New man in charge of RAF squadron (From York Press)

New man in charge of RAF squadron

9:33am Monday 24th September 2012 in News

COMMAND of one of the oldest squadrons in the Royal Air Force has changed hands in North Yorkshire.

72(R) Squadron, which is based at RAF Linton-On-Ouse, was created in 1917, and has served a number of roles, including as a fighter squadron during the Battle of Britain.

More recently, the squadron has served as a training team for new pilots, and all RAF and Royal Navy fast-jet pilots serve with the team to learn the fundamentals of flying Tucano jets, before moving to more advanced training elsewhere in the UK.

Wing Commander Barry Dale took over the squadron at a small ceremony, and said: “I am greatly honoured to be given command of 72(R) Squadron, responsible for the basic fast-jet training of all the RAF’s and Royal Navy’s future fast-jet pilots.

“It is a beautiful part of the country, the people are warm and friendly, and it is not difficult to see why many of my staff are keen to be re-toured here.”

Outgoing Wing Commander Richie Bedford presented his successor with a set of 9ct gold cufflinks engraved with the image of a swift, the Squadron’s crest, as part of a 30-year tradition.

The cufflinks were handcrafted for the squadron’s commanding officer in 1940, and have been passed from one to the next ever since.