Manchester Airport Unveils RAF Squadron Memorial

Manchester Airport has unveiled a new memorial honoring the 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron of the Royal Air Force — a Second World War unit originally based at the airport site when it was known as RAF Ringway.

 

The centerpiece of the tribute is a 1:4 scale model of a Supermarine Spitfire, positioned above a circular flowerbed filled with poppies. The aircraft bears the squadron’s emblem and the historic recognition code “RAT,” once used on planes flying from RAF Ringway.

The 613 Squadron served as a reconnaissance and tactical bomber unit during the war, later operating aircraft including the De Havilland Mosquito, North American Mustang, and Supermarine Spitfire. The squadron remained active until its disbandment in 1957.

The memorial’s unveiling coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and highlights the significant role that both RAF Ringway and the City of Manchester played in supporting the Allied forces.

The Spitfire memorial will also serve as the focal point for Armistice Day commemorations held at Manchester Airport today, offering a moment of remembrance for those who served and sacrificed during the conflict.