600 Squadron RAF Reserves

600 Squadron RAF Reserves 600 (City of London) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) trains RAF Reserves

What we do

600 (City of London Squadron) is London's own squadron, training people to augment the Royal Air Force. The Squadron trains officers and aviators in the specialisations of air and space operations, intelligence, cyber operations and people operations. The Squadron provides Headquarters Support to the RAF and other capabilities like legal advisors and chaplains. History

600 Squadron wa

s formed at Northolt on 14 October 1925 as a unit of the Auxiliary Air Force. Equipped with De Havilland DH9As and Avro 504Ns, it was a day bomber squadron until 1934, having received Westland Wapitis in August 1929. These were replaced by Hawker Harts in January 1935 pending the arrival of Hawker Demon fighters, having been designated a fighter squadron in July 1934. In April 1937 conversion to Demons was complete and in January 1939 they were replaced by Blenheims. On the outbreak of war, day and night patrols were flown and experiments with airborne radar beginning in December 1939. When the Germans invaded Holland, the squadron flew patrols over the Low Countries but in view of the inadequacy of Blenheims for daylight operations, 600 was allocated to night defence only a few days later. In September 1940 the first Beaufighter was received, conversion being completed early in 1941. In October 1940 the Squadron moved to Yorkshire and in March 1941 to south-west England, where it remained until September 1942. In November 1942, 600 moved to North Africa to provide night cover for Allied bases and shipping. It was transferred to Malta in June 1943, and in September, to Italy where it spent the rest of the war on night defence and intruder missions. Re-equipment with Mosquitoes began in January 1945 and on 21 August 1945 the squadron disbanded. On 10 May 1946, 600 Squadron reformed at Biggin Hill, as a day fighter squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force with Spitfires. It began to recruit during June and received its first operational aircraft in October. After receiving a Vampire in October 1949 for jet conversion, it was allotted Meteors in March 1950 and flew these until the Royal Auxiliary Air Force disbanded on 10 March 1957. Present

Reforming on 1 October 1999 at RAF Northolt from No 1 and No 3 Maritime Headquarters Units, 600 Squadron is now a General Support Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, tasked to provide manpower to RAF static and mobile HQ's in the UK and overseas. Currently four "Operational" Flights exist, these being Air and Space Operations, Intelligence, Cyber Operations and People Operations. Squadron personnel have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Gulf States and into many positions within the UK military construct. In 2007 the Corporation of the City of London granted 600 Squadron "Privileged Regiment Status", an ancient honour granted to only eight military formations in the history of the City. 600 Squadron is regularly involved in ceremonial events in London.

600 (City of London) Squadron RAuxAF actively seeks to recruit and train motivated people, with or without prior armed forces experience, and who have an interest in supporting the RAF in their spare-time.

Members of 600 (City of London) Squadron took part in the Nijmegen Marches last week. The Marches have been taking place...
31/07/2026

Members of 600 (City of London) Squadron took part in the Nijmegen Marches last week.

The Marches have been taking place for over 100 years and teams must complete 40 kilometres daily for four consecutive days in a squad, carrying a minimum 10 kg rucksack. Team members must complete all checkpoints together to earn the coveted Nijmegen Cross.

Ten members of the Squadron travelled to the Netherlands for the Marches and were led by Flight Lieutenant Jonathan Rymel. They were joined by a small group from RAF Lossiemouth forming a squad of 15.

All of the team completed the gruelling challenge which is a testament to their endurance, preparation and determination.

Viscount Trenchard Bids Farewell to 600 (City of London) Squadron On Saturday 11 July, 600 (City of London) Squadron wel...
12/07/2026

Viscount Trenchard Bids Farewell to 600 (City of London) Squadron

On Saturday 11 July, 600 (City of London) Squadron welcomed Viscount Trenchard for a final visit as he concluded his tenure as the Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore (HAC).

Grandson of the “father” of the Royal Air Force, Viscount Trenchard has served as the Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore for the past 20 years. During that time, he has witnessed the command of many successive Squadron Commanders and has been an unwavering advocate for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, particularly the personnel of 600 Squadron.

In recognition of his outstanding service and enduring commitment to the Squadron, the recently refurbished Crewroom was formally renamed the Viscount Trenchard room and he unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion, creating a lasting tribute to his association with the Squadron.

During his visit, the HAC received an update on the Squadron’s recent activities, with particular emphasis on its new role as an Air Base Operations Support Squadron. In this capacity, Squadron personnel will contribute directly to the operational output of RAF Marham as the station continues its transition towards enhanced operational readiness.

Viscount Trenchard also visited the Squadron’s newly established History Room, which showcases a collection of artefacts and documents reflecting the Squadron’s distinguished heritage. Special recognition was given to AS1 Will Pryce, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in both the creation of the History Room and the transformation of the Crewroom.

To commemorate his long and valued service, Viscount Trenchard was presented with several Squadron gifts, including a framed print of the parade celebrating the presentation of the Squadron’s new Standard. The print was signed by both the Lord Mayor of London and the Chief of Defence Staff, who was the Reviewing Officer in his previous appointment as Chief of the Air Staff.

The visit concluded with a social gathering in the newly renamed Trenchard Room, providing Viscount Trenchard with the opportunity to meet and speak with members of the Squadron. The occasion served as a fitting farewell and an opportunity for personnel to express their gratitude for his two decades of steadfast support and service to 600 (City of London) Squadron.

600 supports the 13 Bridges Challenge 2026: Celebrating the Armed Forces Community in London The 13 Bridges Challenge 20...
11/07/2026

600 supports the 13 Bridges Challenge 2026: Celebrating the Armed Forces Community in London

The 13 Bridges Challenge 2026 forms a key part of Armed Forces Week, inviting participants of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to take on a 10-mile route through London. This event raises awareness and shows appreciation for the dedication and service of our military community.

On the day, fundraising participants follow a mapped route that weaves across 13 of London’s most iconic bridges. Throughout the course, members of 600 Squadron served as military Event Marshals. Participants were guided along the correct path and members of 600 Squadron shared insights about their roles within the armed forces.

One of the unique highlights of the event is the unexpected sights along the route. This year, the course passed close to Vauxhall Bridge, near the location famously featured as the headquarters of James Bond in films from GoldenEye to Spectre — a thrilling backdrop for both participants and movie fans alike.

The 13 Bridges Challenge continues to be a powerful way to bring communities together in support of those who serve.

On Reserves Day (24 June), part of Armed Forces week, and in the blistering heat, members of 600 (City of London) Squadr...
25/06/2026

On Reserves Day (24 June), part of Armed Forces week, and in the blistering heat, members of 600 (City of London) Squadron attended various events around the country.

At the National Memorial Arboretum, members of the Squadron and the Association got together with families of deceased members of the Squadron to remember them. The Officer Commanding and members of the Squadron attended the flag raising at the Guildhall in the City of London.

Well done to all who represented the Squadron and the Service on Reserves Day.

On the 10 May 1940, 600 (City of London) Squadron suffered its single greatest loss when 5 out of 6 Bristol Blenheim air...
10/05/2026

On the 10 May 1940, 600 (City of London) Squadron suffered its single greatest loss when 5 out of 6 Bristol Blenheim aircraft were shot down during a mission to deny the airfield at Waalhaven near Rotterdam. Every year in early May, members of 600 Squadron and its Association come together in the Squadron’s Chapel in the City of London to remember the sacrifice made on that day and throughout the history of the Squadron. This year the Remembrance Service took place on Sunday 10 May and many Squadron members past and present attended the Service in the Lady Chapel at the Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great in the City.

07/05/2026

AIR & SPACE OPERATIONS

Support RAF operations as a Reservist.

Whether coordinating missions, supporting flying activity or leading operational teams, these roles are vital to delivering air power in the UK and overseas.

Current RAF Reserve opportunities include:

🛫 Operations Officer
🛫 Operations Specialist
🛫 Flight Operations Manager

✔️ Part-time service with real responsibility
✔️ Specialist training provided
✔️Opportunities to support operations and exercises

Entry routes available:

● Direct Entrants – no previous military experience required
● Ex‑Regulars – bring your skills back into service

📍 Opportunities linked to:

606 Sqn - RAF Benson, Oxon
502 Sqn - Aldergrove Station, NI
611 Sqn - RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
600 Sqn - RAF Northolt, London

Serve part‑time. Defend full‑time.

Find out more and apply here:
https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/roles-in-the-raf?time=reserve

In preparation for the Nijmegen marches in July, 600 Squadron entered a team in the RAF 2‑Day March at Cosford. Over the...
29/04/2026

In preparation for the Nijmegen marches in July, 600 Squadron entered a team in the RAF 2‑Day March at Cosford. Over the two days of marching, a joint team was formed with RAF Lossiemouth. The combined team performed exceptionally, completing the event with no dropouts. The team demonstrated outstanding teamwork, resilience, and morale throughout, while thoroughly enjoying the challenge. As a result of their performance, all participants successfully qualified for the Nijmegen Marches, and were recognised with a Team Award for 100% completion of the March.

Cpl Sukhi Bola of 600’s Cyber Operations Flight was recently mobilised to support RAF Gibraltar in an Airfield Support r...
19/04/2026

Cpl Sukhi Bola of 600’s Cyber Operations Flight was recently mobilised to support RAF Gibraltar in an Airfield Support role. Sukhi’s responsibilities included asset management and technical support alongside the civilian contractors all the radar and radio equipment that keeps the military installation in Gibraltar running. In his spare time, instead of spending his time on the beach and down the strip like many of us did in Gibraltar, he ran STEM activities for nearly 100 primary and secondary school children and he also organised a STEM stall for the families day. Sukhi was quite rightly recognised with a Commander British Forces Commendation, presented by Commodore Tom Guy. Well done Sukhi for representing the Sqn and the RAuxAF in such a glowing light!

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RAF Northolt
Northolt
HA46NG

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