Icelandic ambassador sees 'Spirit of Reykjavik' Poseidon aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth in visit to renew World War Two bond
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RAF Lossiemouth welcomed the Icelandic ambassador to the UK this week to mark ties dating back to the Second World War.
Sturla Sigurjónsson and his wife, Elín Jónsdóttir, visited the base to renew the historic links which exist between 120 Squadron and Iceland.
They viewed Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft ZP804, which is named "Spirit of Reykjavik" in honour of the role played by the Icelandic capital and its people in enabling the Allied victory during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Group Captain Chris Layden, Station Commander at RAF Lossiemouth, said: "I’m delighted to welcome Mr Sigurjónsson to RAF Lossiemouth to celebrate the historic connection between Iceland and the United Kingdom’s maritime patrol heritage.
"At our darkest hour, the people of Iceland welcomed the Royal Air Force and their support was crucial to our victory in the Battle of the Atlantic.
"Now, as then, our two nations remain firm friends and partners in the cause of Euro-Atlantic security."
Mr Sigurjónsson said: "Peace, stability and security in the North Atlantic is of fundamental importance to Iceland. This has been our objective for decades, achieved in close consultation and co-operation with our allies.
"We welcome and appreciate the UK's contribution, including the return of British maritime patrol aircraft to the region.
"The naming of a P-8 as The Spirit of Reykjavik reflects the close ties between our countries."
Number 120 (CXX) Squadron, the first RAF Poseidon squadron, deployed a flight of seven Liberator aircraft to RAF Reykjavik in September 1942. The squadron, in its entirety, was based there between April 1943 and March 1944 to tackle the U-boat submarine threat which was wreaking havoc with Allied shipping bringing essential food and supplies to the UK.
The connection between the squadron 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 which is still used to this day.
Iceland remains a key strategic location for NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft and CXX Squadron hopes to reinvigorate its ties with the people of Reykjavik over the coming years.
Nine Poseidon aircraft have been ordered for the RAF and five have been delivered to date.
