Formed on 1st August 1941 at Old Sarum, Royal Air Force 651 Squadron operated during the Second World War in the Air Observation role throughout North Africa, Italy and Egypt.

After the Army Air Corps was formed 651 Squadron was transferred from the RAF to the AAC.

To introduce the Apache into AAC service, 651 Squadron became the “Fielding Squadron”, based at Middle Wallop.

After the Apache was operational with the front-line Squadrons, 651 Sqn stood down, eventually becoming the operating unit of the B-N Islanders and Defenders at Aldergrove.