An association is being set up to commemorate the long and colourful history of a Moray-based RAF squadron.
As part of the reorganisation at RAF Lossiemouth, 12 (Bomber) Squadron are set to be disbanded in March.
However, the squadron is taking the opportunity of its 99th anniversary, which falls the month before, to launch an association that will be open to both current and former personnel.
The announcement was made following the homecoming of 80 of the squadron’s personnel from Afghanistan on Wednesday night.
Group Captain Ian Gale, RAF Lossiemouth’s station commander, said: “The RAF has a motto that translates as ‘through adversity to the stars’, and 12 Squadron has a motto that means ‘lead the field’.
“The squadron has come through adversity this year and gone on to lead the field. I am so proud of your achievements.”
The squadron was formed on February 14, 1915, during the early days of World War I when air power was still in its infancy
Heavy casualties were suffered by the squadron due to the fact that new pilots often arrived with just 20 hours of flight training.
One of the squadron’s first roles concentrated on bombing railway targets prior to the Loos offensive.
It also flew reconnaissance flights and before the Battle of Arras, the whole sector was photographed by 12 Squadron.
The rudimentary technology involved glass photographic plates, which had to be changed after each picture using a complicated system of strings that passed through the instrument panel.
The squadron also played a vital role in World War II. Amongt many missions it carried out were strikes against shipping in Boulogne Harbour on August 17 and 19, 1940, as the Nazis were making preparations to invade Britain.
More recently, it took part in Operation Desert Fox in Iraq, and Operation Herrick, in Afghanistan.
Any ex-members wanting to join should contact 12 (Bomber) Squadron to register their interest.