The longest running Sqn disbands

[DamienB]

The Squadron marched on...

A flypast was performed over the parade as the General Salute was taken...

The Squadron standard was handed over for safe keeping until they are reformed as a Typhoon unit in a couple of years...

And with typical panache the airborne Jags returned for a vixen break while the Squadron marched off.

A final flypast with aircraft representing 6 Squadron's past, present and future...

And here's that nose art... and the Jags breaking to land!

 

[Albert Park]

Yes No 1 Sqn were the first RFC Sqn (though 2 Sqn were the first to be solely equipped with heavier than air aircraft).

Off TopicWhy does 3 Sqn have the motto 'Tertius Primus Erit'? The third shall be the first.

I was always led to believe this was due to 1 & 2 having balloons and the Fighting Third were the first equipped with aircraft.

 

[MontyPlumbs]

I think there are bigger things to get worked up about than a Sqn number being disbanded. The spirit of the men lives on in other places, what difference does it make to the number?

The boys (and girls) of the armed forces are being shafted for all the wrong reasons, and some cry foul over a sqn disbandment. Get some perspective, please


DT_Xtremez_26:

Loss of squadron and unit identity is one of the reasons everything is going down the pan. Its called Esprit De Corps mate.

 

[MAINJAFAD]

Off TopicWhy does 3 Sqn have the motto 'Tertius Primus Erit'? The third shall be the first.

I was always led to believe this was due to 1 & 2 having balloons and the Fighting Third were the first equipped with aircraft.

2 Sqn was formed as a fixed wing aircraft unit and never operated balloons or airships. (1 Sqn was the unit with the Balloons and Airships). 3 Sqn was formed on the same day as the other two squadrons and the ‘The third shall be first', motto refers to the fact that 3 Sqn were the first RFC squadron to get an airworthy aircraft and get it airborne.

 

[Mighty_Wokka]

I think there are bigger things to get worked up about than a Sqn number being disbanded. The spirit of the men lives on in other places, what difference does it make to the number?

The boys (and girls) of the armed forces are being shafted for all the wrong reasons, and some cry foul over a sqn disbandment. Get some perspective, please

No you get some perspective, its things like this that take us further away from being the Royal Air Force and closer to being the next budget airline.

 

[MAINJAFAD]

That is probably the best tinopener ever to be painted on a 6 Sqn aircraft, sure beat’s the last nose art to go on that aircraft.

 

[mad_collie]

Mods

Warfare history now!!!

Your wish is my command.

 

[Seymour Tw@tt]

No you get some perspective, its things like this that take us further away from being the Royal Air Force and closer to being the next budget airline.

Oh get f*cking real. You honestly believe that the top brass, politicians and the powers-that-be give a monkey's f*ck about 'esprit de corps'? You're living in the 1940s, mate. All they want is @rses on seats, boots on the ground and hands on guns. They aren't bothered what number squadron is what. You could be number 999 sqn for all they care, as long as the job is done.

Still, if you're sucker enough for all that bollox, crack on. Easily pacified from where I'm standing...

DT_Xtremez_32:

 

[Mighty_Wokka]

Oh get f*cking real. You honestly believe that the top brass, politicians and the powers-that-be give a monkey's f*ck about 'esprit de corps'? You're living in the 1940s, mate. All they want is @rses on seats, boots on the ground and hands on guns. They aren't bothered what number squadron is what. You could be number 999 sqn for all they care, as long as the job is done.

no i dont, which is my point..thanks for agreeing with me

 

[maxvon]

Heard that the new Merlin Sqn will be made up of Aircrew only and that the "cabs" will be part of a line Sqn- another kick in the teeth to grouncrew "you dont need to fly to join the RAF", but you'll get treated like dirt if you dont!!!!!! ggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[Tin basher]

Question for those that know. Now that 6 Sqadron has sadly been disbanded which squadron now has the honour of being the longest in continuous unbroken service?

 

[I Look Like Kevin Costner]

That is probably the best tinopener ever to be painted on a 6 Sqn aircraft, sure beat’s the last nose art to go on that aircraft.

And thanks to Mik R (ex 54) who painted it and Damien B for showing it up on the Goat.

Sqn had a HAS bash last night and around £2000 estimated (could be more!) was pledged or raised for Nick. A couple of guys are doing the Conz 10K run next week have been sponsered to £1200 of this. I will be putting details on Nicks thread + another possible fundraising event later..

 

[Mighty_Wokka]

Heard that the new Merlin Sqn will be made up of Aircrew only and that the "cabs" will be part of a line Sqn- another kick in the teeth to grouncrew "you dont need to fly to join the RAF", but you'll get treated like dirt if you dont!!!!!! ggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

we set the blueprint for that with ExCES....clears throat, EXpeditionary Chinook Engineering Squadron (no badge, no history) which is the combination of 18 + 27 Sqn engineers.

 

[Mighty_Wokka]

And thanks to Mik R (ex 54)

The same Mik that did a stint on 6 before, fairy? did lots of sqn wall paintings in gioia, split etc? excellent work DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[MAINJAFAD]

Question for those that know. Now that 6 Sqadron has sadly been disbanded which squadron now has the honour of being the longest in continuous unbroken service?

It’s the Crusaders I do believe (14 Sqn), though I've not got the book to check up on that fact at the minute.

 

[HeWitch]

future..

future..

Heard the reformed sqn will be joining the happy people at Leuchars, but if so, I'm wondering where they'll get put.
Depressing that the powers that be wouldn't keep the sqn going, once done, can't be undone.
The squadrons up here (ISL) are all supposed to be part of the 140 EAW, without individual badges, but I can't see any sign of them loosing their respective identities, and nor would I want to.

 

[cockneyrock]

Question for those that know. Now that 6 Sqadron has sadly been disbanded which squadron now has the honour of being the longest in continuous unbroken service?

Don't know whether it is the oldest serving Sqn, however, 2 Sqn RAF Regt celebrated its 85th Anniversary of continuous Service on 22 April this year.

 

[pueblos]

It’s the Crusaders I do believe (14 Sqn), though I've not got the book to check up on that fact at the minute.

Disbanded 4 Feb 1919
111 Sqn rebadged as 14 Sqn, 1 Feb 1920, Ramalah Palestine

21 September 1943 flew last mission as marauder unit in Egypt
24 October 1944 reformed as ASW Sqn

1 June 1945 disbanded at Chivenor
143 Sqn rebadged 1 Jun 1945 at Banff Scotland

31 March 1946 disbanded
128 Sqn rebadged 31 March 1946 Wahn, Germany

17 December 1962 disbanded
88 Sqn rebadged Wildenrath

30 June 1970 disbanded and reformed on same day from 14 (designate) Sqn, Bruggan

Serious question time…
I know some of you are very keen on your history, but if a Sqn has this sort of history can it be classed as continuous service??

To me the fact that no operations were undertaken between Sep1943/Oct 1944 equals no as the answer…

 

[Albert Park]

Don't know whether it is the oldest serving Sqn, however, 2 Sqn RAF Regt celebrated its 85th Anniversary of continuous Service on 22 April this year.

Don't you mean 65 years?

1st Feb, 1942, when the Royal Air Force Regiment was formed. Unless you know something different.

 

[MAINJAFAD]

Disbanded 4 Feb 1919
111 Sqn rebadged as 14 Sqn, 1 Feb 1920, Ramalah Palestine

21 September 1943 flew last mission as marauder unit in Egypt
24 October 1944 reformed as ASW Sqn

1 June 1945 disbanded at Chivenor
143 Sqn rebadged 1 Jun 1945 at Banff Scotland

31 March 1946 disbanded
128 Sqn rebadged 31 March 1946 Wahn, Germany

17 December 1962 disbanded
88 Sqn rebadged Wildenrath

30 June 1970 disbanded and reformed on same day from 14 (designate) Sqn, Bruggan

Serious question time…
I know some of you are very keen on your history, but if a Sqn has this sort of history can it be classed as continuous service??

To me the fact that no operations were undertaken between Sep1943/Oct 1944 equals no as the answer…

I would say not, however a lot of squadrons continuous service records are based on the fact that their nameplate was transferred to another unit, it was common throughout the late 1940's ,50's and early 60's . As for 14 Sqn it states that the squadron ceased operations in 43/44, it doesn't state that they disbanded (The source of your information (Air of Authority web site) is taken from the book that I was talking about).