Instilled a spirit of professionalism and comradeship

Squadron Leader Lord Edward Grosvenor

In the 1920s Lord Edward (‘Ned’) Grosvenor was a popular and influential figure in aviation circles. An enthusiastic supporter of British air racing, he endowed the Grosvenor Challenge Cup, presented annually for light aircraft racing. When the Royal Auxiliary Air Force was established in 1925, Grosvenor was appointed commanding officer of the first squadron to be formed; No. 601 (County of London) Squadron, with the rank of Squadron Leader. Under his charismatic leadership, 601’s pilots acquired a glamorous reputation, flying their DH9As and Avro 504s at weekends from RAF Hendon. 601’s distinctive red winged sword emblem, designed by Grosvenor himself, adorned their aircraft and came to symbolise the elite ‘Millionaires’ Squadron’. After his untimely death at the age of 36 in 1929, Grosvenor’s portrait was hung in pride of place at 601’s London HQ in memory of their inspiring leader, who had done so much to instil a spirit professionalism and comradeship in his men.