Archimedes,

The problem is that the 'system' isn't uniformly applied.

If 617 and 120 were special cases, then so too should 19 and 92 have been (especially 92, as the most successful RAF fighter unit in WWII), and I really shouldn't have to explain why 43, 56, 74, and 111 deserve to be saved.

I'm aware of the histories of 3, 11, 6 and 1, but they're not in the same league.

Not absolutely uniformly, but there is consistency there by and large.

For 19 and 92, you'd have to ask George VI and those who advised him why the same criteria weren't applied as for 617 and 120.

Actually, for 19, you wouldn't, since they fall victim to the simple fact that by the time these decisions were made, they had the 25 years accumulated service to get their standard, so couldn't be awarded it early...

Anyway, this is about 1(F), and it's difficult to dispute the choice of that numberplate.

If it wasn't for 'hearts and minds' it could be argued that numbering our remaining 'real' sqns from 1 upwards would make the general public realised that we have been skinned to the bone. If we did what number would the last sqn be I wonder?
Of course it's easy for me to say being 1 (f) for many a year...................... although 45 sqn (Hunters) will always have a special place (1st cut is the deepest and all that)

Just one minor correction - Shifty Fix is still going as the ISTAR OEU...:ok:

LJ

Slow Progress
 

"Number 1 (Fighter) Squadron will reform officially at the RAF Leuchars Jubilee Airshow on 15 September becoming the fourth front line squadron to operate the multi-role FGR4 Typhoon." - RAF press release.

Is this a record for the slowest introduction of a type into service?

Well, the Bucc would take some beating (first (RAF) squadron: 12 Sqn in 1969, last: 216 in 1979) but it looks like the Typhoon might just beat it...

JN, 6 Squadron's battle honours include a few more that what are on its Standard and as well as its Tin Opener and Hurri rocket exploits, did quite a bit of air control over a certain middle eastern country pre WW II, where quite a few DSO's and DFC's were awarded, but you wouldn't see that in many histories published. This was at the time some of your favourites were doing Hendon airshows as their main occupation.

It was always planned to be the third Tiffy unit and should have seamed from the Jaguar unit like the other changes from 1969.. But we all know what happened.:(

A lot of numberplates are deserving, but not enough aircraft fleets/ aircraft / people / money nowadays..

I happen to be a big fan of sh*tty six, Mr Ratman, and am well aware of its pedigree. Of the current Typhoon units it's the only one I wouldn't renumber. But 1, 3, and especially 11 have always seemed less 'worthy' than the classic Battle of Britain and post War Fighter Command fighter squadrons, especially 92 and 74 (Malan's old outfit) as well as 43, 54, 56, and 111.

Never fear. No. 1 Squadron has served consistently and honorably since December 1921... :D:D:D

RAF Regiment, of course... :E

Shouldn't that be No 1 Armoured Car Company RAF for its first 21 years AA:=

AA makes a valid point (MAINJAFAD - lets not get bogged down in the semantics! ;)).

I think I'm right in saying that the RAF Regt is the only regular infantry formation to have been on active service, each year, somewhere, every year, since WW2 (didn't the Royal Marines take 1967 off?). And before anyone has a go at the Regt, I can't be done with willy waving these days, I think the Short Range Desert Group tag is absolutely hilarious and if I ever get my hands on the Mover who stole my issue penknife..

As a 1(F) old boy, this is good news. How many served on both 1 Sqns, I wonder? I can think of two others (I know, too much time etc).

bet they won't beat the 1(F) Harrier Squadron record of the shortest peace time Squadron detachment of one night (Madrid 1991 or 2, I believe).. "Who did it??" "I'm Spartacus!" "I'm Spartacus!":E

bet they won't beat the 1(F) Harrier Squadron record of the shortest peace time Squadron detachment of one night (Madrid 1991 or 2, I believe).. "Who did it??" "I'm Spartacus!" "I'm Spartacus!"http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...ilies/evil.gif

I was there, we never even got to breakfast................. and yes I'm Spartacus;)

That rings a bell. Remind me again.. :hmm:

I'm annoraky enough to have the depressing answer to that; 29!

Does that include all the reserve squadrons?? That would be scary!:(

I think you will find it was Albecete. Sorry if the Spell'in is not correct.

I did not even get to see the Hotel let alone not get breakfast.:eek:

So you can't be Spartacus then... Rumour was... it was the Horseman...:E

Typhoon in 1(F) Squadron markings.

Wall Photos | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Comba...40704179286241