Freedom of Angus for squad

THE world’s first fixedwing air squadron is to receive Freedom of Angus status.

Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor received unanimous backing for the motion he brought to the full Angus Council proposing the accolade for No 2 Squadron RAF — a move that will give the airmen the accolade alongside The Black Watch, 45 Commando Royal Marines and HMS Montrose.

Arrangements will now be put in place to officially grant the honour and it is hoped the squadron will take up the opportunity of a freedom parade.

Angus became the location for Britain’s first operational military airfield when five aircraft flew from Farnborough to Upper Dysart, just south of Montrose in February 1913.

Unhappy with the location, the squadron’s first CO identified flat land at Broomfield Farm as a better site and hangars were erected there, months before the outbreak of the First World War.

The Broomfield site is now home to Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre.