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Shared history was marked in France today as the Royal Air Force celebrated its centenary with people of Saint Omer in Northern France.

The Royal Air Force has Saint Omer in its DNA. The RAF and its predecessor, the Royal Flying Corps, formed some of their earliest Squadrons there.

Air Marshal Stuart Evans, Deputy Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, was the senior RAF Officer at the events. He was joined by Viscount Trenchard, a direct descendent of the first Chief of the Air Staff and Air Vice Marshal Didier Rouzet of the French Air Force.

The events in Saint Omer happen at the same time as the Franco-British Council Defence Conference in London. The Franco-British Council is a non-government organisation that aims to promote better mutual understanding; an aim of the conference is to highlight the positive defence co-operation between France and the UK.

The Royal Flying Corps established a headquarters at Saint Omer’s aerodrome in October 1917. No 9 Squadron, No 16 Squadron, No 41 Squadron and No 206 Squadron are active units with historical roots in Saint Omer. Douglas Bader, the fighter ace who lost both legs, was forced to bail out during World War II and was initially treated in Saint Omer hospital. 

British and French civilians, officials from Saint Omer and Royal Air Force personnel attended in their hundreds. A service of commemoration in the town’s beautiful 13th century cathedral, an act of remembrance at the Commonwealth war grave memorial and impressive flypasts were poignant reminders of a strong historical bond.

 

 “It has been a real privilege to be involved today and I thank the people of Saint Omer for their incredible generosity and hospitality over the past couple of days.  Every day I see the very strong links between our forces, at all levels, reinforced today by the attendance of many generations, including veterans and serving military personnel, from NATO and the Commonwealth.  For me, the most inspirational part of the day was to see the Kent Air Cadets and school children of many nationalities come together to commemorate the incredible sacrifice of those who have gone before us.”

Air Commodore Nick Hay
Principal Project Lead for the Saint Omer celebrations

Squadron Leader Mark Pickles commands No 16 Squadron at RAF Wittering. 

“Nobody could ignore the sense of history or the warm reception given to us by the people of Saint Omer. It’s easy to believe that a century ago, even during war, the people here were just as welcoming to our predecessors.”

Squadron Leader Mark Pickles
Commander of No 16 Squadron

An RAF Hercules from 206 Squadron and a Grob Tutor aircraft from 16 Squadron were joined by a French Air Force Dassault Rafale for flypasts over Saint Omer Aerodrome, where commemorative wreathes were laid and plaque unveiled; a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by both the townsfolk and the Royal Air Force.

“As we reach the end of the RAF100 campaign, I cannot think of a more thoughtful way in which to commemorate the shared history between the Royal Air Force and St Omer.  The Royal Air Force and the people of Saint Omer have shown extraordinary friendship toward each other. Today’s events, in a way, celebrate the ties we have with France and especially Saint Omer. Those ties, I believe, will inspire our continuing co-operation.”

Air Marshal Evans