360sqn

No 360 [RN/RAF] SQUADRON

This site was suggested at the 10th Anniversary of Disbandment & Reunion Dinner held at the Officers' Mess, RAF Wyton, on 16th October 2004. The domain is currently hosted on a site managed from Watton, the original birthplace of the Squadron. Recent amendments are shown in red.

NB: New WEBMASTER and ISP WANTED - Anyone interested?

INDEX

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to shortcut click underlined items.

Contacts

on 16/03/08 MA

The squadron was born from the marriage of 831 Naval Air Squadron (Gannets) and No 97 Squadron Royal Air Force (Canberras)
at RAF Watton on 1st April 1966.
On formation it was known as the Joint Electronic Warfare Trials and Training Force before being given its official designation of
No 360 [RN/RAF] Squadron on 23 September 1966.
Initially, the Squadron flew a number of Canberra types: B2s, T4s (for pilot training) and a B6; the first Canberra T17 was delivered just
before Christmas 1966. It is worthy to note that, in October 1966, a sister Squadron, No 361, was proposed for deployment to the Far East.
However, following the Defence Review of early 1967, it became redundant before birth - it was never officially recognised
but tankards exist inscribed with the number and a little motto: "We formed, They fumbled, It failed".

No 360 Squadron, however, went from strength to strength, and when RAF Watton was designated for closure, it moved to RAF Cottesmore in April 1969. The official squadron badge was awarded in 1973: the Trident thereon represents the Royal Navy involvement, whilst the moth, a Melese Laodamia, depicts the unique role of the Squadron in that this particular moth avoids predatory bats by jamming their prey-finding 'radar' system.

To make way for the the Tornado, the Squadron moved again in 1975 to RAF Wyton where it remained until being
disbanded in 1994. However, in 1991, the Squadron had achieved 25 years of Service, and was justly and proudly entitled
to a Squadron Standard which was duly presented. No 360 Squadron has many unique aspects: its role,
its number had not been previously issued, and it is the only squadron to have been formed, awarded a Standard,
and disbanded during Her Majesty's reign.

The aircraft shown is WD 955 (Echo Mike), a Mk B2 built in November 1951 and converted to a Mk T17 in January 1968.
The first picture is in standard livery as a Mk T17; the second shows the same aircraft, one of only six to be further modified
with new ECM equipment and being designated Mk T17A. This also shows the tail fin with a special colour scheme
to denote not only the 25th birthday of the youngest RAF Squadron but also the special place of
WD955 as the oldest operational aircraft in the RAF at the time.

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REUNIONS
A Reunion Dinner marking the 10th Anniversary of Disbandment was held at the Officers' Mess, RAF Wyton, on 16th October 2004. Some 30 members accompanied by 15 partners attended, and every era of the Squadron, from inception in 1966 to disbandment in 1994, was represented. In 2005
there were insufficient numbers for the proposed date and the Reunion Dinner did not take place.
However, a Reunion Dinner was held on 28th October 2006 in the Officers' Mess, RAF Wyton,
The were 22 members present accompanied by 19 ladies, including 3 past COs. Air Commodore Martin Palmer presided; as a Flying Officer, he was the junior Squadron Engineering Officer in 360's early days at RAF Watton.

The 2007 the Reunion Dinner took place, as planned, on 27th October at RAF Wyton: Les Wheeler, an RAF CO of the Squadron and first-timer at a Reunion Dinner, presided.

The provisional date for 2008 Reunion Dinner is 25th October (clocks-back day!).

To register an interest please click here

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Acknowledgements to Watton Town Council for use of the original Crest and Canberra prints, as displayed in the Council Chamber. Also the Wayland Chamber of Trade & Commerce for hosting the site in their ISP's space.
The Editor will be pleased to receive material (or better pictures!) for inclusion on this site. Just e-mail in Word (doc) or rtx;
jpeg is preferred for piccies. It is hoped to develop this site for more extensive use by the Squadron Association. However, no names or contact details will be posted on it without express and individual permission.
Requests for information will be passed on to those who may know!

PHOTO ALBUM

A Cyprus Detachment 1969 - Thanks to Eric Pigdon(66-69)
The web editor is front row, 2nd from right!

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These 2 pictures supplied by Ed Hughes show the Squadron in 1973, and a crew all named Hughes!!! Ed is on the left.
(Name the Squadron Commander, and what are the first names of the other two Hughes?)

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The unusual pair of photos below were taken during the 25th Canberra reunion celebrations at
RAF Cottesmore in 1974, as supplied by Ray Hansford.

Canberra T17 WJ977 with wingtip chaff dispenser pods prior to a double exercise on 25 July 1978.
Post flight: the crew holding philatelic covers flown on the sorties to commemorate the
35th anniversary of the first operational use of window (chaff). Click here for more details.

Mystery Photo

Who, Where & When - & for the 2 RAF personnel, where are they now?
Email me

CONTACTS
To update information held by the Association or to add your details to our database send e-mail HERE
Please include period(s) served on the Squadron; ideally use this Proforma.
Communication will normally be by e-mail unless it is not available.
Items for inclusion on the site may be sent to the Editor [NB space limited with current host]

Thanks to the the Association of Old Crows for listing us on their website

http://www.ukaoc.org

Thanks also to Les Bywaters for the link on his website

TRIBUTE TO THE ENGLISH ELECTRIC CANBERRA
http://www.bywat.co.uk

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