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Squadron FormationThe Unit was formed as Nottingham University Air Squadron on 26th February 1941 and during the war years was actively engaged in pre-entry training of students for the Royal Air Force.
The Squadron Badge was granted by HRH King George VI in February 1947. It emphasizes the association with Nottingham and thereby Robin Hood. The "Quiver Full of Arrows" is not only symbolic of Nottingham but "Strength in Reserve" of the Squadron motto.
The Squadron had only one Tiger Moth for air experience flying until early 1946, nevertheless during the war some 216 members entered the Royal Air Force as Aircrew, 19 the Fleet Air Arm and 15 the Technical Branch.
Squadron ExpansionIn 1947, when the Royal Air Force Reserve was re-introduced, the Squadron was eventually equipped with five Tiger Moth aircraft but these were replaced by Chipmunks in June 1951.
During the late 1940's the squadron flew 2 Oxford aircraft for a short time, and between October 1952 and April 1957 a Harvard was also used. Throughout most of its sixty year history the Squadron was associated with RAF Newton who assumed parenting responsibilities on 16 July 1941. In November 1967 the Squadron officially became East Midlands Universities Air Squadron in recognition of the support and recruitment of cadets from the Universities of Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham. This was later expanded to include students from the then Nottingham and Leicester Polytechnics.
In 1974, after almost 30 years of service, the Chipmunks were replaced by five Scottish Aviation Bulldogs.
EMUAS TodayIn November 2000 RAF Newton closed as a flying station and EMUAS had to say goodbye to their much loved grass airfield, this also saw the end of EMUAS flying the Bulldog, which was soon to have been replaced by the Tutor anyway.
EMUAS had to find a new home. The Squadron is now based at RAFC Cranwell where it operates the Grob Tutor along side Central Flying School (CFS) and use York House officers mess for accommodation.