EAST OF SCOTLAND AVIATION RESEARCH

A brief history of
603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron

1925-1957 603 City of Edinburgh (Bombing) Squadron formed at Turnhouse on 14th October 1925.It soon won the enthusiastic support of the people of Edinburgh and there were always far more applications than vacancies for both ground and flying posts.The Squadron transferred to Fighter Command in 1938.That same year it won the Esher Trophy for tha best all round flying performance by an Auxiliary Squadron.It was embodied into the R.A.F. on 23rd August 1939. Copyright Ernie Burton

Hawker Harts of 603 flying over the Forth Bridge during 1934. Six weeks after the outbreak of war,603 had the honour of shooting down the first aircraft in World War II, beating it's friendly rivals from Glasgow, 602 City of Glasgow Squadron,by just 15 minutes.During the rest of 1939 and the first half of 1940 it defended Scottish ports and shipping, shooting down many raiding bombers. Copyright Ernie Burton

The first German Aircraft to land intact on British soil.A Heinkel 111.
It proved to be a very important aircraft as it was carrying the
German blind bombing system.
read the newspaper report of the first battle 16th October 1939 here. In August 1940 the Squadron was sent to Hornchurch to take part in the Battle of Britain.
It suffered heavy losses but also scored many successes.By November 1940 it had destroyed 100 enemy aircraft. Copyright Ernie Burton

603 Spitfires flying over Hornchurch. 1941 saw 603 moving onto the offensive, taking part in numerous fighter sweeps over Northern France.

In April 1942 the Squadron was sent to assist in the defence of beleaguered Malta.Led by Lord David Douglas-Hamilton it took off from U.S.S. Wasp, a testing experience for pilots who had never flown from an aircraft carrier before.

In August 1942 as the Battle of Malta drew to a successful close, 603 was re-formed in Egypt where it was rejoined by its original ground crews.It was equipped with the twin-engined Beaufighters, the only time during the war in which it was parted with its Spitfires.Cover was provided to convoys massing for the invasion of Sicily.The Squadron had the honour of escorting H.M. King George VI when he visited Malta, only 5 weeks after the German surrender in North Africa, and nearly 3 weeks before the Sicily landings began.

603 then moved east to carry out attacks on enemy shipping , air transport and ground installations in Aegean.It was armed with the newly introduced Rocket Projectiles.After the liberation of Greece, the Squadron returned to the U.K. Re-equipped with Spitfires.It participated in pinpoint bombing attacks on V1 and V2 rocket sites in occupied Holland.

603 at Lossiemouth during 1939. Following a brief disbandment from August 1945 to May 1946, 603 re-formed at Turnhouse, once more with Spitfires.In May 1951 it converted to jet Meteors and Vampires.

603 won the Esher Trophy in 1950 and was greatly honoured when the presentation was made by its Honorary Air Commodore H.R.H. The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Squadron led a flypast over Buckingham Palace on 10th of June 1954 in celebration of the Queen's birthday.

On 30th June 1955 H.M. The Queen graciously presented a Squadron Standard to 603 at Holyrood Palace.

Although the Squadron was finally disbanded on 10th March 1957, its spirit lives on in the activities of the 603 Association and in the lasting friendship and regular reunions of past members.

Edinburghs Auxillary Airforce was recently given back its prestigious title of No. 603 City of Edinburgh Squadron as a mark of respect to all the brave men who gave their lives for us during WWII.

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