Leeming Dedication Ceremony

Personnel from Royal Air Force Station Leeming and 1 Wing have been working to re-establish the historic links between our organizations. The decision was made to name two new accommodation blocks after two wartime Commanding Officers of 427 Squadron. Group Captain Turnbull and Wing Commander Ganderton .

The blocks were opened by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall on February 19, 2009. 427 SOAS planned on sending the CO L/Col Whale,(canceled at the last minute due to a family medical emergency) SCWO Burns, M/Cpl Wallace (Lion of the year), Flight Sergeant Weldon Moffatt, DFM a wartime Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and myself, to attend to the dedication ceremonies. We were joined by Colonel Neill, Canadian Defence Liaison Staff, London, England. The web site contains all the pictures from our visit courtesy of the photography section, RAF Leeming.

The afternoon concluded with a reception in the officers' mess, during which The Duchess enjoyed conversations with RAF Leeming Service personnel and civilian staff, and their families. In addition, the group from Canada laid a wreath on behalf of 427 SOAS at the Cenotaph in the cemetery of Dishforth. Many of the Canadian airmen buried here were stationed at Dishforth, one of the aerodromes used by No 6 (RCAF) Bomber Group. We also visited various section and units on the station. Weldon Moffatt and myself visited the Cathedral in Rippon and SCWO Burns and M/Cpl Wallace were treated to a flight in one of the Hawk aircraft.

Bob Middlemiss

Honourary Colonel 427 Squadron

Ferte Manus Certas

Go to... Dedication Pictures