No. 60 Squadron RAF
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| No. 60 Squadron RAF | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 60 Squadron RAF |
| Dates | 1916–1947, 1950–1963, 1964–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Transport and training (historical roles include reconnaissance, bomber, transport) |
No. 60 Squadron RAF is a squadron of the Royal Air Force with origins in the First World War and service through the interwar period, the Second World War, the Cold War and into the 21st century. Formed in 1916, the unit has operated a succession of types and performed reconnaissance, bomber, transport and training roles, deploying to theatres including the Western Front (World War I), the Middle East, the Burma Campaign, and Cold War postings in Germany and Cyprus.
History
No. 60 Squadron RAF was established during the First World War and saw early service on the Western Front (World War I), flying missions connected to the Battle of the Somme, the Arras and operations against the German Empire. Between the wars the squadron undertook imperial policing and long-range reconnaissance across the Middle East and North Africa, projecting airpower during episodes such as the Iraq revolt of 1920 and policing duties related to the British Mandate for Palestine. In the Second World War the unit fought in the Battle of Britain era’s extended theatres by moving into the Mediterranean and Burma Campaign, supporting operations linked to the North African Campaign, the Sicily landings and the Fighting in Burma against the Empire of Japan. Post‑war reorganisation saw the squadron disband, reform and re-role multiple times during the Cold War alongside RAF formations stationed in West Germany, at RAF Laarbruch and later at RAF Akrotiri. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries the squadron adapted to changing requirements of the Royal Air Force and NATO, participating in transport, training and support missions associated with operations tied to Operation Granby, Operation Telic, and alliance commitments.
Aircraft operated
Throughout its history the unit operated a wide variety of types. Early service included contemporary biplanes used on the Western Front (World War I), while interwar equipment comprised long‑range reconnaissance and bomber types used in the Middle East and North Africa. During the Second World War the squadron flew aircraft suited to both tactical reconnaissance and bombing missions, transitioning to transport and tactical support types in the postwar era. Cold War and modern service introduced turboprop and jet transports supporting NATO logistics and medevac roles, aligning with aircraft procurement trends seen across the Royal Air Force and other air arms such as the United States Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
Bases and deployments
The squadron’s basing history reflects imperial and alliance priorities: early wartime airfields on the Western Front (World War I) and home stations in England, interwar deployments to Iraq, Palestine and Egypt, and Second World War detachments across the Mediterranean and South-East Asia Command areas. Cold War garrisons included forward bases in West Germany attached to RAF Germany and strategic staging at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus supporting eastern Mediterranean operations. Deployments for peacekeeping and coalition operations have seen temporary basing alongside partners in locations such as Kuwait, Iraq, and locations used during Operation Granby and Operation Telic.
Operations and notable engagements
Operational history includes reconnaissance and artillery‑spotting over the Battle of the Somme and other First World War battles, policing and strike missions during interwar disturbances like the Iraq revolt of 1920, intensive combat and support sorties during the North African Campaign and the Burma Campaign in the Second World War, and Cold War deterrence and logistic support tied to NATO posture in Europe. The squadron has been linked operationally to major Allied campaigns and worked in coordination with formations such as RAF Bomber Command, RAF Coastal Command, RAF Transport Command, and multinational commands including Southeast Asia Command and Allied Rapid Reaction Corps during various periods.
Command structure and personnel
The unit has been subordinated at different times to major RAF commands appropriate to its role: in the First World War under expeditionary arrangements supporting British Army operations, interwar attachments to Middle East command structures, wartime integration with RAF Bomber Command or theatre commands in the Mediterranean and South‑East Asia, and Cold War alignment with RAF Germany and NATO command elements. Personnel included pilots, navigators, gunners and groundcrew drawn from across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth contributors such as Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, and other Dominion air services during the Second World War, reflecting broader imperial manpower patterns and exchange with allied air arms.
Insignia and traditions
The squadron’s insignia and emblems evolved to reflect its operational identity and theatre heritage, with badges and mottos granted under the Centre of RAF heraldry and displayed on standards, aircraft and mess silver. Traditions preserved by the unit include commemorations of First and Second World War service alongside remembrance practices observed across the Royal Air Force at sites such as the National Memorial Arboretum and annual ceremonies connected with battle anniversaries like those for the Battle of the Somme and the Burma Campaign.