12 December 2024
An Air Force treasure has returned to the United Kingdom, having been a Royal Australian Air Force centrepiece for 65 years.
The unit crest of 24 Squadron, a Flying Sword, originally belonged to the Royal Air Force’s 601 (City of London) Squadron. It was gifted to the RAAF in 1959 after the 601’s disbandment, and remained a symbol of an enduring connection between the two sister squadrons.
In celebration of 601 Squadron’s reformation some 60 years later, RAAF’s Combat Support Group Commander Air Commodore Robert Graham returned the piece of memorabilia to Officer Commanding 601 Squadron Air Vice-Marshal Malcom Brecht during a handover at RAAF Base Amberley.
“24 Squadron were honoured to safeguard the Flying Sword for 601 Squadron, recognising the City of Adelaide Squadron’s distinguished service during the Second World War and the synergies between the two units,” Air Commodore Graham said.
“I expect that the strong relationship, based on military professionalism and mutual respect, will continue for many years to come.”
Formed as the first RAF auxiliary unit in 1925, 601 Squadron originally flew Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires from RAF Northolt.
'We are delighted to bring this historic and iconic item of squadron memorabilia home after more than 60 years, and are hugely grateful to the Royal Australian Air Force for taking care of it.'
Throughout its history, 601 Squadron carried with it the emblem of the Flying Sword, taking it into operations including the Battle of Britain, Malta, North Africa and Italy during World War 2.
In order to keep the sword ‘in the air’, it was gifted to sister auxiliary unit, the RAAF’s 24 Squadron, which was still flying at the time 601 Squadron disbanded in 1957.
The sword, which had been ‘flying’ from above the front arch of 601 Squadron’s town headquarters in Kensington, was removed and presented to 24 Squadron by Eric Lunn, a member of both squadrons.
Residing proudly in the City of Adelaide room, the sword remained with 24 Squadron during its move from flying to ground support as a reserve squadron in Adelaide, through to its amalgamation with Combat Support Unit Edinburgh to become a permanent Air Force unit again, under 96 Wing, Combat Support Group, in 2010.
Executive Officer 601 Squadron Wing Commander John Chappell said it was a privilege to be part of the ongoing relationship between the two units across the sea.
“We are delighted to bring this historic and iconic item of squadron memorabilia home after more than 60 years, and are hugely grateful to the Royal Australian Air Force for taking care of it,” Wing Commander Chappell said.
601 Squadron reformed in 2017 as a Specialist Support Squadron providing industry and business support to the RAF Air Staff and establishing formal links with the wider professional business community.
The two squadrons continue a close association, and the Flying Sword now rests in its new home, having pride of place at the RAF Club in London, England.
