Banff base’s wartime story told on DVD

Buchan airfield was home to RAF’s strike wing in WWII

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The vital role played by a north-east airfield during World War II is recalled in a new DVD which charts the history of the base.

The airfield at Boyndie, near Banff, was home to the RAF Banff Strike Wing, which was formed in 1944 during the 1939-45 conflict with Germany.

Enemy shipping was targeted off the Norwegian coast during the active life of the base and successes recorded helped to hasten an end to the war.

The DVD has been produced for the RAF Banff Strike Wing Memorial Trust and the RAF Banff Association.

It includes footage of the last Mosquito aircraft to land at the airfield in 1976 to commemorate the official opening of Banff Flying Club.

The DVD is written and narrated by trust member David Morgan, who helped found the flying club.

He said: “The DVD is in five sections, with the first a rerun of an old video for the trust. It has been updated and the rest is other material, including footage of the last Mosquito.

“It was shot by Dr William Hossack, from Macduff, in June 1976 when the Mosquito flew up from Strathallan.

“There is also an audio clip of former Group Captain Max Aitken, who was commander at the base during the war, speaking at the flying club opening.”

The DVD also contains footage of the dedication in 1989 of the strike wing memorial.

Mr Morgan said: “All profits from sales of the DVD will go to the RAF Banff Association.”

The DVD, priced £10, is for sale at local outlets or from association secretary Colin Jeffrey on 01261 818417.