No. 218 Squadron RAF was formed at Dover on 24th April 1918 as a light bomber unit equipped with D.H. 9’s and moved to France a month later to join the former RNAS squadrons based around Dunkirk. Daylight raids were made on enemy bases and airfields in Belgium and around Lille until the end of the war, the squadron returning to the UK in February 1919, and disbanding on 24 June 1919.
On 16 March 1936, No 218 reformed from A Flight of No. 57 Squadron at Upper Heyford with Harts, re-equipping with Battles in January 1938. On the outbreak of war, the squadron moved to France as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force and when the German attack came in May 1940, suffered heavy casualties in attempts to halt the enemy columns. By early June no aircraft were left and the squadron personnel were evacuated to the UK where re-equipment with Blenheims took place. Operations began in July against enemy coastal targets and barge concentrations but in November No. 218 was transferred to No. 3 Group and converted to Wellingtons for night bombing. The squadron’s first night raid was on 22 December 1940 and Wellingtons continued to operate until February 1942 when Stirlings replaced them. In August 1944 these were replaced by Lancasters, which continued to take part in the strategic air offensive until the end of the war. On 10 August 1945, after a short period of transport duties, the squadron was disbanded.
On the 1st December 1959, No 218 were reformed at RAF Harrington as a Thor strategic missile squadron, disbanding again on 23 August 1963.
Commanding Officers at RAF Harrington were:
Squadron Leader J. C. Burch (December 1959 – November 1961)
Squadron Leader F.W. Slaughter (December 1961 – August 1963)
Squadron Bases
Dover – 24 Apr 1918
Petite Synthe – 23 May 1918
Fretnum – 7 Jul 1918
Reumont – 5 Oct 1918
Vert Galand – 16 Nov 1918
Hucknall – 7 Feb 1919 to 24 Jun 1919
Upper Heyford – 16 Mar 1936
Boscombe Down – 22 Apr 1938
Auberive Sur Suippes – 2 Sep 1939
Moscou Ferme – 15 May 1940
St Lucien Ferme – 16 May 1940
Chateau Bougon – 21 May 1940
Mildenhall – 13 Jun 1940
Oakington – 18 Jul 1940
Marham – 25 Nov 1940
Downham Market – 7 Jul 1942
Woolfox Lodge – 7 Mar 1944
Methwold – 4 Aug 1944
Chedburgh – 5 Dec 1944 to 10 Aug 1945
Harrington – 1 Dec 1959 to 23 Aug 1963