601 Squadron (County of London, Auxiliary Air Force)
(Re-created)
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601 Squadron (County of London) Recreated
Having started in 1991, we are a group of dedicated individuals striving to accurately recreate a wartime squadron of the RAF. Many of our members are ‘old salts’ of the hobby, having ten or even twenty years of experience (or more) in historical re-creation. We chose 601 Squadron for several reasons, not the least of which was their active and outstanding record during the war, but also because of the many colorful and prominent individuals within the ‘Millionaire’s Squadron’ such as Roger Bushell (‘Big X’ of Great Escape fame), Max Aitken, the American Billy Fiske, and Willie Rhodes-Moorehouse just to name a few.
601's history was very active during the Second World War indeed seeing action in France, the Battle of Britain, the Western desert, Malta and Europe. They flew Blenheims, Hurricanes, the ill-fated Airacobras and the famous Spitfire. We mostly focus on the early war years with an emphasis on the Battle of Britain.
While our group does strive to accurately portray the pilots involved in a squadron, we put great emphasis on the airmen as well. We feel that justice would not be served if we did not include this very important part of an RAF Squadron, for without the stout service of the common everyday "erk" - from fitter to rigger and mechanic - a normal squadron would not be airworthy.
We are not a group that strut around wearing gallantry ribbons and awards. Only one or two actually wear campaign ribbons that are correct for Warrant Officers or long serving airmen. Even though DFC's were very common, they are strictly forbidden. Our respect and admiration for the men we portray goes beyond personal vanity. We are a group of living historians that are constantly striving to perfect our impressions while having a good time in doing so. Our schedule during the year involves alternating air shows, re-enactments and other living history events. Most of the veterans we come in contact with are American although we do have the occasional British or Commonwealth vet as well. These men are the most important reason why we are doing this; so future generations will not forget their sacrifices. We also strive to stay away from politics in an effort to enjoy our hobby as much as possible. Any prospective member is urged to "leave their ego at the door" so to speak. We do not make caricatures, mock or place affectations upon our impressions so as not to offend any living or deceased veterans.
An important aspect of an RAF or British military unit is the mess that is held by the officers and NCOs. We also have an RAF mess complete with RAF squadron traditions that help to recreate the atmosphere and emphasize the respect we feel towards all veterans. Longstanding traditions that bind men together through both the respect and comraderie that ensue during this event are observed after hours.
We are fortunate enough to be associated with Jerry Yagen and Ray Scott of the Fighter Factory based in Suffolk, VA. These two gentlemen pilot the Hurricane and Spitfire that we frequently have nestled near us. Many of our events involve the Fighter Factory and add much to our displays. The Fighter Factory is a nonprofit group that educates and entertains the public both at air shows and their home base.
The Battle of Britain Historical Society has helped us to contact surviving veterans from 601 and have been a wealth of information for us. We have also been involved with avaiation artist Gil Cohen in several of his paintings, specifically his “Return to the Bump”.
All of the historians in the unit understand and deeply appreciate the significance of the Battle of Britain and the aircrew that played a part defending Britain during those pivotal summer months. Although the RAF through 1945 was just as important and crucial to the war effort, we feel that we present this period as authentically as possible and always strive to perfect our impression. Three of our members were present in Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2005 for the Battle of Britain memorial service and unveiling of the new new Battle of Britain memorial in London, furthering our commitment to these and all veterans.
Quite simply the dominating factors that seem to encompass 601 is a deep appreciation for the RAF from 1939-45, the men, the culture, and the aircraft. A unit of which I am truly proud to be a part of.
Scott G. Rall/ Squadron Leader 601 Squadron (County of London) Re-created
Having started in 1991, we are a group of dedicated individuals striving to accurately recreate a wartime squadron of the RAF. Many of our members are ‘old salts’ of the hobby, having ten or even twenty years of experience (or more) in historical re-creation. We chose 601 Squadron for several reasons, not the least of which was their active and outstanding record during the war, but also because of the many colorful and prominent individuals within the ‘Millionaire’s Squadron’ such as Roger Bushell (‘Big X’ of Great Escape fame), Max Aitken, the American Billy Fiske, and Willie Rhodes-Moorehouse just to name a few.
601's history was very active during the Second World War indeed seeing action in France, the Battle of Britain, the Western desert, Malta and Europe. They flew Blenheims, Hurricanes, the ill-fated Airacobras and the famous Spitfire. We mostly focus on the early war years with an emphasis on the Battle of Britain.
While our group does strive to accurately portray the pilots involved in a squadron, we put great emphasis on the airmen as well. We feel that justice would not be served if we did not include this very important part of an RAF Squadron, for without the stout service of the common everyday "erk" - from fitter to rigger and mechanic - a normal squadron would not be airworthy.
We are not a group that strut around wearing gallantry ribbons and awards. Only one or two actually wear campaign ribbons that are correct for Warrant Officers or long serving airmen. Even though DFC's were very common, they are strictly forbidden. Our respect and admiration for the men we portray goes beyond personal vanity. We are a group of living historians that are constantly striving to perfect our impressions while having a good time in doing so. Our schedule during the year involves alternating air shows, re-enactments and other living history events. Most of the veterans we come in contact with are American although we do have the occasional British or Commonwealth vet as well. These men are the most important reason why we are doing this; so future generations will not forget their sacrifices. We also strive to stay away from politics in an effort to enjoy our hobby as much as possible. Any prospective member is urged to "leave their ego at the door" so to speak. We do not make caricatures, mock or place affectations upon our impressions so as not to offend any living or deceased veterans.
An important aspect of an RAF or British military unit is the mess that is held by the officers and NCOs. We also have an RAF mess complete with RAF squadron traditions that help to recreate the atmosphere and emphasize the respect we feel towards all veterans. Longstanding traditions that bind men together through both the respect and comraderie that ensue during this event are observed after hours.
We are fortunate enough to be associated with Jerry Yagen and Ray Scott of the Fighter Factory based in Suffolk, VA. These two gentlemen pilot the Hurricane and Spitfire that we frequently have nestled near us. Many of our events involve the Fighter Factory and add much to our displays. The Fighter Factory is a nonprofit group that educates and entertains the public both at air shows and their home base.
The Battle of Britain Historical Society has helped us to contact surviving veterans from 601 and have been a wealth of information for us. We have also been involved with avaiation artist Gil Cohen in several of his paintings, specifically his “Return to the Bump”.
All of the historians in the unit understand and deeply appreciate the significance of the Battle of Britain and the aircrew that played a part defending Britain during those pivotal summer months. Although the RAF through 1945 was just as important and crucial to the war effort, we feel that we present this period as authentically as possible and always strive to perfect our impression. Three of our members were present in Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2005 for the Battle of Britain memorial service and unveiling of the new new Battle of Britain memorial in London, furthering our commitment to these and all veterans.
Quite simply the dominating factors that seem to encompass 601 is a deep appreciation for the RAF from 1939-45, the men, the culture, and the aircraft. A unit of which I am truly proud to be a part of.
Scott G. Rall/ Squadron Leader 601 Squadron (County of London) Re-created
601 Squadron re-created:
The real 601 Squadron:
