Almost 80 years since he hung up his wings, the 100th birthday of a true hero was marked with a Typhoon flypast, medal presentation and, of course, cake!
Demobbed in 1946, Kaz never got around to applying for his war medals, and his 100th birthday was the perfect opportunity to set that straight. Welcomed to Teesside International Airport by a guard of honour from RAF Leeming, Mr Yajima and his wife Freda were greeted by Wing Commander Rees, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron.
Long overdue medals were finally presented, and a cake carefully crafted by Air Specialist 1 Glynn and Air Specialist 1 Carter by from RAF Lossiemouth. A flypast of Typhoons from 6 Squadron, now based at RAF Lossiemouth, providing the finale to a very special day.
It’s a massive honour to be here as Officer Commanding of a Squadron with such great heritage and of which Kaz is a major part – to wish him happy birthday and see the medal ceremony.
Wing Commander Rees
Officer Commander 6 Squadron
Warrant Officer Kaz Yajima had a truly remarkable RAF career, joining aged 18 and posted to South Africa for pilot training under the Empire Flying Scheme. Fearful that the war might be over before he was able to contribute, he volunteered for 6 Squadron and arrived in Foggia on 1 August 1944.
Warrant Officer Yajima was involved in missions including armed reconnaissance, anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in the in the Hurricane Mk IV. He still bears Perspex splinters below his left eye – a result of ammunition which came through one side of his cockpit canopy and ricocheted off his goggles before exiting through the other side.
The flypast did bring back memories although it was a very different aircraft. I think everything that’s gone into today has been really wonderful and I’m very grateful. I’m proud of the time I spent in the RAF, it was a great body to be part of.
Warrant Officer Kaz Yajima
