XXV - the RAF's most senior squadron
TZ - ignoring a couple of obvious banter-based responses.... 617 (and 120) were awarded their standards before they'd completed the 25-year qualifying period as recognition of their service in WW2. This has been taken as giving the two units a status in the RAF that trumps seniority.
When the V-Force was to be reduced in the light of the RN taking on the deterrent, one squadron was to go at Scampton. The documentation from the time is absolutely clear on why 617 survived and 83 squadron went - the early award of the standard saved 617. I assume that this may also have applied when the Tornado GR 1s went to Lossie with 27 renumbering as 12 Sqn, past precedent would have suggested that the other Tornado unit should have renumbered as 208 (so long as it was junior to that numberplate), but as it was 617, it was 208 that went.
Time to award myself the
smiley (not for the first time), I fear...
When the V-Force was to be reduced in the light of the RN taking on the deterrent, one squadron was to go at Scampton. The documentation from the time is absolutely clear on why 617 survived and 83 squadron went - the early award of the standard saved 617. I assume that this may also have applied when the Tornado GR 1s went to Lossie with 27 renumbering as 12 Sqn, past precedent would have suggested that the other Tornado unit should have renumbered as 208 (so long as it was junior to that numberplate), but as it was 617, it was 208 that went.
Time to award myself the
smiley (not for the first time), I fear...
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617 Sqn
Given that all the Sqns currently extant in the Air Force (bar 617) were in existence on 1 Apr 1918 - why are 617 apparently considered special?
For example, it is likely, but not certain, that Joe Public's answer to the question "name an RAF Sqn" would probably be either the Red Arrows or the Dambusters. Imagine the tabloid furore if either were to be disbanded, compared to the likely wave of apathy that might greet the news that 'Heroes of 21 (I know, I'm just illustrating the point without offending anyone!) Sqn face chop by heartless MOD Top Brass'.
And before you ask, I have served on neither of the above.
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So can someone just clarify which are the most senior sqns in the RAF in terms of:
1. Time active since 1 Apr 1918
2. Time active flying aircraft since 1 Apr 1918 (Bloodhounds don't count!!)
1. Time active since 1 Apr 1918
2. Time active flying aircraft since 1 Apr 1918 (Bloodhounds don't count!!)
This is without checking, but I think the answer to both is 24 Squadron. As far as I am aware, it has unbroken continuous service since 1918, unless you count the minute between the disbandment of the original 24 Sqn in 1920 and the formation of the new 24 Sqn the same day. The only Bloodhound associated with that squadron is going to have been of the canine variety.
(If you're wondering about the minute, the form is normally that a unit officially disbands at 23:59:59 and reforms at its new location at 00:01:00 the next day.
(If you're wondering about the minute, the form is normally that a unit officially disbands at 23:59:59 and reforms at its new location at 00:01:00 the next day.
