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The flying sword crest of the RAAF’s 24 Squadron has been returned to the RAF’s ‘Millionaires Squadron’ 65 years after it was first gifted to Australia.
The “Air Force treasure” remained Down Under as a symbol of the connection between the two sister divisions, but originally belonged to UK’s 601 Squadron before it was disbanded in 1957.
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RAAF Air Commodore Robert Graham handed back the memorabilia to Officer Commanding 601 Squadron Air Vice-Marshal Malcolm 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.
The squadron was famously known as ‘The Millionaires Squadron’ in the 1930s because of its members’ lavish lifestyles. It was the former squadron of Roger Bushell, the Great Escaper.
“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,” Defence said.
“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.”
601 Squadron was 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.
