Updated: RAF Squad back in Malta
(Video added)
The Royal Air Force’s 111(F) Squadron returned to Malta this afternoon with four Tornado F3 aircraft after an absence of 65 years.
The squadron served in Malta during the war and that connection is being renewed with a flypast over the War Memorial in Floriana during the Remembrance Day commemoration on Sunday morning at 11 a.m.
Another connection is through one of the aircraft’s pilots - Flight Lieutenant Luke Gili-Ross, grandson of Norbert Gili-Ross, a Maltese national who served as a ground crew member helping to keep the aircraft flying during the defence of Malta.
One of the Tornado aircraft which arrived this afternoon forms part of 1435 Flight, which was formed in Malta during the war. The flight has also kept its links with Malta and three of its aircraft are called ‘Faith’, ‘Hope’ and ‘Charity’ after the Gladiator aircraft which constituted Malta’s first air defence. The eight-pointed Maltese cross is featured on the fins of the aircraft.
111(F) Squadron is currently based at RAF Leuchars in Scotland. While in Malta in 1943 it was equipped with Spitfires and took part in the Allied invasion of Sicily during ‘Operation Husky’.
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William P Flynn
Nov 8th 2008, 01:25
Welcome chaps. Enjoy yourselves; spend lots of money. Always good to see you; and when you're done, it's always good to see you go.
Buy a poppy everyone.
Is remembrance ceremony held on Sunday 9th not Tuesday 11th in Malta?
Antoine Vella
Nov 7th 2008, 20:12
Welcome back RAF 111(F) Squadron. There is a lot to remember on Sunday especcially for those brave soldiers and fighter pilots whom during the WWII fought and gave their lives to keep the enemy away from this island. Thank you on behalf of the Maltese people. Long live RAF 11(F) squadron.
Ruben Zammit
Nov 7th 2008, 18:20
It's good to see these men with their lovely Tornado fighter aircraft here in Malta after such a long time! These guys are not here just to do a show but to commemorate the guys who made the 111th squadron famous from their achievement in Malta, especially Operation Husky. Hope these guys have great fun in Malta and its good to see them here! Welcome back to Malta RAF, and especially to the 111th Squadron!
Charles Micallef
Nov 7th 2008, 16:50
WELCOME BACK TO THE ROYA; AIRFORCE SQUADRON 111F
May I through your newspaper appeal to all your readers not to forget to buy and wear a poppy this Sunday which is a reminder of what these guy's predecessors have fought, died and will be long remembered for on the 11th hour of the 11day of the 11month of the year,
We will remember them !
Bradly Reece
Nov 7th 2008, 16:05
Good on you guys, glad to see you back you are all welcomed to these sunny islands . Good day to remember on Sunday.
J Martinelli
Nov 7th 2008, 15:36
Welcome back Squadron 111(F).