In June 1948, following the murder of three British estate managers, the Malayan Emergency was declared. The RAF launched bombing and reconnaissance missions against communist guerrilla camps, with 60 Squadron conducting the campaign's first strike. Flying rocket-armed Spitfire FR XVIIIs in support of ground forces, the squadron played a key role. One notable aircraft was flown by CO Sqn. Ldr. W.G. Duncan Smith DSO, DFC. In November 1950, he brought in the squadron's first Meteor jet, which replaced the Spitfires. On January 1, 1951, 60 Squadron flew the RAF’s final offensive Spitfire mission.
