No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron

No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron is a reserve squadron of the Royal Air Force, first formed as a Royal Auxiliary Air Force unit in 1925. It gained fame during the Second World War, particularly in the Battle of Britain, and was the first auxiliary squadron to engage enemy aircraft over the United Kingdom. The squadron was reformed in 1999 and currently operates in a force protection role from RAF Leuchars.

History

The squadron was formed at RAF Turnhouse on 14 October 1925 as a day bomber unit within the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Initially equipped with the Airco DH.9A, it later transitioned to a fighter role, operating aircraft like the Gloster Gauntlet and Hawker Hurricane. During the Second World War, 603 Squadron was heavily engaged from the outset, achieving its first kill—a Junkers Ju 88—over the Firth of Forth in October 1939. It played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain, primarily from bases at RAF Hornchurch and RAF Rochford, claiming over 100 enemy aircraft destroyed. After the battle, the squadron participated in offensive sweeps over Occupied Europe, supported the Allied invasion of Sicily, and later re-equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire for fighter-bomber missions over Normandy following Operation Overlord. Post-war, it was disbanded in 1945, reformed in 1946 flying jet aircraft like the Gloster Meteor and de Havilland Vampire, and was finally stood down in 1957 following the dissolution of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. The squadron was resurrected in its current reserve form on 1 September 1999.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its history, the squadron has operated a wide variety of aircraft. Its early years featured biplanes such as the Airco DH.9A, Westland Wapiti, Hawker Hart, and Gloster Gauntlet. Its most famous wartime mounts were the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, the latter in multiple marks including the Spitfire Mk V and the high-performance Mk IX. The squadron also used the Westland Lysander for army cooperation duties. In the post-war jet age, it operated the Gloster Meteor, de Havilland Vampire, and de Havilland Venom. Since its 1999 reformation, it has not operated its own aircraft but supports force protection operations.

Battle honours

The squadron's battle honours, emblazoned on its standard, reflect its extensive combat service. Key honours include Battle of Britain 1940, for its decisive role in that air campaign, and Fortress Europe 1940–1944, earned during offensive operations across the English Channel. It also received honours for Dieppe 1942, Normandy 1944, and Arnhem in 1944, highlighting its support for major ground operations. Further honours for Sicily 1943 and Italy 1943–1945 acknowledge its service in the Mediterranean theatre.

Notable personnel

The squadron has been associated with many distinguished aviators. Among its most famous members was Richard Hillary, author of the classic memoir The Last Enemy, who flew with the unit during the Battle of Britain. Other notable Battle of Britain aces include George Denholm, a squadron commander, and Brian Carbury, one of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's highest-scoring aces. John Peel also served with distinction as a flight commander. In later years, John Cunningham, a renowned night fighter ace, briefly commanded the squadron during its post-war jet era.

Squadron badges and markings

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1938, features a saltire surmounted by a lion rampant, reflecting its Edinburgh origins and Scottish heritage. Its motto, Gin ye Daur (Scots for "If You Dare"), underscores its defiant spirit. During the Second World War, its aircraft were identified by the code letters "XT" and later "RL". A distinctive marking used on its Spitfires was the "Winged Victory of Samothrace" emblem painted on the engine cowling, a symbol adopted in honour of its first wartime victory.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations in Edinburgh Category:Royal Auxiliary Air Force