GENERAL MILITARY RAF

No. 74 Squadron, also known as ‘Tiger Squadron’ from its tiger-head motif, was a squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It operated fighter aircraft from 1917 to the 1990s, and then trainer aircraft until its disbandment in 2000. It was the Royal Air Force’s member of the NATO Tiger Association from 1961 until the squadron’s disbandment, it has since been replaced by No. 230 Squadron.^[4]

Forming in 1917 as No. 74 (Training Depot) Squadron, the unit began life as a training squadron.^[5] Sent to the Western Front in 1918 as No. 74 (Fighter) Squadron, the unit quickly developed a fierce reputation during the First World War due to its pilots having an aggressive ‘Tiger’-like spirit.^[6] With many aces amongst its ranks (such as Mick Mannock, Taffy Jones and Sydney Carlin), No. 74 (F) Squadron managed 225 victories in only seven months at the Front.^[7] ‘The Tigers’ went on to serve during the Second World War, fighting in the Battle of Britain.^[3] After the war, it formed the first all jet fighter wing with No. 616 Squadron and No. 504 Squadron, flying the Gloster Meteor F.3

• 295 p., [22] p. of plates ; 22 cm. #150124
• Great Britain. Royal Air Force. Squadron, 74
• World War, 1914-1918 — Aerial operations, British
• World War, 1939-1945 — Aerial operations, British