Disbanding Sqns Part 2
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Disbanding Sqns Part 2
A long time ago I asked a question about how Sqns were chosen for the chop. It's HERE if you're interested.
Today I saw an IBN detailing the removal of the (R) from Sqn numbers (and other bracketed qualifiers) and amongst other things I'm sure it said that the removal would be backdated to allow seniority to be accrued.
Is this a sneaky plot to recover a favorite number plate by a senior officer or a way of making it look like there are more active Sqns?
Today I saw an IBN detailing the removal of the (R) from Sqn numbers (and other bracketed qualifiers) and amongst other things I'm sure it said that the removal would be backdated to allow seniority to be accrued.
Is this a sneaky plot to recover a favorite number plate by a senior officer or a way of making it look like there are more active Sqns?
Originally Posted by insty66
Today I saw an IBN detailing the removal of the (R) from Sqn numbers...
...(and other bracketed qualifiers)
I'm sure it said that the removal would be backdated to allow seniority to be accrued.
Is this a sneaky plot to recover a favorite number plate by a senior officer or a way of making it look like there are more active Sqns?
Last edited by Easy Street; 5th Apr 2018 at 07:45.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Over the years there have been attempts to remove the bracketed suffixes but stiffly resisted at the coal face. To mind springs 1(F), II(AC), 12(B)*, 35(Madras Presidency), 44(Rhodesia)**
* One OC 12, with centralised servicing and the loss of B Flt wanted to drop the B. Once it was explained he demanded the return of the Garland and Grey portraits from 1Gp.
** This of course at the time of UDI.
* One OC 12, with centralised servicing and the loss of B Flt wanted to drop the B. Once it was explained he demanded the return of the Garland and Grey portraits from 1Gp.
** This of course at the time of UDI.
And how quicky No 5 started using the (AC) qualifier again after moving from the AD role
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Being cynical about it, isn't this a way of making it look like the RAF is bigger than it is. Lots of number plates, but not much on the frontline.
Partially, but it's also a way of ensuring the most senior numberplates are maintained.
One way it may do that is to prevent some of the more 'left field' allocation of 'Reserve' numbers (e.g. 76) , which were never subject to the seniority rules in the same way that applied to 'operational' squadrons.
One way it may do that is to prevent some of the more 'left field' allocation of 'Reserve' numbers (e.g. 76) , which were never subject to the seniority rules in the same way that applied to 'operational' squadrons.
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I have sometimes wondered why we don't go the Royal Artillery-ish route (where tradition is more with Battery than with Regiment), and maintain numbers and tradition at present flight rather than Sqn level. We already have the "Force" concept and "Force Commanders", so why not extend the concept downwards.
So a 2 flight FJ Sqn would maintain 2 numbers, and a 3 flight Sqn would maintain 3. We'd have to invent names for Wings (old sqns), but we did that quite happily (sic) with Expeditionary Air Wings.
And of course, sqns would once again be commanded by Sqn Ldrs .........
So a 2 flight FJ Sqn would maintain 2 numbers, and a 3 flight Sqn would maintain 3. We'd have to invent names for Wings (old sqns), but we did that quite happily (sic) with Expeditionary Air Wings.
And of course, sqns would once again be commanded by Sqn Ldrs .........
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It was a quick reading and then scooped from memory several hours later.
Glad they're not messing with the current list though but will IX(B) and 31 suffer in the long term?
Glad they're not messing with the current list though but will IX(B) and 31 suffer in the long term?
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The cynical amongst us always wondered why Volunteer Gliding Schools became Volunteer Gliding Squadrons.. well, I suppose it kept a scribbly or two in a job for a while, changing all the paperwork, names etc, instead of the money going to where it was actually needed
Indeed.
The cynical amongst us always wondered why Volunteer Gliding Schools became Volunteer Gliding Squadrons.. well, I suppose it kept a scribbly or two in a job for a while, changing all the paperwork, names etc, instead of the money going to where it was actually needed
The cynical amongst us always wondered why Volunteer Gliding Schools became Volunteer Gliding Squadrons.. well, I suppose it kept a scribbly or two in a job for a while, changing all the paperwork, names etc, instead of the money going to where it was actually needed
Maybe someone will rename the Flights, and 1435 Squadron will return!
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TTH, indeed, the UKAEW Force managed 2 Sqns and 7 aircraft.
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Give this topic, I've randomly come across this FOI request which may be of interest - or rather the inability to answer.