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RNLAF 322 Sqn celebrates birthday with fly-past at RAF Woodvale

April 20, 2008 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Two F-16s of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNlAF) 322nd Sqn did a fly-past at RAF Woodvale - the place where the squadron was first formed 65 years ago.

An RNlAF F-16AM from 322 sqn spotted here with a special colorscheme for the squadrons 60th anniversary.

The squadron is currently touring the UK and their visit to RAF Woodvale was the highlight of the tour.

The airmen visiting the base raised a flag at the site to mark the birthday event.

During the first year of the Second World War, Dutch pilots escaped to France and the UK. Some of them ended up in 167 (Gold Coast) Squadron. When B-flight almost solely consisted of Dutch pilots, the squadron was re-designated 322 (Dutch) Squadron Royal Air Force on June 12, 1943.

It was put together partly at the instigation of His Royal Highness Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands who had graduated from the RAF's flying school two years earlier.

At that time, the squadron was stationed in Woodvale although operated from several other British and Dutch bases with the famous Spitfire.

Although its main role was intercepting German V-1 rockets it als handled many other operational tasks like escorting bombers en route to France, supporting operations in France and supporting troops on the ground.


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