#1840 Bristol UAS, Tutor print
Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No 1840 - G-BYVA, Tutor, Bristol University AIr Squadron, MOD Boscombe Down.
Bristol University Air Squadron was formed in February 1941 and acted as an Initial Training Wing of an Officer Cadet Training Unit for the remainder of the war, with flying limited to air experience flights in passenger aircraft. The Squadron disbanded in July 1946 but was reformed in November 1950 as a unit of Home Command equipped with four Tiger Moth T2 aircraft. The flying base was established at Filton, where it remained until March 1992, moving temporarily to RAF Hullavington before relocating to RAF Colerne in 1993. The Tiger Moths were soon replaced by Chipmunk T10s, which were flown until January 1975 when the Squadron re-equipped with the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1. The Squadron provides flying instruction for up to 75 students recruited from the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and the University of the West of England. In April 1996, the Squadron expanded further through amalgamation with No. 3 Air Experience Flight, which had also previously operated Chipmunks. The Squadron re-equipped with the Grob Tutor 115E in October 2000 and relocated to MOD Boscombe Down in 2017, where it remains today. The galleon on the Squadron badge is taken from the Arms of Bristol and alludes to the unit’s origins, while the Latin motto Audentior Ito translates as “Forward More Valiantly”. The Squadron maintains close links with No. 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron RAuxAF. In April 2026, Bristol University Air Squadron celebrated its 85th Anniversary and was honoured to receive the prestigious Pooleys Sword, presented by Mr Sebastian Pooley.