6 also had a cadre existence previously when they converted from Canberras to Phantoms. January to May 1969.
I reckon that accepting the cadre existence as valid then 6 shades it in the historical stakes by virtue of it's date of formation 31 Jan 1914 as to 24's
1 Sept 1915.
However you cut it both have a long and proud service record.
Jeffords definition of a squadron makes depressing reading.
" A squadron is a squadron because the ministry says it is"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The MOD has little interest in sentiment, observe the treatment of some army regiments with histories stretching over several hundred years.