Under the best circumstances,assembling all the material and photographs for a typical squadron history is a difficult undertaking. With 15 Squadron's beginings originating in March, 1915, and rarely broken existence since then, the task becomes huge. The coauthors of this remarkable tribute are to be congratulated on producing this outstanding record of a single combat unit.

    Fortunately, the squadron records and photograph collection have survived from its inception, so even the First World War period is described in detail and well covered with photos of the men and machines when it operated in a photo reconnaissance role in France.

    After the Great War, along with most squadrons, it was disbanded, but was one of the few reformed in 1924.  It served as an experimental and test squadron for over ten years before becoming as a day bomber squadron flying the beautiful Hawker Hart biplane as the RAF expanded. While operating the Harts, the squadron adopted the Roman numerals XV as its identification.

    At the outbreak of WW2, the unit went to France flying the Fairey Battle light bomber. Retuming to England in late 1939, the squadron converted to twin engined Blenheims, but quickly switched to Wellingtons as Bomber Command went on the offensive. It was then one of the first units to convert to the Stirling four engined bomber, eventually replacing these with Lancasters. Naturally, the bulk of the book is devoted to this very intense period with many detailed accounts of individual crew experiences.

   When the war ended, XV Squadron re-equipped with the Avro Lincoln, the Lancaster's off-spring, and then became one of the few RAF squadrons to operate the Boeing B-29 in the early 1950s. In 1953, Canberra jet bombers were introduced, served in the Suez campaign in 1956 and remained on strength until the squadron disbanded in April 1957. After a hiatus of )ust over a year, XV Squadron was resurrected as a Victor four-jet bomber squadron in 1958 remaining in service until October 1964 as part of Britain's nuclear deterrent force. Reformed again in October 1970, it was equipped with Buccaneer low level strike aircraft as a part of the RAF's NATO commitment based in Germany. 

    The squadron was converted to Tornado GRIs in 1983 and saw action in the Gulf War. In more recent times, the squadron has been redesignated as a Reserve squadron as part of the Tornado training force.

    Two notable facets of this book are the vast number of photographs of the personnel and the very detailed appendix listing all the individual aircraft to have served with the squadron, a complete Roll of Honor and POWs. A complete listing of honors and awards includes five Victoria Crosses. Many of its members went on to attain senior rank in the RAF. A remarkable tribute to the squadron and its traditions.