There are sure to be emotional scenes at RAF Leuchars when 111 (Fighter) Squadron honourably disbands in a few weeks’ time.
Known as The Tremblers, the squadron has given over nine decades of proud service, having been formed in Palestine in 1917. It then boasted a range of single-seat crafts and was the first dedicated fighter squadron in the region.
Its mission was to restrict enemy reconnaissance flights and challenge the German fighter presence over Suez. Since then Treble One has played a key role in numerous conflicts.
During the Battle of Britain pilots pioneered dangerous head-on attacks against groups of Luftwaffe bombers. The squadron also served in Bosnia.
The most recent chapter in its rich history has seen the squadron maintain the Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North mission at RAF Leuchars. The delivery of the northern element of QRA is RAF Leuchars’ top priority and requires Tornado F3 fighter aircraft to hold high alert to scramble and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace.
Since the late 1980s the Tornado F3 has served with distinction and has been the cornerstone of the UK’s air defence capability. Squadrons from Leuchars have been flying the F3 since 1990.
Come the end of next month the aircraft will reach its “out of service” date and the air QRA role will be taken on by the Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft of 6 Squadron.
Residents of Fife have become well used to the sound of Tornado jets roaring in the skies above them.
In recent times planes have often been dispatched in a bid to identify aircraft which are threatening to encroach on UK airspace. Just last month a pair of Russian “bear” bombers were intercepted close to Newcastle by crews from RAF Leuchars.
The frequency of such missions has provided additional fuel for campaigners fighting to save the threatened base.