Members past and present of No. 56 Squadron RAF returned to North Weald on Battle of Britain Sunday 16 September 2012.
A Colour Party from the Squadron, which is currently based at RAF Waddington gathered for a special service of dedication at St Andrews Church. They were joined by other serving members of the Squadron and its veterans, members of the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal British Legion, Epping Air Cadets and representatives from the local community including Councillor Brian Rolfe, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, and Cyril Hawkins, Chairman of North Weald Parish Council.
After the service, photographs were taken with 56 Squadron’s new Colour and mascot at the North Weald Airfield Gate Guardian Hurricane, which represents an aircraft flown both by 56 and 249 Squadrons in the epic aerial battles of 1940. The original aircraft was shot down in October of that year. The Free-French pilot, Georges Perrin, parachuted to safety. Not all currently serving members of 56 Squadron could attend. Many are currently in the USA and Afghanistan.
The Squadron’s American Hawk mascot, Troy is 17 years old and she regularly hunts at her regular home in Cambridgeshire as well as attending formal Squadron events.
Councillor Rolfe said: “As the longest serving squadron at RAF North Weald it seems fitting that 56 Squadron should present one of its old standards to St Andrew’s Church for permanent display on Battle of Britain Sunday.”
