No. 6 Squadron RAF

No. 6 Squadron RAF
Unit name	No. 6 Squadron
Dates	31 January 1914 – Present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	UK
Type	Flying squadron
Role	Multi-role combat
Command structure	No. 1 Group RAF
Garrison	RAF Lossiemouth
Equipment	Eurofighter Typhoon
Battles	*World War I *World War II *Suez Crisis *Gulf War *Iraq War *Operation Ellamy
Identification symbol label	Squadron badge
Identification symbol 2 label	Squadron codes

No. 6 Squadron RAF. It is one of the oldest and most distinguished squadrons in the Royal Air Force, having been formed at RAF Farnborough in early 1914. Throughout its long history, the squadron has operated a wide variety of aircraft from biplane fighters to modern jets, serving in numerous conflicts across the globe. Today, based at RAF Lossiemouth, it flies the advanced Eurofighter Typhoon in a multi-role combat capacity.

History

The squadron was established before the outbreak of World War I and initially flew reconnaissance missions over the Western Front using aircraft like the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2. During the interwar period, it was stationed in the Middle East, notably in Palestine and Transjordan, conducting policing duties across the British Empire. In World War II, it operated primarily in the North African Campaign, flying ground-attack missions with the Hawker Hurricane and later the Hawker Typhoon against Axis forces. Post-war, it saw action during the Suez Crisis and was later based in West Germany as part of RAF Germany during the Cold War. More recently, it deployed for operations during the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and over Libya as part of Operation Ellamy.

Aircraft operated

The squadron's first operational aircraft was the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2, followed by the Airco DH.9A and the Fairey III during the 1920s. In the 1930s, it transitioned to the Hawker Hart and Hawker Hind biplanes. Its primary fighter-bomber in the Western Desert Campaign was the Hawker Hurricane, before re-equipping with the Hawker Typhoon in 1943. After the war, it flew the de Havilland Vampire and later the English Electric Canberra for reconnaissance. From the 1970s, it operated the McDonnell Douglas Phantom and then the Panavia Tornado for decades. In 2010, it became the first frontline squadron to receive the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Squadron badge and motto

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1937, features an eagle preying on a serpent. This heraldic crest symbolizes the unit's role in striking against enemy forces from the air. The motto, "Oculi Exercitus", is Latin for "Eyes of the Army", a direct reference to its original reconnaissance duties during the First World War. This insignia reflects the squadron's long-standing heritage of aerial observation and precision attack.

Bases

The squadron formed at RAF Farnborough in 1914 before moving to RAF Upavon. Its first overseas posting was to RAF Ramleh in Palestine in 1919. Key interwar stations included RAF Amman in Transjordan. During World War II, it operated from various desert airfields, including LG-106 in Egypt. Post-war bases included RAF Habbaniya in Iraq and RAF Nicosia in Cyprus. From 1969 to 1992, it was based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire before moving to RAF Coltishall. Since 2006, its home has been RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

Notable personnel

Notable commanders include Air Vice-Marshal John Grandy, who later became Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Distinguished pilots include Wing Commander John L. Waddy, a notable Royal Australian Air Force ace who flew with the squadron in the Western Desert Campaign. Another key figure is Flight Lieutenant William H. G. Bytheway, who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during the First World War. The squadron has also been associated with Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford.

Battle honours

The squadron has been awarded numerous battle honours reflecting its extensive combat service. These include honours from the First World War such as "Western Front" and "Somme 1918". Its Second World War honours include "North Africa 1942-43", "Sicily 1943", and "Italy 1943-45". Post-war honours include "Gulf 1991" for its role in the Gulf War and "Iraq 2003". These awards are emblazoned on the squadron's standard, commemorating its actions across multiple continents and decades.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1914