The 608 North Riding fighter squadron was based at RAF Thornaby. This photograph taken July 1951 is at RAF Leuchars, near Dundee and shows both pilots and ground-crew around a de-Havilland Vampire III
Photograph and details courtesy of Bob Harbron.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
I think this photo was taken when the squadron went to Leuchars to ‘work up’ on their Vampire jets in the lead up to the Korean War . I seem to think that all reservists were called up for 3 months in case they were required to serve abroad ? Sadly one of their pilots was killed when his Vampire crashed into the sea off Leuchars .
The only people I can identify are on the front row with far left ; Squadron Leader Robinson the CO and next to him is Master Pilot Bill Sykens who when back at Thornaby also worked in the control tower . I know that both Bob Harbron and his brother served as groundcrew with 608 and I’m sure he can add more names ?
I think that my Dad is in this picture. Is there a name list of men in the photo. His name was Bertram High. Our family moved to Australia in 1963. If he is in this photo can I buy a copy? Thanks Judith Buchanan ne High
Heya is there any chance of a list of names for this photo please? my grandad was Thomas Watson of 608 squadron 1937 to 1951. Any information on him would be very much appreciated thank you x