85 (Reserve) Squadron Church Fenton

today in the YORK PRESS

A NORTH Yorkshire squadron which has trained pilots for the RAF and Royal Navy has disbanded after 94 years.
Based at RAF Church Fenton, 85 (Reserve) Squadron, was disbanded as part of the military cuts announced in May.
Air Commodore Andrew Sudlow, director of flying training for the RAF, said: “The disbandment of a squadron is always a poignant moment, for its past and present airmen and also the Service, but it allows the opportunity to reflect upon its achievements, which, for 85(R), are plentiful and notable.”
The squadron was formed in August 1917 during the First World War, and served in France, equipped with SE5A biplanes, flying fighter patrols and ground attack sorties over the Western Front. Early pilots included aces such as Major William Bishop, the highest scoring Allied ace of the war, with 72 enemy aircraft downed, and Major Edward Mannock, who commanded 85 Sqn, taking his official tally to 47. Both Bishop and Mannock were awarded the Victoria Cross.
During the Second World War the squadron used Hurricanes to give fighter cover to the allied armies during the German invasion of France, and moved to North Yorkshire conducting night fighter patrols from Church Fenton.
This night fighter role resulted in the team’s current motto, noctu diuque vanamur, which translates as “we hunt by day and night”. Since 2008, the squadron has trained RAF, Royal Navy and international trainees in the Grob Tutor aircraft, in navigation, aerobatics and formation flying above the Vale of York.
The squadron was disbanded at the graduation of the final group of successful student pilots, and the ceremony was attended by the chief of joint operations, Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, along with other guests of staff and students and families. Squadron Leader Andy Paul said: “It has been an honour for me to command a squadron with such a prestigious history at the station where I started my flying career. “The final course graduation, held in beautiful weather, was a fitting way to finish formal elementary flying training here with 15 pilots moving on to the next stage of training. I am immensely grateful to all those who have supported the squadron not only today but during my tenure .”