Linton-on-Ouse Sqn Re-Numbering
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Linton-on-Ouse Sqn Re-Numbering
Whilst being the first one to applaud the resurrection of Sqn Nameplates, why has Linton (which after all is the Basic Fast Jet Training School) been given the nameplates and Nos from 72 and 207 Sqns? Both Sqns have illustrious histories and been fighter or bomber quadrons for many years in their history---but not recently and certainly not fast jet.
Surely it would have been more appropriate to give the squadrons nameplates of recent fighter outfits; I know there are precedents and rules covering such things but I submit it would have been better to keep the numbers of recent fighter squadrons going than to allocate non-current fast jet nameplates to Linton
Surely it would have been more appropriate to give the squadrons nameplates of recent fighter outfits; I know there are precedents and rules covering such things but I submit it would have been better to keep the numbers of recent fighter squadrons going than to allocate non-current fast jet nameplates to Linton
Personally I deplore the idea of giving Learning Command BFTS training squadrons 'real' sqn numbers. What's wrong with 1 and 2 sqn, ?FTS.....
Brawdy used to have 234, 63 and 79 - but they were sqns which could be called upon to fire 4x30mm Aden cannon or drop 1000lb bombs in anger. Not something a BFTS Tucano could ever do!!
Brawdy used to have 234, 63 and 79 - but they were sqns which could be called upon to fire 4x30mm Aden cannon or drop 1000lb bombs in anger. Not something a BFTS Tucano could ever do!!
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I have always suspected that which Sqn number gets preserved depends on who on the Air Force Board and used to command which Sqn. The current CinC STC is an ex-OC 72. Je reste ma valise.
If it cheers up any FJ mates, I think it is deplorable that when 240 OCU got a number plate as the third Chinook Sqn, it got 27 (famous for Tornados and Vulcans) when both 26 and 66 (famous for tandem rotor exploits with the mighty Belvedere) were both available!
If it cheers up any FJ mates, I think it is deplorable that when 240 OCU got a number plate as the third Chinook Sqn, it got 27 (famous for Tornados and Vulcans) when both 26 and 66 (famous for tandem rotor exploits with the mighty Belvedere) were both available!
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72 Sqn has a very proud heritage as a fighter Sqn, having been such in WWI and WWII, it only became a rotary Sqn in the 60's, and has distinguished itself ever since in that role (a lot more than can be said for 230 Sqn Tiger W****rs).
I for one as an ex member of 72 would rather see it's plate in use at Linton, than consigned to gather dust at Cranditz until someone remembers it's history. Better that it is out there to remind all of it's heritage, Pointy and Rotary!!!
A very proud 72 Sqn Rotary mate.
I for one as an ex member of 72 would rather see it's plate in use at Linton, than consigned to gather dust at Cranditz until someone remembers it's history. Better that it is out there to remind all of it's heritage, Pointy and Rotary!!!
A very proud 72 Sqn Rotary mate.
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Thanks for that Rota - it would seem, then that 92 would be the perfect brand to give the training outfit.
Can't agree with Beags at all - first of all, having a Fighter Squadron Standard at a flying unit it far preferable than having it in storage
Secondly, what better way to encourage the youngsters coming through the hard work of the training system, by giving them acccess to some real history and tradition and give them a taste of what they are getting into?
One day I sat and read through some of the F540 for 92 from 1940, mentioning guys like Stanford Tuck and can be quite inspiring, I can tell you
History and tradition are very important elements to instil in our future aviators. What better way to do it than letting them be part of it at an early stage in their careers?
Can't agree with Beags at all - first of all, having a Fighter Squadron Standard at a flying unit it far preferable than having it in storage
Secondly, what better way to encourage the youngsters coming through the hard work of the training system, by giving them acccess to some real history and tradition and give them a taste of what they are getting into?
One day I sat and read through some of the F540 for 92 from 1940, mentioning guys like Stanford Tuck and can be quite inspiring, I can tell you
History and tradition are very important elements to instil in our future aviators. What better way to do it than letting them be part of it at an early stage in their careers?
Because it is an utter sham and debases the illustrious history of such real squadrons. There is no way that the sqns in question could ever have an armed war role with their Tucanos; they are basic training organisations and should remain with basic training squadron nomenclature.
Bigley, appreciate your loyalty to 72 but to describe Vampires, Meteors and Javelins as fast jets is stretching things a bit; after all, the generic term Fast Jet hadn't even been invented then!!!
BEagle, you are off the plot on this, far better to have Sqn Nameplates out and flying in any role rather than be hidden away. As stated previosly, inculcate Sqn ethos into the studes as early as possible; this is a good way to begin.
BEagle, you are off the plot on this, far better to have Sqn Nameplates out and flying in any role rather than be hidden away. As stated previosly, inculcate Sqn ethos into the studes as early as possible; this is a good way to begin.
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I for one, believe that it is an excellent choice to give one of the Tincan Sqns the 72 Sqn number plate. The swallow (sorry I mean swift) traditions will be continued with pride; low average pilots, always lost, rarely TOT, can't do anything useful..........
I just hope that the Linton Tiger flt is on the new 72 Swift(ish) Sqn, it'll be just like the Emerald Toilet all over again!!
I just hope that the Linton Tiger flt is on the new 72 Swift(ish) Sqn, it'll be just like the Emerald Toilet all over again!!
Beags has a point - and the Air Staff have agreed with him for the last forty years at least. In the renumbering exercises post Duncan Sandys, the question of whether to give trg units which were unlikley to fire or drop things was debated and then rejected - partly because the membership of the squadron would be open to change.
On t'other hand, given that the Air Staff have also been attempting to preserve as many squadron numbers as possible, I can see why they've done this - it does at least keep the plate alive.
Interesting that 207 has been chosen - it seems that there have been several attempts to get the plate back in use somehow since the end of the Beagle Bassett days.
On t'other hand, given that the Air Staff have also been attempting to preserve as many squadron numbers as possible, I can see why they've done this - it does at least keep the plate alive.
Interesting that 207 has been chosen - it seems that there have been several attempts to get the plate back in use somehow since the end of the Beagle Bassett days.
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sqn numbers
the raf cant use the rcaf sqn numbers for a very simple reason, those sqns are still going strong in canada! 207 sqn didnt finish with the end of the bassett, it disbanded in 1984 with the end of the devon. and on the subject of sqn numbers 75 sqn rnzaf was recently disbanded. this sqn started as 75 sqn raf, during wwii it was manned mostly by kiwis and the numberplate was transfered to the rnzaf because of this. as far as im aware the only rnzaf vc was won by a member of this sqn. if the kiwi government is not going to reform this sqn why doesnt the raf?
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Fair point Audax, although I don't think the Javelin was quite that fast! Had a Sqn boss once who had flown them in the FEAF - from his happy hour yarns sounds like they had quite a ball out there.
Beagle is still going strong at QinetiQ - one of their newer types!
Beagle is still going strong at QinetiQ - one of their newer types!