A distinctive Jaguar aircraft was revealed at its new home as one of the Royal Air Force’s oldest squadrons celebrated its 110th anniversary. Jaguar XX119, famously referred to as ‘Spotty’ because of its unique big cat paint scheme, was displayed alongside the Squadron’s MacRoberts Fighter, Typhoon ‘Sir Roderic’.
6 Squadron was the last squadron to fly ‘Spotty’ before her retirement in 2007. She was transferred to Lossiemouth from RAF Cosford, where she had been used in the training of Aircraft Technicians, in December, and will now take pride of place in 6 Squadron’s hangar. She will also make an appearance at on-station public events.
Formed on 31 January 1914, 6 Squadron proudly boasts the longest unbroken record of service of any air force squadron anywhere in the world, having remained continuously operational until 2007. The displayed Typhoon and Jaguar represent 47 years of 6 Squadron’s record-holding history between them.
Wing Commander Gary Montgomery, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron, said:
“Today is a chance to look back over 6 Squadron’s significant operational heritage which spans over 50 years of deployed operations and significant milestones.
“From the First World War, which saw us earn the first air combat Victoria Cross, through to the Second World War where we gained our nickname of the Flying Can Openers, and beyond, there is much for our personnel to reflect on.
“We spent 33 years operating the Jaguar and as the last squadron to operate XX119, she holds a special place in our hearts. It is an honour to be able to unveil her as we mark our 110th anniversary.”
The Squadron was reformed to fly Typhoons in 2010, serving on Operations Ellamy and Shader, and in support of NATO air policing missions. Based overseas for 50 years, the Squadron earned the motif of ‘The Flying Can Openers’ for their prowess destroying Axis armour in the North African desert during the Second World War. Their time in Jordan saw them become the only RAF squadron to have two royal standards, with the second presented by Jordan’s King Abdullah I in 1950.
