RAF SQUADRON RETURNS TO MALTA AFTER 65 YEARS

RAF SQUADRON RETURNS TO MALTA AFTER 65 YEARS

The Royal Air Forces 111(F) Squadron is tomorrow returning to Malta, after an absence of 65 years, with four Tornado F3 aircraft to take part in a flypast over the War Memorial in Floriana during Remembrance Day commemorations.

111(F) Squadron, or the Tremblers as they are known, are currently based at RAF Leuchars in Scotland, and they have a long and distinguished history stretching right back to the World War One. They also have an association with Malta as they were based here during World War Two in 1943, having moved from North Africa.

At the time, they were equipped with Spitfires and, besides defending the Malta Islands, they also took part in the subsequent Allied invasion of Sicily during Operation Husky.

The Squadron has another link with Malta, in that one of their former Commanding Officers between 1927 and 1929 was the famous Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, who fulfilled the role of Air Officer Commanding Malta towards the end of the siege between 1941 and 1942. He was also famous for his role in the Battle of Britain.

A campaign is underway in London to erect a monument in his honour, since it is 80 years since he commanded the Squadron. Various visits around the UK and overseas are underway to historically investigate the career of this officer and that of the Squadron which, in June 2007, celebrated their 90th Anniversary. Four officers and 12 other ranks are visiting Malta between the 5th and 11th November to examine the Defence of Malta between 1941 and 1942, and the then basing of 111(F) Squadron in 1943.

The Tremblers are currently equipped with the Tornado F3 fighter aircraft, and are employed in the Air Defence role fulfilling that task as part of the NATO Quick Reaction Alert role. They also man 1435 Flight, of Maltese Faith, Hope and Charity fame, and who are currently based in the Falkland Islands.

This year, the Squadron has decided to mark its link with the Maltese Islands by returning to take part in the Remembrance Day Commemorations. Its RAF officers will lay wreathes on behalf of the Squadron and also on behalf of 1435 Flight. Four Tornado F3 fighters will also take part in a flypast over the War Memorial in Floriana as a mark of respect to fallen comrades, all of whom are listed on the nearby RAF Memorial.

The Squadron Commander, Wing Commander Pete Cracroft believes it is important to retain this link with their history. Much of our Service life is built on tradition, and part of that tradition is remembering our past, learning from it, and acknowledging the sacrifice made by others on our behalf. We are proud of our association with Malta, and we as the Royal Air Force should also acknowledge and respect the bravery and fortitude of the Maltese people during that dreadful siege, for which they were rightly awarded the George Cross. I, and the rest of the Squadron feel privileged that we have been allowed to take part in this years Remembrance Day Commemorations. The Maltese hospitality is second to none, and I trust we can maintain our links with the Islands in the future.

The Armed Forces of Maltas Air Wing are hosting the RAF Tornado aircraft.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• AFM
• A.F.M.
• Armed
• forces
• Malta
• RAF
• Tornado
• 1435
• Flt
• 111
• (F)
• Sqd
• Tremblers

[Iain1962]

My dad was there from 1941 to the end of the war working on the radar.

[paulhiggins65]

My Dad was stationed in Malta between 1977 and 1979. We were there at the very end of the British military presence and my Dad actually handed RAF Luqa overto the Malta government in March 1979. Have only returned to Malta once since then, but still have a deep affection for the place and it is nice to see that "the boys in blue" get back there from time to time and seemed to be welcome visitors.

[RRAvon]

I love Malta.

[JohnFuk]

Well done Tremblers. The best Squadron in the RAF.

[kn1ghtstemplar]

My father was stationed at what was Kalfrana and I spent some of my early childhood in Malta. To this day my family travel to Malta at least once a year because all my kids have grown to know and love both Malta and Gozo.

[Torchmark]

I feel so proud that something fascinating such as this forms part of Malta's historical timeline.