IX(B) Sqn was formed at St Omer, France on 8 Dec 1914 and to mark the 100th birthday the Sqn and it’s Association went to France from 7-9 December 2014 to celebrate.
Over 50 members of the Sqn, led by Wing Commander Chris Snaith and 110 members of the Association arrived in France on Sunday 7 December 2014.
On the morning of Monday 8 Dec 2014, the Mayor, various members of the St Omer Flying Club and a number of locals welcomed members of the Squadron and Association to St Omer Airfield. The flying club had cleared the hangar, as the weather forecast was for constant rain.
A number of history talks were given by members of the Squadron. Speeches were given by the Mayor of St Omer, the President of the IX(B) Squadron Association, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach and Wing Commander Chris Snaith, the Officer Commanding IX(B) Squadron.
The crowd was now over 300 and although it was raining, most ventured outside as a Tornado from RAF Marham carried out a flypast exactly on time.
A short Centenary Ceremony and Service was held, and wreaths were laid on the RAF Memorial on St Omer Airfield.
Following the Service a lunch was held inside the hangar.
The RAF contingent then moved to Mendingham Cemetery, Proven, Belguim, where more history talks were given by members of the Squadron.
At 2000 hrs, The Squadron paraded at the Menin Gate parade.
The whole event was superbly organised by the Association Vice-President, Group Captain Alfie Ferguson, and the Squadron Warrant Officer, Dean Wood.
For Swanny’s write up and some photos of the event,
click here.
To read a tribute from our friends at the
Newark Air Museum, who were kind enough to open up early on the Sunday to facilitate the association coach, please
click here.