I've have never understood the logic for 617 or 120 Sqns often quoted 'protected' status. I understand they got given their standards before the usual 25 years in recognition of WW2 service, but wasn't this a reward for junior Squadrons to put them on a level with Squadrons that already had a standard, not a higher award to mark these as more important Squadrons.
What am I missing that they did that makes them more significant than many other distinguished Squadrons?