News

One of the oldest squadrons in the Royal Air Force which was based at Hawkinge for 20 years flew into the history books  yesterday (4 April).

Number 25 Squadron was formed at Montrose in Scotland in September, 1915 and moved into Germany as part of the occupying forces at the end of the First World War but was disbanded in January, 1920.

Three months later, the squadron reformed at Hawkinge where it remained until August, 1939.

The squadron flew Vampires, Meteors and Javelin fighters until 1962 when it disbanded and reformed as the first Bloodhound surface-to-air guided missile unit. Bloodhounds were withdrawn in August 1989 and 25 reformed at RAF Leeming with Tornado F3s.

The squadron arrived at the former Second World War bomber base with the Tornado F3 in 1989 as part of the Leeming Air Defence Wing.

A parade and flypast was held at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire yesterday  as 25(F) Squadron disbanded.

The squadron standard will be laid up at St Clement Danes in London.