103 Squadron, RFC[2] at RAF Beaulieu, Hampshire on 1 September 1917,[1] equipped with Airco DH.9 aircraft.

[8] In May 1918 the Squadron was transferred to France and flew reconnaissance and day bombing operations on the Western Front.

At the outbreak of the Second World War the Squadron was deployed to France as part of the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force.

These were in turn replaced in late October 1942 by Avro Lancaster bombers, which 103 Squadron flew on many operations to Germany and occupied Europe for the rest of the war.

[1] During the war 103 Squadron flew over 6,000 operational sorties, at a high cost in men and machines.

[1][2][3] 103 Squadron was subsequently reformed at RAF Gütersloh, West Germany on 30 November 1954 and was part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force.

During this short period the unit flew the English Electric Canberra bomber.

[3] From then onwards it became a support unit with Bristol Sycamore HR.14 helicopters operating in search and rescue, casualty evacuation and internal security roles.