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Commemorative flight marks 100 years since ‘gallant pilots’ left Montrose for First World War

A First World War replica aircraft carries the wreath that will travel to France.
A First World War replica aircraft carries the wreath that will travel to France.

A commemorative flight has marked 100 years since young men set off from Montrose Air Station to join the First World War.

Montrose was the UK’s first military air base and it was from there, on August 3 1914, that Royal Flying Corps II (AC) Squadron flew their biplanes to Dover.

Ten days later they would lead the squadron to Amiens in France to play a vital part in the conflict.

A commemorative wreath set off from Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre to RAF Leuchars in a replica SE5 aircraft on Sunday.

Photo Gallery:‘Gallant pilots’ of Montrose remembered 100 years after leaving for First World War

From there it will be flown in a Tornado to Dover, then to Amiens in a replica BE2 on August 13 before being laid at the city’s war memorial.

Daniel Paton, curator at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, said: “The essential part that the brave young men who trained at Montrose played in the war can not be forgotten.

“I am pleased that several relatives of the men who were based at Montrose before taking part in the First World War could join us today.”

A new building at the heritage centre, where its First In France exhibition is open to the public, was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Mrs Georgiana Osborne.

It is dedicated to Lt J Ross Robertson, who was killed in action in France in 1917.

Mrs Osborne said: “When war broke out training had been in place in Montrose for nearly a year and No 2 squadron led the Royal Flying Corps to war.

“It is hard for us to believe today that these men were taking to the air in motorised vehicles made of thin strips of wood, linen cloth and wire.

“We remember all the victims of World War One, especially the gallant pilots who trained at Montrose.

“We salute their incredible courage and I salute the determination of the members and volunteers of Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre to remember them.”

On Saturday hundreds of people attended an open day, which included flying displays and a performance of a play set in Montrose during the First World War.