Today mark’s the 80th anniversary of RAF Lossiemouth opening.
To celebrate, we’ve had a look in our archives for pictures of the base from through the years.
We are also asking people for their favourite memories of being stationed at the Moray base and living in the area.
Send your memories and pictures to digital@pressandjournal.co.uk
Eighty years of RAF Lossiemouth: How public support helped change the Moray base’s future
Here is our selection:
Junior technician Kevin Barclay from Inverness testing a control and release computer from a Buccaneer at the Lossiemouth base. Picture taken 29 September 1983.
Brian Currie, 237 Field Squadron, Airfield Damage Repair Unit based at RAF Lossiemouth with two youngsters on the Sultan Command Vehicle at the army exhibition in the Cooper Park, Elgin. The youngsters are Gary McRobbie (top) and Kyle McIlwraith (bottom) both aged six. Picture taken 25 July 1994.
Group Captain Sandy Wilson CO RAF Lossiemouth walks proudly with the rescue crew of the Sea King. (Left to right) Flt. Lieut. Captain Mike Lakey; Flt Lieut. Bill Campbell; Sgt. Rick Bragg; Group Captain Wilson and Squadron Leader Hamish Grant Senior Medical Officer.” Picture taken 2 October 1980.
The picture marked the end of Britain’s battling Buccaneers. The Lossiemouth based jet bombers, which helped to win the Gulf War were heading for the scrapyard.
It was the end of a glorious era stretching back more than 30 years – and it also closed a famous chapter in the history of RAF Lossiemouth. Only 24 of the ageing Buccaneers remained in service with the RAF at the time – all of them at the Moray air base.
Wing Commander Nigel Huckins, Officer Commanding with No. 208 Squadron, IS pictured in front of the Buccaneer with its range of weapons.” Picture taken 22 September 1993.
A formation of four Buccaneer jets – still in their Gulf War desert colours, and followed by a similar formation of Jaguar jets – flew low over the centre of Lossiemouth on this day. In the town square below, the officers and men of RAF Lossiemouth marched proudly, with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.
The occasion, studded with pomp and ceremony, was the official granting of the Freedom of Moray to the Lossiemouth air base – the highest accolade the local authority can bestow. On the march – Group Captain Jon Ford and Councillor Edward Aldridge take the salute during the march past in front of the war memorial. Picture taken 3 April 1992.
The Dambusters swapped their flying suits for shorts and running shoes for a mission with a difference. In 1994 a team of 24 fliers and groundcrew from the squadron set out from their new base at RAF Lossiemouth for a 240 mile relay run to Berwick. The run was organised in a bid to recover 617 Squadron’s coveted crest parchment which the Admin Wing at RAF Marham Norfolk is holding ransom. Picture taken 15 July 1994.
On their marks for the relay challenge are, left, Cpl Tim Baxter, and, right, Flt Lt Dave Ballance, with the nose of one of their Tornados from 617 Squadron, the Dambusters.
The Sea King crew who rescued 22 people from the blazing chemical cargo ship Finneagle are (left to right) – Sgt. Rick Bragg, pilot Flt. Lt. Miket Makey, Flt. Lt. Bill Campbell, Flt. Lt. Dave Simpson and Sqn. Ldr. Hamish Grant. Picture taken 2 October 1980.
Photographed at RAF Lossiemouth after returning from Shetland are the air crew of the rescue helicopter involved in the Lunodods shipwreck. (L-R) Sergeant Steve Labouchardiere, Squadron Leader Dave Simpson, Sgt Chris Bodiam and Fl Lt Mark Francey.” Picture taken 8 November 1993.
Flying Officer Steve Macnamara parades the scroll conferring the Freedom of Moray on RAF Lossiemouth through the town at the weekend. Picture taken 3 April 1992.
Four legged friends of the canine variety leapt to help keep young patients at a Moray hospital smiling. The RAF police dog demonstration team from RAF Lossiemouth presented two televisions and two video recorders to the children’s ward at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
And they delighted youngsters and staff by bringing along top dog Banjo. The police dog demonstration team took part in events all round the country and that year raised £1,000 thanks to donations.”
“Dr Gray’s Hospital patient Fiona Urquhart, 7 cuddles RAF Police dog Banjo, held by Cpl Ian Booth.” Picture taken 27 March 1990.
