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 No
360 [RN/RAF] SQUADRON
[Aircrew
Association]
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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.
 25/01/13 |
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
noteworthy that in October 1966 a sister Squadron (designated 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 were produced inscribed with
the member's name No 361 (RN/RAF) Sqn and the motto:
"We formed, They fumbled, It failed". |
| Click
here - it's true! The Canberra T17 |
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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.
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In 1975, to make way for the Tornado, the Squadron moved again, 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 several unique aspects: a joint service flying unit, 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
above 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 the 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 RAF service at the time.
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REUNIONS
A reunion dinner was held at the Officers' Mess, RAF
Wyton, on 16th October 2004 to mark the 10th
Anniversary of the Squadron's disbandment. Some 30 members accompanied by 15 partners
attended,
and every era of the Squadron, from inception in 1966 to
disbandment in 1994, was represented.
Except for 2005, reunion dinners
have taken place at RAF Wyton every year since.
30 Members and partners attended the 2012 reunion
at
RAF Wyton on
Reunion
Pictures
 
2012
A Table
Cliff Thomas addresses the company
Reunio n
Dinner
2013
Saturday 26th October
2013
(clocks go back that night)
Officers' Mess, RAF Wyton
Enquiries click
here
The Squadron's
50th birthday occurs in 2016, will there be
enough of us for a reunion? Will there be a cake like this on?
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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 to Julian Horn for site hosting facilities.
The Editor will be pleased
to include material & pictures (jpeg, preferably full size and not
reprocessed).
Requests for contact or other information about members will be passed
on to those who may know! |
SQUADRON ARCHIVE MATERIAL
Three large photo albums and 2 cartoon style
line books were 'found' and were brought to the 2010 reunion;
a further photo album and the original '68-'71 cartoon style line book
were delivered to the 2011 reunion.
They appear to be in fair condition and mainly complete though some
photos are missing.
They are in safekeeping with the Editor/Webmaster. To view list and see
excerpts
CLICK HERE
PHOTO
ALBUM
The following pictures belong,
or have been submitted, to the Editor/Webmaster
The Silver T17 presented to the
Squadron by Sylvania -
currently in the Officer's Mess, RAF Wyton, collection.
Air and ground personnel of 361 Sqn at RAF Watton.
The picture was taken in 1967 at some time before the squadron became the one
that never was.
At centre is the Boss, Sqn Ldr Ron Dubock.
Photo courtesy Bryn Sheridan.
* * * * * * * * * *
A Cyprus Detachment 1969 - Thanks to Eric Pigdon (66-69)
The web editor is front row, 2nd from right!
* * * * * * * * * *
These 2 pictures supplied by Ed
Hughes show the Squadron in 1973, and a crew all with the surname Hughes!!!
Ed is on the
left.
(Name the Squadron Commander, and what are
the first names of the other two Hughes?)
* * * * * * * * * *
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.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
More nostalgia! A new page has
been added listing the whereabouts of the few remaining Canberra 17 aircraft.
Only 2 appear to be complete, the rest are mainly cockpit/nose sections.
There are also listings for all the T17s produced and also the upgraded T17As.
Click Here
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.
The 360Sqn Groundcrew website is
www.360sqn.co.uk
The Editor will be pleased
to include material & pictures (jpeg, preferably full size and not reprocessed).
Items for inclusion on the site may be sent to the
Editor/Webmaster
Requests for contact or other information about members will be passed
on to those who may know!
Acknowledgements
Watton Town Council for use of the original Crest and Canberra
prints, as displayed in the Council Chamber.
Julian Horn for site hosting facilities.
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
For another interesting site, including a 360 Squadron page with a lot of pics,
try
www.canberracrazy.co.uk
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