three and one half inches

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Squadron history 1978 2013

In 1978 No XIII Squadron returned from the Malta East to RAF Wyton flying PR9 Canberras, for photographic reconnaissance duties disbanding in 1982.

No XIII Squadron reformed at RAF Honington on 1 January 1990 with reconnaissance Tornado GR.1A aircraft and deployed 6 aircraft to Saudi Arabia on 15/16 January 1991 immediately before hostilities commenced and provided vital intelligence with the unique night reconnaissance capability of the Tornado GR.1A. During the first nights of the War the Reconnaissance Wing successfully discovered several of the elusive Iraqi Scud Missile sites giving rise to the Squadrons ‘Scudhunters’ nickname. Most reconnaissance sorties were tasked into Central and Eastern Iraq to identify the disposition of the Iraqi ground forces. The Squadrons GR.1As operated at night and at low-level for the duration of the conflict. In
addition the Squadron deployed four Tornados fitted with newly developed TIALD Thermal Imaging and Laser Designation to Tabuk which completed 72 successful missions.

On return the Squadron continued at RAF Honington training and deploying for Operation Jural prior to moving to RAF Marham on 1 February 1994. From RAF Marham the Squadron took part in successful exercises around the world from Yuma in America to Penang, Malaysia. Operational deployments continued with Operation Warden and Operation Bolton to monitor both the Northern and Southern No-Fly Zones in Iraq. The squadron also flew the last Tornado sortie of Operation Telic in 2009.

In the summer of 2010 the squadron flew Close Air Support in Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick and in 2011 fired Storm Shadow missiles in Libya during Operation Ellamy. On 13 May 2011 the No XIII Squadron was disbanded.

No XIII (Reaper) Squadron was reformed in October 2012 at RAF Waddington as the second Squadron Operating the  MQ-9 Reaper UAV.

This patch dates from 1992.