From the Control Tower

We hope that this site is not a static site and pages will be continually added as the site grows. This page will list the any squadron association news and any major changes done to the web site and so that regular visitors can keep up with changes.

November 26th 2008: New President

With pleasure we announce that Donald McDonald DFC of Australia has accepted the invitation to become President in succession to his fellow contryman, the late Hon. Vic. Ferry DFC.,JP. Don, as RAAF pilot, flew with 578 Squadron between March and September 1944 when he and his international crew completed their tour. We wish him a long and happy term in office.


Don McDonald DFC at the Controls of the Yorkshire Air Museam Halifax May 2008	578 Squadron Chairman Norman Davidson, YAM volunteer Phill Kemp. Don McDonald and wife Ailsa stand in fron of the imposing YAM Halifax.

July 30th 2008: The Hon. Victor Ferry DFC

It is with sadness that news has been received of the death of The Hon. Victor Ferry DFC President of 578 Squadron Burn Association,on Wednesday 30 July 2008. following a long period of disability, bourne with characteristic courage. Vic accepted the Presidency in June 2002 at a difficult time when the Association was undergoing change. His guidence and friendly authoritative advice over the past six years has enabled the Organisation to flourish. He will be sorely missed. Hugh Cawdron.

April 6th 2008

A Section on the 578 Squadron March has now been added to the site with downloads of the tune in .wma & .mp3 formats.
578 Squadron March section.

March 21st 2008: Memorial Service Information 17th May.

This is a repeat of the information given in the Guestbook by Norman Davidson on the times of the Annual Memorial Service:

"At the 578 Squadron Association Reunion 2008, there will be a service in Selby Abbey on Saturday 17th May at 10.15 a.m.followed by a short act of remembrance in Selby cemetery. On Sunday 18th a service in Burn village chapel at 10.30 with attendance at the Squadron wayside memorial on the A 19" : Norman Davidson

Jan 4th 2008: UXB at Balkholme

On 30th December 2007 a 500lb bomb was found at Balkhome at the site of the collision of LK-E & LK-K returning from a raid on Bottrop on 20/21 July 1944. On 4th January 2008 Army Bomb disposal experts detonated the bomb with a controlled explosion. I wonder if either crew realised that they had a bomb hung-up? More details can be found here: http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/news?articleid=3634276 and a video of the BBC Look North report can be found here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7170000/newsid_7171800/7171810.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&news=1&bbcws=1

Jan 2008: M.B.E

Eric Sawyer has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list. This award was for services to the Royal Air Forces Association in Cheshire. Eric is also President of RAFA (Northwich) branch and holder of the RAFA Presidential Certificate in recognition of his dedication to RAFA. News of the award of MBE can be found in the London Gazette 28th December 2007, Supplement No. 1, page N21.