The V-bomber era
57 Squadron re-formed again on 1 January 1959 at RAF Honington. Equipped with Victor B Mk 1 and B Mk 1A’s it operated in the strategic bomber role as part of the RAF’s V-bomber airborne nuclear deterrent force. December 1965 saw the Squadron on the move again, this time to RAF Marham, which was to be 57 Squadron’s home for the next 21 years. The move to RAF Marham coincided with a change of role for 57 Squadron, continuing to operate the Victor in the air-to-air refueling role. On 30 June 1986, four years after making a vital contribution during the Falklands Conflict, 57 Squadron disbanded again as the RAF’s Victor force was reduced in size.
When No. 57 Squadron reformed on 1 January 1959 it was under the command of Wing Commander KCM Giddings OBE DFC operating Handley Page Victors. Wing Commander DG Bailey took command in May 1960 and was succeeded by Wing Commander JR Mason in June 1962 .
Command passed to Wing Cdr RDA Smith DFC in July 1964, Wing Cdr HD Hall in Jan 1966 and Wing Cdr GCD Goodyer MVO in May 1968.
Wing Commander HTC Farmer took command in April 1970 and was succeeded by Wing Cdr TJ Newman in June 1972,
(thanks to Michael Turner)
Wing Commander MA Sutherland MBE took command in May 1974, Wing Cdr JSB price in June 1976 and Wing Cdr RC Betts BA in July 1977.
The last three CO’s during this era were Wing Commander RG Curry from Feb 1980, Wing Cdr AM Bowman MBE from Dec 1981 through the Falklands Conflict of 1982
(Artwork available from Cranston Fine Arts)
and finally Wing Commander D Hayward from January 1984.
Refuelling
The squadron was disbanded on 30 June 1986.
No. 57 Squadron 