Memories as air station celebrates its 70th year

Service personnel joined key figures of the North Yorkshire community to wish RAF Leeming, near Northallerton, a happy birthday in a style befitting its grand age.

The afternoon underlined the varied history of the station which has been transformed several times since its humble beginnings as farmland adopted by Yorkshire Air Services as one of the first flying clubs in Britain.

The station was acquired by The Crown in 1938 under the increasing threat of the Luftwaffe, and RAF Leeming officially came into being in June 1940.

Station Commander Group Captain William Gibson said: "The station has a very distinguished history through which those themes are threaded, and a can-do attitude which still allows it to punch above its weight at all levels.

"We should all be grateful for the sacrifices made by the men and women based at RAF Leeming over the years on our behalf. I am sure that all who served here have fond memories of the station and those they served with."

Air Commodore (Retired) Simon Bostock, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, served at the station several times during his military career.

He said: "The roles are more numerous and varied than ever before, and there is a sense of vibrancy, excitement and hard work from the station and its people. I wish all ranks the very best for the future."

Air Commodore Bostock presented campaign medals to RAF Leeming personnel, but a particularly special presentation went to Francis and Joyce Beckwith, who were awarded Veteran's Badges for their war service.