More about this squadron

600 Squadron is one of the oldest squadrons in the RAF Reserves. We provide specific training in five areas (also known as flights):

• Personnel Support;
• Information Communications and Technology;
• Flight Operations;
• Intelligence; and
• Medical and Medical Support.

We also offer opportunities across a range of other roles for people with relevant experience and skills.

The squadron trains every third weekend. Training consists of a mix of role-specific training, supplemented by military skills training, personal development and fitness sessions. Reservists can also expect to participate in our Leadership, Ethos and Air Power programme of events.

History and heritage

Our squadron was formed at RAF Northolt in 1925, equipped with Avro 504 trainers and Airco DH.9A day bombers. We moved to RAF Hendon at the end of 1926 and were designated a fighter squadron in July 1934.

During the Second World War, we began our experiments with airborne radar, as well as flying night patrols. We also moved several times – first to Yorkshire and the south-west of England, then to north Africa (to provide night cover for Allied bases and shipping), Malta and Italy (where we spent the rest of the war on night defence and intruder missions). In 1945 the squadron was disbanded, having become the highest-scoring night-fighter squadron in the RAF.

In 1946, the squadron was reformed at RAF Biggin Hill as a day-fighter squadron with Spitfires. After receiving a Vampire for jet conversion in 1949, it was allotted Meteors in March 1950 and flew these until the Royal Auxiliary Air Force disbanded on 10 March 1957.

Having been reformed in 1999, we are now a PJHQ support squadron of the RAF Reserves. In 2007, the Corporation of the City of London granted us ‘Privileged Regiment Status’, an ancient honour granted to only eight military formations in the history of the City.

Roles and specialist skills

We offer a variety of roles across our five flights. This means that we can offer recruiting and training opportunities to:

• direct entrants with little or no military experience;
• ex-Service personnel to join us as qualified entrants;
• those with relevant transferable skills from civilian life; and
• ex-regular individuals who want to reduce their commitment to 19—27 days per year.

Medical Support Flight

The roles we offer are mainly for medical professionals seeking a new and different challenge. In all of them, you will use and add to your existing medical skills.

Depending on the specialty you bring, you will conduct a range of important treatments:

• As a GP or nurse, you will give medical advice, managing sick and injured personnel so that they can return to duty as soon as possible.
• As a surgeon or anaesthetist, you will provide life-saving treatment to injured individuals.
• As a dentist, you will provide primary dental care within a deployed operating base.

Recent deployments

Our Reservists have previously been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Gulf States and into positions across the UK.

In 2009, nine Reservists from the our Information and Communications Technology Flight were deployed to Afghanistan to support British and NATO Forces. After a four-month tour, all returned to Northolt and their civilian careers.

In 2010, our Reservists were deployed to Afghanistan and within the UK.

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