Squadron celebrates many happy returns (From York Press)

Squadron celebrates many happy returns

10:56am Friday 3rd November 2006 in News By Press reporter

ONE of the RAF's most famous units is celebrating its 90th birthday in North Yorkshire this month.

Now based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, 207 Squadron began life in the Royal Naval Air Service in November, 1916.

Among events to mark the anniversary, the squadron flew three of its Tucanos on a cross-country mission, paying an aerial salute to its former airfields.

During the First World War, 207 Squadron flew night bombing raids. According to RAF records, it operated "nearly every night, only the most adverse weather conditions keeping them grounded".

In the Second World War, 207 was equipped with Manchester bombers before converting to Lancasters in 1942.

The squadron flew 540 operations, during which it lost more than 870 airmen. It was awarded seven Distinguished Service Orders, 115 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 92 Distinguished Flying medals.

Joining in the celebrations was 84-year-old Frank Pollard, from nearby Newton-on-Ouse. Mr Pollard served as 207 Squadron navigator, flying Lancaster bombers out of Spilsby, Lincolnshire, from 1944 until the end of the war in Europe.

Mr Pollard said crews relied on each other completely. He said: "We all believed that nothing would happen to us. It was a job that had to be done, it's as simple as that.

"Comradeship was what saw us through it all."

Squadron Leader Jack Christen, the present commanding officer, said: "The history and legacy we have inherited is one of the finest in the Royal Air Force.

"We maintain strong links with our veterans and for my student pilots, the chance to meet with them is not only an honour but an education."