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Originally formed before the creation of the Royal Air Force as No 1 Naval Air Squadron in 1914 in Calshot near Shouthampton (it is now based in Kinloss in Scotland), the squadron saw active service throughout the First World World.

With the formation of the Royal Air Force from the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 April 1918 the squadron became No 201 Squadron Royal Air Force.

During the First World War the squadron received several commendations one of the most notable being for Flight Sub-Lieutenant RAJ Warneford who single handedly brought down a German airship over Belgium before being forced to crash land his plane in enemy territory, make repairs and take to the air again to return to a more friendly location.

He was instantly rewarded a Victoria Cross.

The squadron flew Sopwith Camels in World War One

The squadron was disbanded along with many others at the end of 1919 but was reformed ten years later and was in service until 1957 taking part in many operations including D-Day and the Berlin Airlift.

1958 saw the squadron reformed again and by the early 1970s it was equipped with the Nimrods we now recognise as being a symbol of the squadron. The squadron's Nimrods have seen service all over the world including the Gulf, the Balkans and Afghanistan.

Guernsey's association with 201 Squadron began in May 1939 when Guernsey Airport was officially opened and Sir Kingsley Wood announced that the squadron would be linked to the island as part of the Municipal Liason Scheme.

One of 201 Squadron's Nimrods

Now the link between 201 Squadron and Guernsey is thought to be the only link under the scheme remaining.

Since the Second World War the affiliation between the 201 (Guernsey's Own) Squadron and the island has deepened. In 1985 a special service was held at the Town Church and the squadron's first standard was laid up in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor at the time Air Chief Marshall Sir Peter Le Cheminant.

Whenever possible the squadron sends a detachment to Guernsey for the Liberation Day celebrations and for Battle of Britain week. A reception is hosted by the Squadron's Commanding Officer at Castle Cornet at that time and during the annual air show a Nimrod performs a fly past when one is available.

Sergeant Ward and Wing Commander Tucker

Wing Commander Martin Tucker, who visited the island for Battle of Britain Week 2009, described the link between the squadron and Guernsey as a "coming together of activities with the squadron supporting Guernsey and Guernsey supporting the squadron."

He added, "Guernsey gets a lot of visibility worldwide... we have 'Guersney's Own' on our badges and its a real talking point," when the squadron are deployed overseas.

Sergeant Matt Ward also said that all the squadron's flight suits have a Guernsey flag on the shoulder as well which adds to the visible link.