IX (B) Squadron Association Reunion 25 September 2010

On Saturday 25 September 2010, RAF Marham again played host to the members of the IX (B) Sqn Association for their annual reunion. The day commenced with coffee at the officers' mess followed by the Association’s AGM. The Association members were due to view a display by the Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Unfortunately, due to the bad weather and high winds at RAF Coningsby, the vintage aircraft were unable to take off. A great shame as the Association members enjoy getting up close to the aircraft and for those who flew in the Lancaster during the Second World War, time to reminisce with their former comrades on their exploits during a very hazardous period in IX (B) Sqn's illustrious history.

The AGM was followed by a tour of the Sqn and a simulated airfield attack display by the current Sqn aircraft, the Tornado GR4. The airfield attack was a different type of sortie to that which was flown during the Sqn’s tour in Afghanistan earlier this year, where it was carrying out duties on Op HERRICK in support of the ISAF mission providing close air support to ground troops. The Sqn flew over 1600 flying hours in the three and a half month tour and played a pivotal part in Op MOSHTARAK which was the offensive to remove insurgents from the Taliban stronghold of Nad-e-Ali.

The day was rounded off with a reunion dinner in the officers’ mess where Association members were able to share their experiences with current Sqn aircrew and groundcrew of all ranks.

Speeches were given by the Association Chairman; Air Cdre Spike Milligan RAF (ret), the Association president; Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach and Wing Commander Nick Hay Officer Commanding IX (Bomber) Squadron who said;

“Every year is it a great pleasure to welcome the members of IX (B) Squadron, both past and present, to RAF Marham and it is evident by the numbers that attend the IX (B) Squadron reunion that the association is as strong as ever.

I am scheduled to handover command of the Sqn on 12 November 2010, 66 years to the day that the Sqn sank the infamous German Battleship, the Turpitz, a very important day for the association. Without doubt the Sqn reunions have been one of the highlights of my tour as Officer Commanding, and are always extremely well organised by Squadron Leader Dicky James, the IX (B) Squadron Association Secretary, who was awarded lifetime honoury membership in recognition of his sterling service to the association.”

An auction was held on completion of the reunion dinner which saw members bidding for items of Sqn memorabilia such as prints, DVDs and books, raising money for the association fund.