RAF Reserves 501 Squadron

02/08/2025

🫡 It’s always exciting to welcome new service personnel to the Sqn… many congratulations!

We’ll see you soon 👌

01/08/2025

Sharing knowledge, sharing experience, continually striving for excellence 👌

Thank you for organising such an awesome event, 605 Sqn Reserves 🙏

09/07/2025

The one and only… AS1 Dan Oakford 👏👏👏

20/06/2025

12/06/2025

🇬🇧 "No Longer Missing" – F/Lt Philip Anthony Neville Cox, RAF 🇬🇧

On 5th June 2025, FS Rudge had the honour and privilege of attending the Rededication Service in Holland for one of our own – F/Lt Philip Anthony Neville Cox, a 501 Squadron Battle of Britain pilot lost in 1940.

“…. It was a great honour and privilege for me to take part in the Rededication Service for one of our own – Fg Off P A N Neville. He was lost to us since 1940. Now, thanks to Dutch researcher Philip Reinders, the JCCC, and the CWGC, we now know his final resting place. Rest in peace, Sir."
– FS Rudge, 501 Sqn

After 85 years listed as an “Unknown Airman,” F/Lt Cox’s final resting place has now been formally identified, thanks to the tireless work of Dutch historian Philip Reinders and the dedicated teams at the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) and Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

F/Lt Cox originally joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice in 1932, became a Flight Cadet in 1935, and qualified as a pilot in 1937. He served with 501 (County of Gloucestershire) Squadron, AuxAF, during the early stages of the Battle of Britain. On 27th July 1940, he was shot down in combat off Dover by a Me109 of 3./ErGpr 210 and was reported missing.

We are proud to share his story and honour his memory.
📖 Read more: https://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/CoxPAN.htm

Today, Philip Cox is ‘No Longer Missing’.
Rest in peace, Sir.

Find out more about what No Ordinary Job can mean with the RAF Reserves: https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/find-your-role

📸: CWGC, BBM Memorial, JCCC

05/06/2025

14/03/2025

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14/03/2025

❄️ EXERCISE SNOW DAGGER 2025 ❄️

From scaling frozen waterfalls to surviving in snow shelters, one of our own has just returned from an unforgettable week in the Norwegian mountains.

AS1 Kit Fantastic was the only member of 501 Squadron to take on Exercise Snow Dagger - an extreme winter training expedition designed to push both physical and mental limits.

🏔️ The Journey:
From Gatwick to Oslo, then a 3.5-hour convoy to Gausta, where the team settled into chalets before heading straight into the wild.

⛷️ The Challenges:
🔹 Telemark skiing across the frozen landscape
🔹 Snowshoeing & climbing to Gaustatoppen's summit
🔹 Alpine climbing (until the weather had other plans!)
🔹 Snow survival training—digging & sleeping in snow holes
🔹 Ice climbing up frozen waterfalls
🔹 Downhill skiing & snowboarding to wrap it all up

💬 Kit’s Verdict?
“The best part? Tackling new challenges every single day - both personally and as a team. The worst part? Coming home!”

👊 Beyond the adventure, this exercise embodied RAF core values: teamwork, resilience, and learning through challenge.

An incredible opportunity for anyone in the RAF—who’s signing up next? 👇

Find out more about what No Ordinary Job can mean with the RAF Reserves: https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/find-your-role

25/11/2024

Last part of the leaving present 🎁 honest.
Thank you all at RAF Reserves 501 Squadron. Afternoon tea in Harrods. A wonderful experience.
Now back to retirement! 🥂🍾🥂

02/11/2024

🚛 A Weekend to Remember! 🚛

Last weekend, members of 501 Sqn RAF Reserves took on Exercise Mudmaster 2024 in Edinburgh!

With our largest turnout yet, eight trucks tackled Scotland’s roads and hills, testing navigation, driving & marshalling skills.

This year, we were joined by 614 and 607 Sqns, representing the RAF Reserves.

15 teams out of the 57 trucks competing in the Exercise alongside another RAF Brize Norton Team of 3 motorbikes guaranteed the strongest RAF contingent to date. 😀

We’re thrilled to celebrate AS1 Kouam and AS1 Leigh, who took home the Best RAF Brize Norton prize, and AS1 Dewsbury and AS1 Simpkins, who won Best Overall RAF.

Congratulations to these outstanding teams and all category winners! 🏆

Special thanks to Cpl Mellows-Marais for her extraordinary dedication. Preparations began months ago, with her going above and beyond to get 501 Sqn “wheels-up” and ready for the competition.

She also led the team on-site, managing a constantly shifting schedule and coordinating our entire contingent of drivers, navigators, and marshals. Her efforts were crucial to making this event a success!

A huge thank you as well to 154 Scottish Regiment RLC, Maj Urquhart, and team for organising this fantastic event.

Cpl Mellows-Marais shared, “It’s an Exercise that pushes teams out of their comfort zones over a challenging few days and countless miles. The experience is invaluable, building skills in route plotting, map reading, and teamwork. The confidence, camaraderie, and smiles make it all worthwhile. Mudmaster is a Training Calendar favourite!”

AS2 Garlinge added, “It’s been awesome! My first Mudmaster was an incredible experience, and a true highlight in my four years as a Reserve.”

Well done to all involved!

Find out more how you get get involved in such awesome competitions as part of your training with 501 Sqn and about what No Ordinary Job can mean with the RAF Reserves: https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/find-your-role

01/11/2024

🏅 Celebrating Service and Dedication – Cpl Mike Rickwood’s Meritorious Achievement

On a momentous day at Abingdon School, our own Cpl Mike Rickwood was honoured with the prestigious Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire’s Meritorious Service Award.

This award, presented by Mrs. Marjorie Glasgow BEM (the current Lord Lieutenant), recognises those who exemplify the volunteer ethos that strengthens our communities and nation.

Cpl Rickwood also enjoys an anniversary today having now devoted 10 years to the RAF Reserves and 501 Squadron, demonstrating unwavering commitment and exceptional service.

His contributions, including key roles in Operation BILOXI in Romania and as part of the COVID Testing teams during Operation RESCRIPT, highlight the significant impact that our reservists have both at home and abroad.

🌟 Cpl Rickwood Shares:
"This recognition is not only a personal milestone in my career with the RAF Reserves but also a testament to the collective spirit and dedication of all reservists. Serving with 501 Squadron has been a profound honour, and every task, mobilisation, and parade has enriched my life immensely. This award reaffirms that our efforts and devotion to serving our King and country are truly appreciated."

We are immensely proud of Cpl Rickwood and all our squadron members who continue to serve with honour and excellence.

Please join us in “double-congratulating” Cpl Rickwood on this outstanding achievement in the comments below!

Find out more about how No Ordinary Job with the RAF Reserves can be your way to make a meaningful difference: https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/find-your-role