Fourth Poseidon set to touch down at RAF Lossiemouth is named Spirit of Reykjavik in honour of Iceland's role in Battle of Atlantic
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The fourth Royal Air Force Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft, which arrives at RAF
Lossiemouth tomorrow, has been named Spirit of Reykjavik.
This honours the role played by the Icelandic capital and its people in enabling the Allied victory during the Battle of the Atlantic.
During World War II a lack of range prevented RAF Coastal Command aircraft and crews from covering much of the North Atlantic Ocean from UK stations.
In the areas they couldn’t patrol wolf packs of German U-boat submarines wreaked havoc on the Allied ships bringing essential food and supplies to the UK. Without these the UK could simply not have carried on the war effort.
The introduction of the long-range B-24 Liberator bomber and new infrastructure made a big difference. A new airfield, seaplane base and refuelling port at Reykjavik extended the range of RAF aircraft and Royal Navy escort vessels.
This had an almost immediate effect as the German submariners lost their immunity from air attack in the North Atlantic air gap.
Number 120 (CXX) Squadron, which has now been selected to be the first RAF Poseidon squadron, deployed a flight of seven Liberators to RAF Reykjavik on 4 September 1942. The squadron, in its entirety, was based there between April 1943 and March 1944 before returning to the UK to help protect domestic sea lanes during the build up to D-day.
The connection between 120sqn and Reykjavik was cemented by His Majesty King George VI approving the addition of an Icelandic Falcon, standing on a demi-terrestrial globe, to the official squadron badge.
Iceland remains a key strategic location for NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft and 120 sqn hopes to reinvigorate its ties with the people of Reykjavik over the coming years.
Officer Commanding CXX Squadron, Wing Commander James Hanson said: “The connection between RAF maritime flying and Iceland is particularly significant for CXX Squadron. The anti-submarine warfare tactics we use today can be traced to those developed by CXX Squadron and other RAF units during the missions flown from Reykjavik.
"We look forward to rekindling the warm relationship between the RAF maritime aviation community and the people of Iceland.”
He added, “Today, we have the benefit of the best maritime patrol aircraft, tactics and support available in the world.
"We have state-of the art sensors, global communications and tactics refined over decades.
"In 1942, our predecessors had vulnerable aircraft, cold and dangerous conditions with unproven sensors and experimental tactics. Their bravery, fortitude and initiative helped turn the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic, saving lives and preserving the British Isles as a base for the allied liberation of Europe. Their story is one we are humbled to tell at this time of Remembrance”.
Squadron Leader David Higgins, Officer Commanding A Flight, CXX Squadron said “During World
War II CXX Squadron was extremely busy. It scored more kills against enemy submarines than any
other squadron and secured its place in history as the most successful anti-submarine warfare squadron.”
He added “Iceland remains an important location for NATO Maritime Patrol operations. With an
increase in submarine activity in the North Atlantic, the Spirit of Reykjavík and the importance of
the location, will remain far into the future.”
The first three Poseidon aircraft have been named Pride of Moray, City of Elgin and Terence
Bulloch DSO DFC.
The RAF Poseidon fleet, which will total nine aircraft, will provide cutting-edge
maritime patrol capabilities working side-by-side with the Royal Navy to secure the seas around
the UK and abroad.
