Wednesday, 8th October 2008 - 16:34CET

RAF Tornado fighters to make Armistice Day flypast in Malta

Four Tornado F3 fighter aircraft of the Royal Air Force are to perform a flypast over the War Memorial next month during the Armistice Day commemoration.

The aircraft form part of of 111(F) squadron, which was based in Malta during the war in 1943.

One of the squadron's commanders before the war was Sir Keith Park, who later served as Air Officer Commanding in Malta in 1941-42.

The squadron retains a link to Malta to this day. 1435 Flight, formed in Malta during the war and now based in the Falkland Islands, has three aircraft called Faith Hope and Charity, after the legendary Gloster Gladiator aircraft which formed Malta's only air defence in the first days of the war. They carry a small Maltese Cross on their tail fin. One of the flight's aircraft is currently attached to the squadron and will be brought to Malta to take part in the flypast.

111 Squadron is taking part in a campaign in the UK and abroad to raise funds to erect a statue of Sir Keith. Officers from the squadron will also be coming to Malta to research his part in the Maltese war effort.

The squadron's visit is being coordinated by the Armed Forces of Malta.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 8, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

M.Bezzina (on 9/10/08)

I heared the F3 version has only 2-3yrs left now with RAF.

joe ciliberti (on 9/10/08)

If it takes just 4 Torndos to do an airshow I will be glad to do one a month! 111 Sqd (TrebleOne). Having said that, we were very close to have two 43 Sqd Tonkas from Leuchars, Scotland this year too but some of the squadron jets went unserviceable and had to cancel during the same week of the show. I would be glad to see the Tornados especially since the F3 version is very rare to see now, being in it's last months/years of service. Infact I doubt if they will manage to send all 4 jets and fly them back unless they bring with them a good number of engineers.

M.Bezzina (on 9/10/08)

When I said 'another airshow is coming' its because I love military/civil aircraft.

Alfred I only referred to another airshow for the fighters themselves and not for the Armistice Day commemoration itself!!

Alfred Grech (on 8/10/08)

Mr Bezzina to refer to the R.A.F. armistice day flyby as "another airshow" is offensive to say the least. I suggest Mr.Bezzina should spend a few minutes at the foot of the War Memorial in Floriana.

alfred grima (on 8/10/08)

Does anyone know the dates of this event, i.e when are these tornados coming?
At least we are going to see some tornadoes at last! They were missed during this year's airshow.

Charles Polidano (on 8/10/08)

Minor correction to the news story. No. 1435 Flight has (or had, anyway) four aircraft, not three. They were named Faith, Hope, Charity ... and Desperation.

You can't beat the RAF for humour.

Charles Falzon (on 8/10/08)

Dear Mr. M.Bezzina,
If only.
Let others enjoy their hobby, please.

M.Bezzina (on 8/10/08)

Another Airshow is coming!!!!!!!!