No. 101 Squadron (CI Squadron), currently based at RAF Brize Norton, is the backbone of the Royal Air Force's strategic mobility fleet, operating the Airbus Voyager KC2 and KC3. As the RAF's premier air-to-air refuelling unit, it is vital for extending the range of combat aircraft like the Typhoon and F-35B Lightning, as well as transporting personnel and cargo globally. Formed in 1917, the squadron has a distinguished history of innovation, reflected in its motto Mens agitat molem ("Mind over matter"). During World War II, it played a unique and dangerous role flying Avro Lancasters fitted with top-secret "Airborne Cigar" (ABC) jamming equipment to disrupt German night-fighter communications—a mission that required an eighth crew member and often drew heavy enemy fire. In the Cold War, it maintained the UK’s nuclear deterrent as part of the V-Force, operating the Avro Vulcan B2, including during the famous "Black Buck" raids on the Falkland Islands.
