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At the end of last month we had a unique chance to combine the past with the present. We were joined by current members of 2 Squadron RAF to take a closer look at the restoration and winter maintenance programmes underway on the BE-2c and other vintage types at Sywell Aerodrome.

In August 1914, 2 Squadron RFC were the first air arm in history to deploy to a theatre of war and subsequently played a vital role in the Battle of Mons. It became the first conflict in which aerial reconnaissance influenced the course of a battle.

In tribute to their historic role, we have agreed that the Biggles Biplane replica will carry the markings of the 2 Squadron BE2 flown during the battle by Lt Harvey-Kelly, who also claimed the honour of being the first RFC pilot to land in France.

The event was combined with a ‘training day’ which allowed technicians from 2 Squadron RAF to compare their work on Tornado GR4s with rather more basic structure of the BE-2, along with other vintage aircraft including Paul Ford's Fokker Triplane replica, Tiger Moths, a Harvard and Miles Messenger.

The event, additionally attended by members of the Historic Aircraft Association, also included a presentation on 2 Squadron’s current armed reconnaissance role in theatres such as Afghanistan. It left no doubt of the capability of the Squadron's Tornados and completed a fascinating link from the past to the present.

Images above, with thanks to John Broad and artists P. Endsleigh-Castle FRaeS and Tom Sunley