O CANADA. I hear that people’s heads were turned at the sight of smartly-uniformed Canadian Air Force personnel at Betty’s in St Helen’s Square.

Some sort of time warp, perhaps? No, they hadn’t skipped back 75 years; they had seen officers and NCOs of the present-day Canadian Armed Forces - Air Command.

Members of the party proceeded downstairs to pay their respects at the celebrated mirror, where their RCAF forebears, and others, engraved their signatures three quarters of a century ago.

‘Betty’s Bar’ was a favourite haunt for Canadian and other allied air forces.

Why were these welcome visitors in our city? Every May a contingent of the Canadian Air Force in effect makes a pilgrimage to York, and especially Sutton-on-the-Forest where nearby Eastmoor aerodrome was home to three Canadian bomber squadrons for three years in the Second World War.

The members of 415, 429 and 432 Squadrons lost on operations from the base between 1942 and 1945 are commemorated at the distinctive sundial memorial in the village pound.

Especially poignant is the fact that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the formation of 429 Squadron at Eastmoor.

A good representation from their 21st century descendants were joined by local residents, parishioners, RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Air Training cadets, RAFA, Yorkshire Air Museum members, standard bearers, a bugler and pipers for a memorial service, flypast and village tea.

This ceremony has been held for many years; long may it continue - thank you Canada.

Derek Reed, Middlethorpe Drive, York