SEPECAT Jaguar GR3A, XX119, which wears a special paint scheme and is nicknamed ‘Spotty’, is now at 6 Sqn’s current home of RAF Lossiemouth in Moray. This Jaguar received its special scheme to mark the end of the type in RAF service. ‘Spotty’ was the last of the type to be flown by the service and flew into RAF Cosford in Shropshire on July 2, 2007. It was allocated as a ground instructional airframe for aircraft technicians and kept in taxiable condition for use by 238 Squadron – formerly the Line Training Flight – as an aid to teaching aircraft marshallers. When live aircraft were replaced by synthetic methods for this training, XX119 stayed with Cosford’s No 1 School of Technical Training, part of the Defence College of Technical Training.
‘Spotty’ was roaded to Lossiemouth in December and now takes pride of place in 6 Sqn’s hangar. It will also make an appearance at public events at the station.
No.6 Sqn holds the record for the longest unbroken service of any squadron in the world – from 1914 to 2007. The unit was re-formed on the Typhoon in 2010. Wg Cdr Gary Montgomery, Officer Commanding 6 Sqn, 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.”
