55 Sqn, are they still active?

[NutLoose]

The painting thread got me wondering as I have a superb original watercolour of their aircraft from WW1 in Iraq..

According to that font of all knowledge, The RAF website, they are still active at Cranwell operating the Dominies that retired in 2011

See
RAF - 55 Squadron (http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/55squadron.cfm)


As for the picture

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff321/taylortony/picturedh4.jpg

[Pontius Navigator]

"You stupid boy Pike, looking at the official website."

Look here:

No. 55 Squadron RAF - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._55_Squadron_RAF)

And who sneers at Wiki?

The answer is no.

[NutLoose]

Thanks, probably a cunning plan by the RAF to bolster their Sqn count. :)

[ExAscoteer]

"You stupid boy Pike, looking at the Wikipedia."

I see that Wikipedia is quoting the oft repeated myth that 55(R) reformed at Cranwell on 1 Nov 1996.

No it bloody didn't, I was there.

We transformed Dominie Sqn 3 FTS into 55(R)Sqn in the middle of Oct 1996 - it says so in my Logbook.

However, we didn't receive the Sqn Standard until 6 Jun 1997.

[NutLoose]

No you didn't, you formed in November, it must be true because the Wiki site has used the RAF as their reference :p though reallocated I suppose isn't the same as reformed, and that is where the mix up on dates has probably occurred.

No 55 was disbanded, its numberplate briefly transferring to the VC10 OCU before being re-allocated to the Dominies of No 3 FTS, Cranwell in November 1996

And you're still active on Dominies lol.

RAF - 55 Squadron (http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/55squadron.cfm)

So it must be true :E


..

[Pontius Navigator]

ExAscot, it was either 1 Nov 1996 or mid-Oct 1996. May I suggest that it is your call.

You have the evidence so go on to Wiki and change it. I have edited a number of entries where the wording was clumsy or facts inaccurate.

[camelspyyder]

Following the Dominie retirement in Jan 11, 55(R) Sqn was amalgamated into 45(R) Sqn at Cranwell in Autumn that year on the grounds of No Aircraft, No Sqn Number plate.

As an aside, the last complete Dominie at RAFC was last weekend moved to a display plinth alongside Cranwell Avenue opposite the JP. Thanks to the TA Engineers for completing the aircraft move.

It is anticipated that there will be an official unveiling of this new Gate Guardian in the near future...ex 55 mates should watch this space...

[ExAscoteer]

Camelspyyder, which 'frame is it?

Pontius, I would if I knew how!

[camelspyyder]

I will have to check on Monday, my log book is over at work.

tail code letter is D, probably pics with the serial on airliners or airbritain.

just googled it XS727.

[camelspyyder]

I remember that day quite well, whilst guarding the newly presented standard in the rotunda, I almost stuck my bayonet through the portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh:)

[bill fly]

Check out 55assoc.com

[BEagle]

Yes, unfortunately 241 OCU became 'No. 55(R) squadron, the VC10 OCU' in October 1993. But not for that long, because in July 1994 we became part of No. 101 Sqn, losing our independence. That person who was OC 101 at the time really hated the term 'Tanker Training Flight' and tried to run his OCU instructors as if he was in charge of a BFTS, but the moment he left a couple of years later, up went our 'VC10 Training Flight' insignia!

Old age and treachery once again proving superior!

[lsh]

Very nice picture.
DH9A.
Post war probably, as 55 Sqn were bombing Germany late WW1.

lsh
:E