112 Squadron

112 (Shark) Squadron
From 2nd November 1964 To 1st July 1975

If you can add more information or images from 112 Squadron please contact the web master.

Contributions by Fred Heath, Stuart Baines and Mick Hughes

112 Squadron reformed with Bloodhound Mk II's at Woodhall Spa before being deployed to Episkopi* in Cyprus. 112 operated the Bloodhound MkII in Cyprus from October 1967 to July 1975.

* 112 Squadron was located at Parimali West but administered from Episkopi.

Contribution by Fred Heath
Fred Heath (Type 87) has provided a short history of 112 and a collection of his personal recollections. Please use the buttons above to view.

Fred's short resume of 112 and 25 years active service:
"In 1972 112 Squadron were on parade to mark 25 years continuous service and the presentation of the Squadron colours. The actual milestone of 25 years of continuous Squadron service was actually reached in 1969 (the parade was a little late!). As 112 Squadron originally disbanded in the 1920's and was not reformed until 1939, and then disbanded again in the 1950's before reforming as a Bloodhound Squadron, is the reason why it took from 1917 to 1969 to get 25 years of active service. Fred was on the 1972 parade, he still has his specially 'made to order shirts'!"

Fred Heath in a 1971/72 publicity photo. Each member of 112 Squadron was asked to pose for a photo so that it could be sent to their local paper - as part of a publicity/recruiting campaign.

This photo was retrieved from the local Advertiser by Fred's mum!

The missile is the 'display model', complete with shark's teeth, as seen in Stuart's photo's below - but in white.

Contribution by Stuart Baines
The following photographs are courtesy of Stuart Baines who worked in the MOTE on 112 Squadron at RAF Episkopi. Stuart joined 112 in 1975 and also took part in the disbandment parade on 1st July 1975. 112 Squadron's colours were laid up in Ely Cathedral when the Squadron was finally disbanded in 1975.

Contribution by Mick Hughes
Mick was too young to serve on 112 but here he is riding the Shark in Happy Valley, summer 1972. Probably at an open day or fete. There were a number of attractions so Mick imagines' it was a Joint Services event!

Type 87 TIR Radar and Bloodhound Mk2 RAF Episkopi 1975	Bloodhound Mk2 pads RAF Episkopi 1975	Missile Site (MS) 1 Type 87 Radar. MS2 and MS3 in the background RAF Episkopi 1975	Missiles on launchers RAF Episkopi 1975	Misslies on launchers RAF Episkopi 1975

Stuart Baines - outside the MOTE RAF Episkopi 1975	Missile handling crew RAF Episkopi 1975	Stuart Baines RAF Episkopi 1975	'Dead Park'. U/S and time expired awaiting re supply RAF Episkopi 1975	Display Missile RAF Episkopi 1975

Stuart sat on a 'spare round' RAF Episkopi 1975	Side loader moving a launcher RAF Episkopi 1975	112 Squadron disbanding parade RAF Episkopi, July 1975 (Stuart is 4th from the rear)	112 Squadron disbanding parade RAF Episkopi, July 1975	112 Squadron mural in Station HQ RAF Episkopi 1975

		Special 'cover' and Squadron history to celebrate the presentation of a new Squadron standard on 29th September 1972.

			Mick's father was attached to HQRE NEARELF at Episkopi and he attended Episkopi Primary School at the time that the picture was taken. Also during this period I remember we had a school trip to Paramali to look around the Bloodhound site. Note: This is a 'high vis' white missile. Please refer to Fred Heath's contribution.

			The view from end of Cumberland Road, Biggin Hill looking towards Happy Valley. St Johns School to the left, Paramali in middle distance. If you study the Bondu closely you will see that this photograph was taken after the great Bondu fire of 72'. I often remember gazing across to Paramali from our MQ on the edge of the Biggin Hill Estate to see the outline of the Bloodhounds silhouetted in the distance.