360 Squadron

Click and scroll down for information and pictures

The squadron was created from the merger of the personnel of No. 831 Naval Air Squadron (previously operating the Fairey Gannet ECM.6) and 'B' Flight, No. 97 Squadron RAF (flying EE Canberras) at RAF Watton on 1 April 1966. Initially it was known as Joint Electronic Warfare Trials and Training Force before being given its official designation of No. 360 [RN/RAF] Squadron on 23 September 1966. The squadron flew a number of Canberra types: B.2s, T.4s (for pilot training) and a B.6. The first Canberra T.17 was delivered just before Christmas 1966.

A sister squadron, No. 361 Squadron RAF was also formed in January 1967 for deployment to the Far East. However, following the 1967 Defence Review, 361 Squadron became redundant and was officially disbanded in July the same year.

No. 360 Squadron moved to RAF Cottesmore in April 1969. The official squadron badge was awarded in 1973: the Trident represents the Royal Navy involvement, whilst the moth, a Melese Laodamia, depicts the unique role of the Squadron (this particular moth avoids predatory bats by jamming their prey-finding "radar" system). 360 Squadron moved again in 1975 to RAF Wyton where it remained until being disbanded in 1994.

In 1991 360 Squadron achieved 25 years of service, and was presented with a Squadron Standard.

No. 360 Squadron had 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 Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

360 Squadron Canberras

EA Canberra T17 WK111

EB Canberra T17 WH646

EC Canberra T17 WJ625

ED Canberra T17 WJ630

EF Canberra T17 WJ633

EG Canberra T17 WH646

EH Canberra T17 WH664

EJ Canberra T17 WF890

EK Canberra T17 WH902

EL Canberra T17 WF916

EM Canberra T17 WD955

EN Canberra T17 WJ981

EP Canberra T17 WJ986

EQ Canberra T17 WK102

Below are some pictures of 360 squadron photos

 

360 squadron headquarters sign now kept at Norfolk and Suffolk avaition museum Flixton (well worth a visit)

WJ986 EP with 360 personnel 1992

WF916 EL departing RAF Wildenrath 11/10/91

WD955 EM the flagship of 360 squadron taking off from RAF Wyton

Canberra T17 from 360 Squadron at RAF Wyton doing its bit for red nose day

WF890 EJ on the pan waiting for her next mission

T17 line up

An unidentified T17 going through a 'Major' at RAF Wyton

The 360 squadron T17 service board at RAF Wyton

Inside the cockpit showing the pilots cabin in WJ633 EF

SAC Garry Ingall painting the 360 squadron crest, the photo was taken some time in 1991 at Andoya Airbase on the Island of Andennes in Norway

WK111 EA at RAF Wyton

WH646 EG taxying out from RAF Wyton

WJ633 RAF Wyton family airshow 1982

WF916 just landed at RAF Wyton

Showing the lines of the Canberra T17, this picture was taken at RAF Wyton on a families airshow day

Canberra T17 being prepared for flight, the ground crew are Adam Garland (on the bike), Gary Booth standing and Andrew Turner kneeling.....many thanks to Peter Aston for this information .