Page 7 - issue22.03.2019

Royal Air Force News Friday, March 22, 2019 P7

News

That’s all folks

END OF AN ERA: Sqn Ldrs Ian Dornan,
left and Stephen Beardmore after the last
Tornado flight. PHOTO: PA
Staff Reporter Sir Stephen said “Today is a time to some of the first Operational Service Medals The final scheduled flight of an RAF
RAF Marham rightly recognise the truly exceptional to those who have worked so hard on the Tornado was carried out by Sqn Ldr Ian
achievements of the people who have been ground to deliver Tornado’s success on its Dornan and Sqn Ldr Stephen Beardmore
THE RAF’S last Tornado crews were the Tornado Force. most recent operation – fitting recognition who performed a flypast over the crowd.
honoured for their role destroying the “We reflect on the courage, skill, that the RAF’s operational achievement is Sqn Ldr Dornan said: “It was an honour
Daesh terror group as the remaining two commitment and, sadly, sometimes sacrifice always a team effort.” and a privilege to be the crew to fly this
squadrons to operate the veteran bomber of those who have been at the heart of the Up to 850 guests gathered in the hangar iconic jet for the very last time .
were disbanded. Tornado story, from its inception through to for the parade led by Wg Cdr Kevin “Sqn Ldr Beardmore said: “It has been
Twelve members of IX Sqn and 31 Sqn were the present day. All have played their p a r t Gatland, Chief of Staff of the Tornado fantastic to see the support that we have
presented with the Operation Shader Medal to the full in the success Force, with Wg Cdr James Heeps, Officer received from the public who gathered
by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal story that is Tornado. Commanding IX(B) Sqn, and Wg Cdr across the UK to say goodbye. The skies
Sir Stephen Hillier during an emotional “I’m especially Matt Bressani, Officer Commanding over Norfolk and the UK are going to be a
disbandment parade at RAF Marham. delighted to present 31 Sqn. lot emptier without her.”

FAREWELL: Left, CAS talks to parade members during
the 9 and 31 Sqn disbandment parade. Above, the parade
in front of a Tornado. Inset, the final flight. PHOTOS: SAC
Joshua Dines, SAC Victoria Goodhall, Cpl Steve Buckley