No. 651 Squadron AAC

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No. 651 Squadron AAC is a British Army aircraft squadron and part of 1 Regiment AAC. It began life as No. 651 Squadron RAF in 1941 and was formed in Italy and North Africa during World War II, later operating from Egypt. The squadron was one of a group of air observation post units where Army and RAF personnel worked together to support artillery spotting and communication.

During World War II, 651 Squadron went into action in November 1942 as part of Operation Torch, and then served across North Africa, Italy and Egypt, operating mainly for artillery observation. In 1955, No. 657 Squadron RAF was renumbered to 651 Squadron at RAF Middle Wallop, which added Sycamore helicopters to its Austers. On 1 September 1957, the squadron transferred from the RAF to the British Army, becoming No. 651 Squadron AAC.

In April 2019, 651 Squadron and its aircraft, the Britten-Norman Defender and BN-2 Islander, were temporarily reassigned to the RAF as part of ISTAR Force in No. 1 Group at RAF Waddington. The aircraft were retired from service on 30 June 2021. On 1 August 2021, 651 Squadron returned to the Army as part of 1 Regiment AAC.

Key facts
- Roles: Air observation posts for artillery spotting and liaison; later artillery support and ISTAR duties during its RAF period.
- Aircraft used: Austers (original), Sycamore helicopters, Defender and Islander (2019–2021).
- Motto: Dirige (Latin for “Direct”).
- Insignia: Seashell fired; squadron badge shown.
- Codes used (1944–45): MA (HQ Flight), MB (A Flight), MC (B Flight), MD (C Flight).