Closure of the Boneyard - Leeming 24-03-2022 (Plus 1)

[F3]

Just a few pics from y'day's sad, but also strangely inspirational, Disbandment Parade for The Ton. When they taxied out the weather conditions were ideal but then it clouded over from the west as per usual ensuring that the flypasts were in less than ideal conditions. Reviewing Officer was AVM Ian Duguid (AOC 1 Group) who paid tribute to the Sqn. with these words:- 'The effort you have shown to the very end epitomises the very best qualities of the RAF'. Apparently the last Aggressor sorties were flown last Friday. Also CS in the last pic is being delivered to The Reds on Mon. My friend Quinny sent me the last one which shows the Squadron Badge painted on the hangar floor. Take a long, lingering, last look before the doors close. For the record the six jets which took part in the flypast were XX191/CC, 198/CH, 221/CO, 231/CJ,339/CL, and 348/CQ. Since posting this month's photo comp entry which features CL (the last jet down being waved in) my source on The Ton tells me of a remarkable coincidence in that those are also the initials of the ground crew member marshalling it. I will be sending her an A4 print as a momento of her time on the Squadron.

The Ton - XX348 CQ by Michael Britton, on Flickr

The Ton - XX191 CC_2 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

The Ton - XX339 CL_2 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

The Ton - Final Break (50%) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

The Ton - XX198 CH (35%) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

The Ton - XX202 CS (33%) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Inside the Boneyard (G.Quinn) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[Mustang531]

End of an era, but thanks for sharing these. They will be missed and the static displays at shows will become even smaller.

[teeonefixer]

Thanks for those, Michael. I really feel for the Babcocks staff who I guess will be made redundant, after supporting the squadron for many years. BAE Systems staff at Valley are also being redeployed. Work will continue at Leeming until the fleet is disposed of, by air or by road, also the spares holding etc. I noticed rudderless "CR" outside the hangar today.

[XR713]

Thanks for showing.

[F3]

Thanks for those, Michael. I really feel for the Babcocks staff who I guess will be made redundant, after supporting the squadron for many years. BAE Systems staff at Valley are also being redeployed. Work will continue at Leeming until the fleet is disposed of, by air or by road, also the spares holding etc. I noticed rudderless "CR" outside the hangar today.

Yes. They do feel somewhat p- - - -d off. Altho' some are going to DTV where Draken are hiring those with Hawk experience to maintain their ex - Czech AF L-159 ALCAs which will be taking over The Ton's role. I'll make inquiries about CR. Understand that one jet is being re-sprayed in preparation for delivery to The Reds on Monday - and not CS as I thought!

[robinminffordd]

Please where is 'DTV'?

Thanks

[Mike]

Durham Tees Valley, more commonly known as Teesside!

[Blackcat1]

Another classic aircraft gone. Will miss seeing them at low level and at JTAC exercises .

Farewell!!

Great photos , thanks for sharing