In Active Service

Tony Self Reviews the Australian Operational Commands
Part 7: Number 2 Squadron

One of the RAAF’s oldest and most distinguished squadrons is Number 2 Squadron, based at Amberley in Queensland. The squadron is equipped with eight GAF Canberra aircraft and is now responsible for photo-reconnaissance, aerial survey and target banner towing. Number 2 Squadron has been operating the Canberra for a record 28 years – in fact, most of its pilots are younger than the aircraft!

History

Number 2 Squadron was originally an Australian Flying Corps unit, formed at Kantara, Egypt, in 1916. With its OHS aircraft, the squadron became the first Australian unit to enter into air-to-air combat. After World War I the squadron was disbanded and reformed as a Royal Australian Air Force squadron in 1922 in anticipation of an expansion of the service. However, seven months later, following a Government decision not to proceed with the expansion, the squadron was again disbanded. In 1937, the unit was re-established at Laverton, Victoria, equipped with Hawker Demon aircraft. During World War II, 2 Squadron became a bomber unit and saw distinguished service operating such types as Hudsons, Beauforts and Mitchells. The squadron was disbanded after the war, in 1946. In February 1948, No 21 Squadron, based at Amberley, was renamed No 2 Squadron, operating Lincoln and Liberator bombers. In December 1953, No 2 Squadron became the first of three RAAF squadrons to be equipped with the new Canberra jet bomber.

Canberra

The English Electric A1, which was formally named the Canberra by Robert Menzies in January 1950, lifted off on its maiden flight on Friday, May 13, 1949. Originally conceived in 1944, the new aircraft was to become the first British jet bomber. The A1 was designed to use radar tracking information; unfortunately, radar progress had not kept pace with airframe and engine development, so a visual bombing system with a transparent nose cone was adopted.

This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.

Login

Become a Member

To continue reading the rest of this article, please login.

Username or Email

Password Forgot password?

Keep me signed in on this device.

If you check this box before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.

If you check the box above before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.

---

or

---

Login with a Passkey

To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today!
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.

PRINT

$49.95 for 1 year Become a Member

See benefits

• Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
• Access to In Focus reports every month on our website

MOST POPULAR

PRINT + DIGITAL

$99.95 for 1 year Become a Member

$179.95 for 2 years Become a Member

See benefits

• Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
• Access to the Australian Aviation app
• Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
• Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
• Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
• Daily news updates via our email bulletin

DIGITAL

$5.99 Monthly Become a Member

$59.95 Annual Become a Member

See benefits

• Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
• Access to the Australian Aviation app
• Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
• Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
• Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
• Daily news updates via our email bulletin

View more offers and details