RAF Cosford reserves unit is back after 50 years

The 605 Squadron held an open day at RAF Cosford, near Shifnal, at the weekend, and Squadron Leader Rich Newton, its new executive officer, said recruits from across the county would be welcomed.

"We started recruiting on Saturday," he said. "We're looking for 120 reserves split between drivers, chefs, suppliers and police. We operate a 50-mile radius, so we cover all of Shropshire and some of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, into north Wales then over towards Birmingham and the Black Country."

The squadron is expected to provide general support to other RAF units across the area and will join other units at Cosford including the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering and the Defence School of Photography.

In its previous incarnation, 605 Squadron was formed at Castle Bromwich, near Birmingham, in 1926. The squadron was disbanded in 1957. Last November when the Ministry of Defence announced it would be one of six squadrons to be revived.

"It's part of an MoD-wide programme to increase the number of reserves across all the armed forces," said Mr Newton.

Wing Commander Mike Sherburn, who will lead the new unit, said: "While RAF Cosford is a main centre for engineering we haven't had a reserve unit since 1957.

"We can't wait to get started. We are incredibly proud of what we can offer our potential reservists, both here at Cosford and in support of RAF operations either in the UK or overseas.

"Having been mobilised on operations as a reservist myself, I appreciate how juggling civilian commitments with the RAF Reserves takes dedication. However, the rewards in terms of challenges, training, esprit de corps and financial are worth it."

Anyone interested in finding out more can call RAF Reserves on 0345 606 9069.