Dutch wartime squadron remembered – Monday 28 April 2008

A spectacular flypast by four F-16 jets over the countryside near Liverpool brought to an end a ceremony to mark the formation of all-Dutch 322 Squadron at RAF Woodvale in Merseyside 65 years ago.

A team of airmen from the Royal Netherlands Air Force came over for the ceremony and members of 322 Squadron also raised their flag and toured the airfield where their squadron was formed at the height of World War II.

Some 300 Dutch airmen managed to flee to Britain after the Germans invaded the Netherlands in May 1940. The British authorities interned most of them after their arrival, but many pilots and ground personnel joined RAF squadrons after they were given clearance.

Pressure for an all-Dutch squadron intensified and was supported by the exiled Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands who had learned to fly with the RAF. And so, on 12 June 1943, 322 Squadron was formed at RAF Woodvale.

The squadron flew Spitfires and its primary role was intercepting the Germans’ much-feared V-1 rockets. The squadron is today based in Leeuwarden in the north of the Netherlands and its pilots fly F-16s.

Cpl First Class Cristian Schrik from 322 Squadron said:

“It’s fantastic to be here for such an historic moment – this is where it all started for us. We’re honouring those people who fought for our freedom so it’s very special to come back to RAF Woodvale again.”

RAF Woodvale was opened in 1941 and is now home to Liverpool University Air Squadron and the Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron. Its Acting Station Commander, Flight Lieutenant Peter Hitchcock, said:

“The visit has been very useful because it has made us reflect on our own history.

“It makes us feel that what we’re doing is worthwhile – it’s more than just teaching people how to fly. We are seen as a quiet outpost but the history of Woodvale is very important.”

Source: RAF

Nostalgia at EHLW

Although it’s a month ago (september 8 and 9 2006) those two jets flew in, i didn’t want it to go without a post and some pictures!

 

This Swedish Saab J-29 and Vampire dropped in for a short Fuel stop. Both planes came from the Jersey Airshow in Great Britain (see http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/airshow06/jersey/jersey.htm for details of this show). For some of us (like me) it was the first time to see 2 of these old planes flying. I found it so special that i thought it was a good idea to share these pictures with you, the readers of this section!

 

For now, enjoy the pic’s and till the next post!

 

- Johan -

 

 

 

 

A-10 trouble At EHLW

AF82-962

First I start to say this is my first post at this new formed section, I’ll try to keep u all posted with Leeuwarden movements, and visitors. I hope u’ll enjoy the photo’s and comments 

AF81-976

This week Leeuwarden AFB, Netherlands, was visited the whole week by a pair of A-10′s from Spangdahlem AFB, Germany, for the FWIT (Fighter Weapons Instructor Training) excercise!

At 05-10-06 the A-10 with serial AF82-654 came in with an weight on wheel problem, wich caused an Nosewheel steering problem. In order to fix this problem the plane was towed to H-3 at Leeuwarden. I took some pictures of the visiting A-10′s and some close-ups from the 654. The mechanics will work the weekend so I assume the plane goes back to Spangdahlem begin next week! Enjoy the photo’s and till the next post!

 

Greetz Johan

Here are some more pics inside the hanger of the AF82-654: