When you think of the RAF, you might picture Typhoons roaring over Scotland, fighter jets or Voyagers stretching their wings across the globe, but one Squadron has a story that takes us a little further east, all the way to Jordan, and it’s a tale that mixes history, heritage and a bit of royal flair.
Meet No. 6 Squadron, affectionately nicknamed 'The Flying Tin Openers'.
Back in the Second World War, 6 Squadron earned its unusual nickname flying Hurricane aircraft fitted with hefty 40mm cannons. Their mission was to take out German tanks in North Africa. The armour-piercing rounds were so effective, that crews joked they were “opening tin cans.” The name stuck and even today, their squadron badge proudly features a tin opener. But it’s not just a quirky nickname that makes 6 Squadron special.
After the First World War, 6 Squadron was posted to the Middle East. For decades they operated in Iraq, Palestine and Transjordan. Their job wasn’t glamorous; policing vast deserts, escorting convoys, keeping the peace during turbulent times, but it forged a reputation for toughness and reliability.
Working alongside the famous Arab Legion (the forerunner of today’s Jordanian Armed Forces), 6 Squadron built bonds with the people and leaders of Jordan.
In 1950, something remarkable happened. King Abdullah I of Jordan presented 6 Squadron with a Royal Standard, a ceremonial flag recognising their service and friendship. This was no ordinary honour, in fact 6 Squadron remains the only RAF unit to hold two Royal Standards: one from the British monarch and one from a foreign sovereign. It’s like having a double royal blessing and it still makes the squadron stand out at parades and ceremonial events today.
Air Marshal Allan Marshall said “The relationship between 6 Squadron and Jordan represents a distinguished chapter in RAF history, and is one of which the Royal Air Force is exceptionally proud. The Squadron’s Jordanian Royal Standard remains a powerful symbol of the trust and cooperation that continues to underpin our shared security efforts.”
Today 6 Squadron flies the cutting-edge Typhoon FGR4 out of RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. They’re on 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert, ready to intercept any threat to UK airspace. Yet even as they guard the UK skies, their history in Jordan remains a proud part of their identity. The Jordanian Royal Standard is displayed with pride, a reminder of their unique bond with the Middle East. And RAF - Jordan links are far from a thing of the past, both air forces continue to collaborate in training, exercises and regional security.
