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History

504 Sqn was formed at RAF Hucknall, Nottingham on 26th March 1928 as a Special Reserve Squadron. During the pre-war years it flew a variety of aircraft types, such as the Horsley shown in the photograph, before being equipped in 1939 with the Hawker Hurricane. The Sqn became part of the AAF in 1936 and on 26th August 1939 it was included into the RAF for active service in Fighter Command and transferred to RAF Digby.

During the war years 504 Sqn operated from over 30 different airfields both home and abroad. Spitfires replaced Hurricanes in 1942. Sqn roles were varied including heavy bomber escort, fighter sweeps over the channel, the Battle of Britain, and providing top cover at the Arnhem landings. One of the Sqns pilots, Flight Lieutenant W. B. Royce, became the first AAF pilot to be awarded the D.F.C. Another pilot, Sergeant Ray Holmes, in his first aerial combat during the Battle of Britain was watched by thousands of Londoners as he shot down the German Dornier aircraft that had attacked Buckingham Palace.

In March 1945 the Sqn was again re-equipped, this time with Gloster Meteor Jets. Disbanded on the 10th August 1945 the Sqn reformed at Syerston as an AAF on 10th May 1946. Post-war service continued until disbandment on 9th March 1957; the Sqn Standard presented on 3rd March 1957 was laid up in St Mary's church, Wymeswold, the Sqns last operational base.

On 1st January 1998 the Offensive Support Role Support Squadron (OSRSS) formed at RAF Cottesmore. It was renamed 504 Sqn on 1st October 1999 and on 1st October 2000 the official reformation was celebrated with a parade and march past in Nottingham. The Squadron Motto Vindicat in ventis means 'It avenges in the wind'.