Esher Efficiency Challenge Trophy

The Esher Efficiency Challenge Trophy was donated by Lord Esher to act as a reward to a Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force. it was designed to act as a stimulus to the training of these valuable squadrons.

This Bronze figure represents the Greek God Perseus and is a copy of a figure by the artist Sir Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) titled Perseus Arming (1882). Sir Alfred Gilbert is best known for the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, topped by Eros in Piccadilly Circus. The first winners of the trophy were No. 601 (County of London) Squadron in 1926. No. 601 Squadron was formed on 14 October 1925 and opened at Northolt, with Lord Grosvenor commanding, two regular officers and 21 airmen. They were nicknamed ‘the millionaires squadron’ as many who flew with them come from very wealthy and prestigious backgrounds. Lord Grosvenor was the son of the first Duke of Westminster. The Squadron made Hendon their home in 1927. In August 1934 the Squadron was re-designated as No. 601 (County of London) Fighter Squadron. They become a day fighter unit in 1940. The Squadron saw action in the Battle of Britain and were equipped with Hurricanes and later Spitfires. Their battle honours include Dunkirk, Battle of Britain, Malta, El Alamein, Sicily, Italy and Anzio. In the Second World War the Squadron claimed in total 220 victories with 89 possible. 100 of these victories were claimed for actions in the Battle of Britain.