Gayle Ritchie Celebrating a century of aviation

Montrose has it all — magnificent wildlife, great golfing, a fantastic museum and the oldest military station in the UK. This year is a particularly special one for the town, as it celebrates 100 years of Montrose Air Station. Here looks at how the herita

ESTABLISHED by the Royal Flying Corps in 1913, Montrose Air Station was Britain’s first operational military airfield. To mark the 100 year anniversary, The Earl of Wessex will unveil a replica Spitfire and a commemorative stone outside the Broomfield base to honour the many thousands of flying men and women.

A display by aircraft from the early days of aviation will take place in the skies above Montrose as part of the centenary celebrations.

Alan Doe, chair of Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, said the ceremony will highlight the significance of the base and the part it played in the history of the town.

“The replica Spitfire will commemorate the Royal Flying Corps and RAF personnel based at Montrose from 1913 onwards,” he said. “Spitfires were a common sight and sound at Montrose in the war years, when they provided fighter protection from enemy bombing raids.”

While the unveiling ceremony on July 26 will be held during a private event, members of the public will be able to watch from the perimeter of the centre.

The weekend of July 27-28 is when the excitement will really build as the centre hosts a Centenary Fly-In, which is open to everyone. Featuring the Cabro Aviation flying club from Aberdeen, Montrose Model Aero Club, gliders, microlights and helicopter flights, there will also be a barbecue, aerojumble, a collection of vintage vehicles and various stalls.

Camping will be available and there will be vintage bus rides to the Air Station, Caledonian Steam Railway, the House of Dun and Montrose town centre.

Entry to the centre will be free of charge all weekend and it’s well worth a visit.

Organiser Neil Butler said: “It’s a fun weekend to celebrate the arrival of the first flying machines into Scotland in 1913.

“Visitors will be able to see the replica Spitfire, known as the Red Lichtie, plus fantastic flying displays.”

It’s guaranteed to be an action-packed weekend but just watch out you don’t bump into the ghost of Lt Desmond Arthur!

Since his fatal crash on May 27, 1913, many sightings of ghostly apparitions near the air station have been attributed to him.

For more information see www.rafmontrose.org.uk

Above: iirmen it eontrose in 1913 ifter tue gFC’s irrivil in tue town. deft: four iirmen in front of i eiles eister triining pline it eontrose.