Northern Ireland’s 502 (Ulster) Squadron marks centenary with Royal event at Hillsborough Castle

502 (Ulster) Squadron’s continuity drill squad performs for guests in the gardens of Hillsborough Castle, at the event to mark the 100th anniversary of the Squadron’s formation.

Northern Ireland’s historic 502 (Ulster) Squadron, the first-ever RAF Reserve unit formed in May 1925, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a prestigious royal event, hosted on Friday evening, 23 May, at Hillsborough Castle.

The milestone gathering, attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO in his role as Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, paid tribute to the Squadron’s storied legacy and its contributions to the defence of the United Kingdom.

The evening was a poignant commemoration, bringing together current Squadron personnel, their families, and relatives of Second World War veterans who served with distinction.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester meets with Officer Commanding 502 (Ulster) Squadron, Wing Commander Steve McCleery at a reception to mark the 100th anniversary of the Squadron’s formation.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a rediscovered Roll of Honour, curated in the late 1940s, listing the names of 174 Squadron members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Among the families present were the niece of Warrant Officer Matthew Fahey and the daughter of Warrant Officer Stanley Beaton, both of whom perished in February 1944 when their Halifax aircraft was shot down by a German U-Boat in the Bay of Biscay.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester presents Irene Cormack, daughter of Warrant Officer Stanley Beaton, who was killed in action in 1944 with a commemorative piece, on behalf of 502 (Ulster) Squadron, at a reception to mark the 100th anniversary of the Squadron’s formation.

The daughters of twin pilots, Flight Lieutenants John and Peter Davenport, also attended, adding a deeply personal connection to the Squadron’s wartime history.

Wing Commander Steve McCleery, Officer Commanding 502 Squadron, spoke with pride about the unit’s enduring legacy:

“502 (Ulster) Squadron’s motto is ‘I Fear Nothing’ and, in the 100 years since our formation, our personnel have lived up to that adage time and time again.

“From the 1920s spare-time pilots who drove the growth of aviation in Northern Ireland, to the U-Boat hunters of the Second World War, and the fast jet pioneers of the 1950s, 502 never failed to put itself at the front of the fight. In marking this anniversary, we honour their commitment and zeal, as we aim to continue their legacy.”

HRH The Duke of Gloucester meets members of the 502 (Ulster) Squadron Pipes and Drums at a reception to mark the 100th anniversary of the Squadron’s formation.

A Century of Service and Innovation

Known affectionately as ‘The Ulster Squadron’, 502 Squadron holds a unique place in RAF history as the first Special Reserve unit, established near engineering hubs to foster aviation expertise.

Later amalgamated into the Royal Auxiliary Air Force as the UK prepared for war, the Squadron played a significant ceremonial role, including the 1932 opening of Stormont’s Parliament Buildings by the future Edward VIII.

During the Second World War, 502 Squadron served under Coastal Command, operating aircraft such as the Anson, Whitley, and Halifax.

Initially based at Aldergrove, the Squadron relocated to Limavady in 1940, where it pioneered the use of Air-to-Surface Radar—an innovation that proved lifesaving given the treacherous landing conditions near Binevenagh mountain.

The Squadron’s relocation to Cornwall marked a tactical shift, transforming them into formidable U-Boat hunters. They earned a reputation for groundbreaking tactics, becoming the first to destroy a U-Boat using radar, to attack a U-Boat at night with flares, and to deploy the powerful 600lb anti-submarine bomb.

Air Commodore Gavin Hellard, Deputy Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, praised the Squadron’s enduring contribution:

“Northern Irish reservists are strongly represented across the Armed Forces, where they continue to make an above-sized contribution to the defence of the United Kingdom, drawing on a long tradition of service. 502’s reservists are especially renowned for their professionalism and dedication, working alongside Regulars on exercises and operations all over the world.”

Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future

The centenary event concluded with a precision drill display by the Squadron’s continuity drill team, showcasing the discipline and pride that define 502 (Ulster) Squadron.

Corporal Victoria Noble, a current Air and Space Operations reservist, reflected on the weight of the Squadron’s legacy:

“Everyone who joins our Squadron quickly comes to realise that we walk on the shoulders of those who wore the same Red Hand crest, and who gave their lives in defence of the United Kingdom. It remains important to commemorate them, and to celebrate the Squadron’s many achievements, as we enter our second century.”

The Squadron’s wartime achievements were remarkable, with 502 recording the highest number of U-Boat kills among Reserve Squadrons in Coastal Command. Disbanded in 1945 at Stornoway, the Squadron was reformed in 1946 as a Fighter Squadron at Aldergrove, operating for another 11 years until the RAuxAF’s fighter units were stood down.

In 2013, 502 was reborn as a general service support squadron, with reservists recruited from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, serving in diverse roles both at home and abroad.

A Legacy of Courage and Innovation

The centenary celebration at Hillsborough Castle not only honoured the sacrifices of past members but also underscored the Squadron’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

From its pioneering radar tactics to its modern-day operations, 502 (Ulster) Squadron remains a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s military heritage and a vital component of the UK’s defence forces.

As the Squadron embarks on its second century, its motto, ‘I Fear Nothing’, continues to inspire reservists who uphold the proud traditions of their predecessors while forging new paths in air and space operations.