Moray-based air crews received the Freedom of Angus yesterday to mark their historic links with the region.
RAF Lossiemouth’s II (Army Cooperation) Squadron was the first to be based in Montrose, which was home to the UK’s first operational military airfield in 1913.
Yesterday, about 60 personnel from the Moray base paraded through the Angus town’s historic heart to receive the honour.
Typhoon jets, which were operated by the squadron on missions in the Middle East against Islamic State, saluted the parade.
Links continue to exist between the Lossiemouth-based crews and Montrose through the Angus air station’s heritage centre, which includes photographs and memorabilia from when they were based there.
Wing Commander Jim Lee, officer commanding II (AC) Sqn, who led the parade, said: “Today is bittersweet for me.
“I am honoured that the squadron has been awarded with the Freedom of Angus, recognising the strong connections between Montrose and the Squadron.
“But, in what is my last day in command, part of me is sad to leave the talented men and women who make up Number II (AC) Sqn.”
During the squadron’s early days in Montrose, the crews set many aviation records while flying the BE2 twin-seat biplane – including the longest non-stop flight of seven hours and 20 minutes and the national height record of 16,000ft.
RAF Montrose initially closed in 1920, but shut for the final time in 1952 after briefly reopening for the Second World War. It later became home to mountain rescue teams before the current heritage centre opened in 1992.
Group Captain Jim Walls, station commander of RAF Lossiemouth, thanked the Angus population for its continued support of II (AC) Sqn.
He added: “We have heard about the past, but today has very much been about the future. With the granting of the Freedom of Angus, our future relationship with Montrose is assured.”
