106 - Why ‘Orsett Hundred’?

    As a squadron we are involved in a number of activities with our sister squadron in Thurrock, 106 (Orsett Hundred) based in Grays. The question some people ask is why is a squadron based in Grays named after a village, and why the ‘Hundred’. It is worth noting that the squadron has never in its history had a HQ in Orsett, which adds to the confusion.

    106 was formed in 1939 and Colonel Sir Francis Whitmore, then Lord Lieutenant of Essex, granted the squadron the title ‘Orsett Hundred’ and the usage of the Whitmore family crest on their original standard, now laid up in Orsett church. Sir Francis' wife, Ellis, Lady Whitmore, accepted the invitation to become the squadron's first president.

    In an organisation as young as ours it is important to maintain our history and heritage such as this. For this reason (in the CO's opinion) the name should never be changed.