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Maidstone Squadron can trace its origins back to 1938. In September 1939, it was based at RAF Detling, servicing and flying aircraft. By 1941, a second Squadron was formed (1049), which paraded for the first time in March 1941. Due to decreasing numbers after the war, 1049 was disbanded and merged with 40F in April 1945.
Cadets from 40F mainly joined No 741 Squadron RAF, but the Squadron formed close links with 500 (County of Kent) Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
The Squadron has been involved in establishing several detached flights in the area, these being Borough Green, Clare Park, Headcorn, Snodland, Staplehurst and Wrotham. All but two have been disbanded, these being Ditton (formerly Clare Park) and Headcorn.
The Squadron Band performed in both VE and VJ celebration parades, and was one of the first to take part in the Royal Tournament in 1947. Members of the band have been involved with the Wing Band over the years, including ceremonies as St Clement Danes, and in 1977, the band’s trumpeters performed at the Royal Air Force Club in London during the Queen’s Jubilee year.
The Squadron also forged close links with HMS Sirius, a Leander Exocet class frigate bearing the number 40F, and cadets from the Squadron paid several visits, including the last voyage of the ship in 1993.
The Squadron has moved location several times. It began at Astley House, Maidstone where it shared headquarters with 500 Aux Air Force. In 1969, it moved to Courtney Road, Tovil and then again in 1972 to “Maryland” Vinters Road, Maidstone. On the 15th May 1982, the Squadron was officially opened when it moved to Sandling Lane, Maidstone. Even the location saw change as the entrance moved from Chatham Road to Sandling Road in 1991.
In May 2001, the history of the Squadron changed again when it moved to the current location at Boxley Road, Maidstone where it had it’s official opening on 22nd September 2002.