New Pictures commemorating the history of 5131 Bomb Disposal (BD) Squadron have been installed in the Officers’ and Sergeants’ messes at Royal Air Force Wittering.
Created by local artist Mark Whittaker, the prints depict key moments from the Squadron’s history, surrounding the famous badge, which was worn by squadron personnel. Followers of military history will recognise scenes from Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, the Falklands, and the Squadron’s beginnings in World War II.
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
First formed in 1943, 5131 Bomb Disposal Squadron was the Royal Air Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability for 77 years. Its highly skilled technicians were trained to deal with conventional munitions and improvised explosive devices. The Squadron also responded to aircraft crashes; clearing the area of explosive risks - making weapons, countermeasures, flares and ejector seats safe.
Mr Whitaker was asked by a friend and running partner, a former member of 5131 (BD) Squadron, who asked if he would be willing to create a piece that would commemorate the history of the Squadron and bomb disposal in the RAF.
Mark said: “I was quite proud that the piece was going to be there, and that names from the squadron dating back to the Falklands were signed around the border. Obviously very proud personally that they’re up there now in the two messes and that people using the messes will see those names and remember them.”
Squadron Leader Al Auchterlonie was the last Officer Commanding of 5131 (BD) Squadron, he said: “I thought it was a wonderful way and such a kind gesture from Mark to permanently capture the history and significant events through the years of RAF EOD capability and in particular 5131 (BD) squadron.”
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
The Squadron was formally stood down on 31st March 2020, where the pennant was lowered and folded for the last time. Sadly, coronavirus restrictions meant that an official disbandment parade would not be possible until October 2021, when the Squadron’s memorial was formally dedicated. The installing of the prints is the last act of commemoration to the Squadron and the bravery of its personnel.
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
The installing was attended by Squadron Leader Auchterlonie, Wing Commander Maggie Boyle, Mr Whittaker and Warrant Officer Dave Lowe. Squadron Leader Auchterlonie said: “Commanding 5131 (BD) Squadron was a great personal honour, but also a sad point in my career for losing such a big part of my service history after spending a third of my career in full-time RAF EOD roles.”
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
Wing Commander Maggie Boyle is the Deputy Station Commander at RAF Wittering. She said: “Firstly we must thank Mark Whittaker for his time and trouble in producing this picture. The disbandment of a squadron is never easy, particularly one as well known and regarded as 5131. With these pictures, and the memorial to the Squadron unveiled last year, their place in the history of RAF Wittering is assured.”
