Yesterday, 18/4, nine Tornado aircraft jets staged a "final flypast over Scotland" before their squadron, RAF Leuchars 56 (Reserve), is disbanded on 22nd April. From the BBC report we read:
"After taking off from the base, the jets flew in diamond formation over the Forth road and rail bridges. They skirted round Edinburgh, passing the former Royal Yacht Britannia, before heading north over Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen. Known as the Firebirds, the squadron has a rich history"
From the RAF website on 56 squadron, we read of their badge:
A phoenix - approved by King Edward VIII in July 1936. The phoenix was chosen to underline the Squadron's ability to reappear intact regardless of the odds.
And of their motto: Quid si coelum ruat (Latin) "What if heaven falls?"
From wikipedia we read of their reincarnation:
"On February 5, 2008, it was reported that 56(R) squadron at RAF Leuchars would disappear after being merged with 43(F) Squadron on April 22nd as the Tornado fleet was phased out to be replaced with the Typhoon Eurofighter. The 56 Squadron nameplate is likely to be transferred to the C2ISR OEU at RAF Waddington".
Keen readers will remember the Eurofighter from my post on the recent 90th anniversary RAF Red Arrows display in London on 1st April, amongst numerous other recent related events.
"The flypast will include the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, along with four examples of the service’s most recently-inducted combat aircraft – the Eurofighter Typhoon."
Heaven falls, Hell rises ?
cheers
