Royal Air Force Northolt

09/10/2026

Air Movements Squadron personnel from RAF Northolt continue to play a vital role in the success of Operation Mace Vector. We shine a spotlight on their outstanding efforts at East Midlands Airport, where they expertly coordinate a relentless flow of arrivals and departures, while working seamlessly alongside civilian partners and members of the public.
 
Behind every task lies a team dedicated to keeping people, equipment and operations connected across the globe. Their professionalism, adaptability and commitment ensure the uninterrupted movement of personnel and freight, sustaining operational effectiveness wherever it is needed. Through their efforts, we remain Agile, Integrated and Ready — delivering the reach, responsiveness and resilience required to fly, fight and win.
 

08/10/2026

Best of luck to all 2 and 4 legged team members (clearly our fingers are crossed for Cpl Hudson and Dex 🤫) 🐕🐾👏

Six RAF Police Military Working Dog teams are ready to battle it out for the McConnell Cup! 💪

Cpl Taylor & MWD Areta — RAF Marham
Cpl Evans & MWD Katy — RAF Coningsby
Cpl Poore & MWD Nina — RAF Coningsby
Cpl Gleadle & MWD Deny — RAF Waddington
Cpl Hudson & MWD Dex — RAF Northolt
Cpl Shrimpton & MWD Emma — RAF Akrotiri

Sponsored by the RAF Benevolent Fund and named in honour of veteran RAF Police Corporal Mick McConnell, the McConnell Cup brings together MWD teams from across Detection, Police and Patrol specialties. 🐕‍🦺

Now it’s time to put their skills to the test in:

🔥 Heelwork
⚡ Agility
🎯 Obedience Tests

Six teams. Three challenges. One trophy. 🏆

Who will rise to the challenge and take home the McConnell Cup?

Royal Air Force Coningsby
RAF Waddington
RAF Akrotiri
RAF Marham
Royal Air Force Northolt

06/10/2026

It’s National Cadets Week, a chance to celebrate the remarkable contribution cadets make both at home and across the globe. From supporting prestigious ceremonial events to undertaking vital ambassadorial and ushering duties, they consistently demonstrate professionalism, pride and dedication beyond their years. We are proud to support a range of Air Cadet camps throughout the year, providing opportunities to inspire the next generation and showcase the capabilities of the Royal Air Force.

A special thanks goes to our Middlesex Wing Air Cadets whose unwavering support of RAF Northolt has been truly exceptional. They have played key roles at the Station’s Annual Formal Reception, served as Standard Bearers at the Polish Air Force Memorial Service, and supported the Station Battle of Britain Dinner with distinction. Their commitment, enthusiasm and sense of service embody the very best of the Cadet Forces. Thank you for all that you do.
Commandant Air Cadets

05/10/2026

An Envoy from 32 (The Royal) Squadron recently took part in Exercise AUXILIUM FORT 26, helping deliver realistic training designed to test the RAF's ability to generate, sustain and protect deployed air operations. Alongside the aircraft, personnel from 71 Inspection & Repair Squadron used the opportunity to practise and demonstrate their deployable engineering expertise in an operational training environment.

Working alongside RAF Global Enablement personnel and international partners, the exercise strengthened interoperability, tested deployed support capabilities and reinforced the RAF's ability to operate wherever and whenever required.

02/10/2026

Thanks to all who organised and attended our Autumn Night Shoot this year! 🛩️ 📸

Let us know your favourites and what you might want to see in 2027!

26/09/2026

Today marks the 86th anniversary since King George VI visited Royal Air Force Northolt to acknowledge and thank the contribution made by 303 Sqn during the Battle of Britain 🇬🇧🇵🇱

On September 26, 1940, King George VI paid a historic visit to RAF Northolt to inspect the legendary No. 303 "Kosciuszko" Polish Fighter Squadron.

During the visit, King George VI met the airmen and signed his name directly into the unit’s squadron diary—a rare honor acknowledging their exceptional courage in defense of Britain.
Moments after the King departed, the airmen scrambled into their Hawker Hurricanes to intercept an incoming enemy raid over the English Channel. In the intense dogfight that followed, the Polish pilots claimed 13 confirmed victories without losing a single pilot.

25/09/2026

The Station was honoured to welcome veteran Violet Downing as she celebrated an extraordinary milestone - her 100th birthday. Accompanied by her son Roger and daughter-in-law Susan, Violet enjoyed a special visit hosted by the Station Commander, including lunch in the Officers’ Mess where she proudly shared her birthday card from Their Majesties The King and Queen.
 
During her visit, Violet reflected on a remarkable chapter of history, recounting her service after completing training at RAF Handforth. Working in various messes during the Second World War, including at RAF Tuddenham, where she often crossed paths with Lancaster aircrew as they prepared for operations. Her final posting took her to Andover, where she served as batman to Air Vice-Marshal Sir Cyril Cooke before later settling to raise a family.
 
A century of memories, service and dedication makes Violet’s story truly inspiring. Everyone at the Station sends their warmest congratulations and wishes her a very happy 100th birthday.

21/09/2026

Commemorating the 86th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

It takes a huge effort from Whole Force personnel across the Royal Air Force to make this event happen, coordinated and organised by RAF Ceremonial here at Northolt.

And it couldn't happen without the help of Royal Air Force Police, King’s Colour Squadron, RAF Music, an entire team of volunteers and all captured by our Visual Communicators. RAF Photographer

19/09/2026

Honouring the past. Inspiring the future.

RAF Northolt welcomed members of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council and distinguished guests to commemorate the 86th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Against a backdrop of tradition and heritage, guests, including Secretary of State The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, witnessed a spectacular Sunset Ceremony performed by King’s Colour Squadron & Band of the RAF Regiment. RAF Music

The Chief of the Air Staff took the salute as a Typhoon thundered overhead in a powerful tribute to The Few, connecting the courage and sacrifice of 1940 with cutting-edge technology that protects the nation today.