Red Arrows pilots will complete a 96-mile charity walk in their native Scotland before returning to start their gruelling winter training schedule.

Flight Lieutenants Stew Campbell and Joe Hourston, who have flown with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team for the last two years, will set off on the West Highland Way on October 13.

Joining them will be Wing Commander Martin Higgins, a former Red Arrows pilot and now the Commanding Officer of the Squadron, and Flight Lieutenant Doug Smith who is the Flight Planning Officer.

Money raised will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund and Jon Egging Trust, founded in memory of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, who died while displaying as Red 4 with the Red Arrows in 2011.

Flight Lieutenant Campbell, who was Red 4 in the 2015 display season, said: “Since joining the team I have wanted to organise a charity event in support of good causes close to the heart of the Red Arrows team.

“Being able to combine my love of Scotland and its scenery with this endeavour is fantastic; I just hope the weather is kind and the midges stay away.”

The route begins at Milngavie, and follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, before moving to the head of Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, and finishing at Gordon Square in Fort William four days later on October 17.

Waving the group off at the start will be RAF Benevolent Fund Scotland and members of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron (UGSAS).

Air cadets from 1730 Squadron, led by Flight Lieutentant Walter Liddell, will be waiting to accompany them along the last few miles as they arrive in Fort William.

Twitter users can follow updates throughout the walk by following @RAFRed4.

Donations can still be made for the charity walk online.

A former Red Arrows jet is on the way from RAF Cranwell to be placed outside RAF Scampton to greet visitors arriving at the base near Lincoln.

The retired jet will become RAF Scampton’s so-called gate guardian.

The RAF released pictures on Friday, showing the jet being removed from RAF Cranwell paintshop and lifted on to its road transport.

As previously reported, the Hawk aircraft – just like the type flown by the Reds – will be placed adjacent to the Station Headquarters.

It will be unveiled by RAF Scampton’s Station Commander and representatives drawn from across the base at an event on Monday, October 12.

A former Red Arrows jet has been unveiled as the new ‘gate guardian’ at RAF Scampton, pinpointing the home of the UK’s famous aerobatics team.

Personnel and special guests gathered at the station headquarters on Monday, October 12 to see the Hawk aircraft positioned at the front.

The new guardian of the base was unveiled by RAF Scampton’s Station Commander Mike Harrop as part of a traditional tribute celebrating the past, present, and future roles of the airfield.

He was joined by children from the Scampton Pollyplatt Community Primary School and the local air scouts, cubs and beavers.

The group had the honour of releasing a Union Jack flag from over the retired aircraft as three current jets blasted jets of vapour overhead.

Although the distinctive Hawk T1s of the Red Arrows are now the primary users of RAF Scampton’s runway, the base has previously been home to crews operating, among other aircraft, Lancasters and Vulcan bombers – each playing their own part to secure our skies.

Today, in addition to the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Station acts as parent organisation to two other resident units – No 1 Air Control Centre (1ACC) and the Mobile Meteorological Unit (MMU).

The decommissioned XX30 took centre stage after being transported from RAF Cranwell. It was assembled after around 13 hours by RAF Red Arrows crew.

It had been painted at RAF Cranwell to reflect the aerobatics team’s current livery.

RAF Red Arrows Warrant Officer Gary Smith said: “Bringing it in was a big logistics operation over the weekend.

“The aircraft was in pieces and a group came in on Saturday and volunteers to build the aircraft.

“It took all day but it was a proud moment for us all.”

Wing Commander Mike Harrop, RAF Scampton’s Station Commander, said: “It’s a fantastic day. For the station it means that we want to look into our history compared with where we are today and the role we play today.

“We are looking very much into the future and the RAF and Scampton’s role beyond that as part of securing the skies.”

Flight Lieutenant Emmett Cox, otherwise known as ‘Red Five’, added: “It’s fantastic to have the retired jet here to pay homage to what we do day in day out.

“It represents the previously history of the base as well, hosting some fantastic aircraft. It’s a pity we can’t have them all.

“Some pilots will have flown this jet quite a lot, it’s one of the founding jets and was decommissioned in around 2012.

“Throughout the season we will generally stick to one jet, although they are made to be the same, if you fly them so often you really get used to them and fond of them.

A new gate guardian may not be the only thing to raise the profile of RAF Scampton in the near future, as station chiefs give their backing to proposals to bring a county air show there.

As previously reported, the annual Waddington International Air Show south of Lincoln was scrapped for good due to security concerns.

Proposals emerged for a possible air show at RAF Scampton from as soon as 2017 instead.

Wing Commander Mike Harrop, RAF Scampton’s Station Commander told The Lincolnite he would welcome an air show.

“I would hope this is the start of something big,” he said on Monday, October 12, as the station celebrated its new gate guard.

“This is one of the things that happened recently that’s made me think that someone is looking at Scampton and saying ‘I’ve got an idea for what Scampton can do in the future’.

“What we don’t know is what that will be. It will all depend on the outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. We are waiting to see and I’m very positive that Scampton has a good future ahead.

“The review is expected at the end of the year, the prime minister will make an announcement in the House of Commons. That would give an indication of where the air force is going and defence is going.

“Then you talk about aspirations of possibly having an air show here and suddenly Scampton is back on the agenda.

“I would love to see the air show here. The county deserves it, Bomber County deserves a premier air show.

“We owe it to the people of the county who have supported us through thick and thin.

“Waddington was a fantastic venue, but for security reasons it’s no longer available for an air show. Scampton I think will be an equally fantastic venue in this part of the county.”

Flight Lieutenant Emmett Cox, otherwise known as ‘Red Five’, also welcomed the suggestions.

He said: “I love as many air shows as possible, and they keep us busy, so I’m happy which ever way.

“We practise here day in day out and it’s a lovely place to come back to.”

Lincolnshire’s Lancaster bomber Thumper III has flown for the first time after being grounded for five months due to an engine fire.

Based at RAF Coningsby, the aircraft took the skies for a test flight on Monday, October 12, for the delight of hundred of onlookers.

As previously reported, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) aircraft was forced into an emergency landing at RAF Coningsby on May 7 after a fire broke out in the engine mid flight.

The bomber was examined by engineers to determine the extent of the damage and the aircraft missed most of the 2015 display season as repair work was carried out.

The aircraft was due to fly at the Gedling Show in Nottinghamshire, the Bournemouth Air Festival and the fateful Shoreham Air Show in Sussex.

It was also unable to perform at the grand opening of the International Bomber Command Centre memorial on Canwick Hill on October 2.

Lincolnshire’s fire-struck Lancaster Bomber is wasting no time in honouring the Lincoln Bomber Command memorial after being given the green light to fly again.

People in Lincoln will be able to watch the country’s last flying Lancaster Bomber (Thumper) alongside the International Bomber Command memorial spire on Canwick Hill on Wednesday, October 14.

Please note: There will be no access to the memorial site for members of the public.

As previously reported, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Thumper was grounded in May due to an engine fire.

To the disappointment of many, the Lancaster wasn’t ready in time for the unveiling of the spire before over 200 veterans on October 2.

Hundreds gathered on Monday, October 12 as the aircraft finally passed it’s test flight at its RAF Coningsby base.

RAF Coningsby BBMF spokesperson Jim Robinson said: “There were several events that the Lancaster had to be pulled out of due to the engine fire in May.

“One of the biggest and most disappointing things that the aircraft missed was the unveiling of the International Bomber Command memorial on Canwick Hill.

“This was one of the first things the crew wanted to do as soon as Thumper was airworthy.”

The flypast is expected at 11am.

A World War Two veteran recently reunited with his medals was the guest of honour at a special service to mark the return of the Lancaster Bomber to the skies of Lincolnshire.

Donald Nicholson, 93, returned to the International Bomber Command Centre less than two weeks after he was one of the visitors for the grand unveiling of the memorial spire on Canwick Hill.

The day was bittersweet for Donald as following the ceremony, he realised he had lost his Bomber Command Clasp, the 39-45 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the Victory Medal.

An appeal issued by the team at the Bomber Command Centre was shared by over 6,000 people on Facebook, and more than 65 volunteers headed to the site armed metal detectors to try to find the priceless medals.

Luckily, Donald’s medals were found at a police station close to his home in Tyne and Wear, 100 miles north of Lincoln.

An emotional Donald, who was proudly wearing his medals at the ceremony, thanked the people who had taken part in the search.

Donald was not the only one to enjoy the special flypast, as hundreds of photographers and keen aviation enthusiasts made sure they caught sight of the Lancaster, which had been grounded since May due to an engine fire.

To the disappointment of many, Thumper wasn’t ready in time for the unveiling of the spire in front of over 200 veterans on October 2.

Hundreds gathered on Monday, October 12 as the aircraft finally passed its test flight at its RAF Coningsby base, before its first official performance over Canwick Hill.

Reaction to the Lancaster’s return was unanimously positive on social media, with photographers and locals capturing the historic occasion.

@thelincolnite Some footage I shot this morning of the Lancaster fly over. pic.twitter.com/nzs9rZdE6E

— Philip Wilson-Smith (@PhilWSK) October 14, 2015

What an incredible flight over @IntBCC by @Twigs95 in the @RAFBBMF Lancaster! @beresford95 @LincsEcho @thelincolnite pic.twitter.com/1TiS1jt96M

— Tom Blake (@theblakokid) October 14, 2015

A fitting tribute. The @RAFBBMF Lancaster over the bomber command memorial. @Twigs95 @beresford95 @thelincolnite pic.twitter.com/LXPJxut5Mw

— Claire Hartley (@CHartleyPhotos) October 14, 2015

Two new pilots have begun training with the Lincolnshire-based RAF Red Arrows team.

Flight Lieutenants Matt Masters and Si Taylor are the latest recruits to the aerobatic team and are embarking on six months of intensive training and practice sorties.

They’ll begin preparations for the 2016 display season at RAF Scampton, north of Lincoln, after the 51st season this summer.

The pilots are joining the team after impressing during a tough selection process that involved flight tests, interviews and other exercises.

The Red Arrows are ambassadors for the United Kingdom and showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force – performing to millions of people at home and overseas each year.

The team consists of nine display pilots flying Hawk fast jets in precision formations and dynamic loops, rolls and close-passes.

Each year, two or three experienced Royal Air Force pilots join the team, succeeding the same number leaving the Squadron.

To be considered for selection, a pilot must be rated as the very best in terms of flying ability, have previously flown operationally and have 1,500 fast jet hours.

On completion of a three-year tour with the Squadron, the pilots either return to the frontline, instructional or staff duties.

Flt Lt Masters, 39, who joined the Royal Air Force in 1998, said becoming a Red Arrows pilot was a long-held ambition.

He was brought up in Southampton and was awarded an RAF Sixth Form and Flying Scholarship at King Edward VI School.

During his Royal Air Force career, he flew the Tornado F3 operationally – helping to secure the skies of the United Kingdom on Quick Reaction Alert – and, more recently, he has flown the Hawk T1 while based at RAF Leeming.

Masters, who will become ‘Red 2’, said: “It has been a childhood dream that I have wanted to become a reality. The Red Arrows’ legacy of precision flying and striving for excellence, combined with the overall popularity amongst the British public, were all key factors in inspiring me to join the team.

“I will be extremely proud to be part of a team that can, and has, influenced so many people around the world.”

Flt Lt Taylor, 35, was born and brought up in Leeds, where he attended Allerton High School. He then went on to study ergonomics at Loughborough University and graduated in 2002.

He joined the Royal Air Force in 2003 and has deployed on numerous occasions, flying both the Tornado GR4 and Typhoon aircraft operationally.

Flt Lt Taylor, who will be Red 3 for the 2016 display season, said: “I can’t imagine a bigger professional honour than putting on a red suit and flying as part of the team. It still hasn’t sunk in yet to be honest.”

“I’ve been going to air shows and watching the Red Arrows since I was a small boy. Everyone in the crowd looks forward to watching the team display because they are exciting and always put on a great show.”

Following a conversion course he joined 3 (Fighter) Squadron at the end of 2012 and spent two years back on the frontline at RAF Coningsby.

During this time, he deployed to the Falkland Islands and took part in exercises in Oman, UAE and Poland.

At the end of 2014, Flt Lt Taylor was posted to 29 (Reserve) Squadron at Coningsby as an instructor on the Operational Conversion Unit.

Before the pilots can officially wear the team’s famous red flying suits and perform aerobatic displays for a public audience, they will have to complete winter training.

Pilots fly three-times-day, five-days-a-week with each sortie filmed and scrutinised in detail.

The team hopes to gain Public Display Authority in April and begin its 2016 season shortly afterwards.

The 2016 Red Arrows team will comprise the following pilots:

• Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team: Wing Commander Martin Higgins
• Red 1 and Team Leader: Squadron Leader David Montenegro
• Red 2: Flight Lieutenant Matt Masters
• Red 3: Flight Lieutenant Si Taylor
• Red 4: Flight Lieutenant Mike Bowden
• Red 5: Flight Lieutenant Emmet Cox
• Red 6 and Synchro Leader: Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris
• Red 7 and Synchro 2: Flight Lieutenant Tom Bould
• Red 8: Flight Lieutenant Stew Campbell
• Red 9 and Executive Officer: Flight Lieutenant Joe Hourston
• Red 10 and Supervisor: Squadron Leader Mike Ling

Lincoln fell silent on November 11 to remember the nation’s war heroes, with hundreds attending a remembrance service at the High Street war memorial.

A special service and two minute silence was observed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the moment in 1918 when guns fell silent along the Western Front.

The service saw military men and women, veterans and civic representatives join in prayer at the memorial, many laying poppy wreaths and remembrance crosses.

Veterans wearing their medals attended the service to honour the contributions of comrades and those lost at war.

David Metcalfe MBE who served for 37 years in the Territorial Reserve said: “When I joined the frontline was the iron curtain and if I was 18 I would do it again tomorrow.

“For me, Armistice Day means remembering old comrades. There was a huge turnout today which it great to see and it was very quiet too.”

Also marking the day was a group of knitting enthusiasts, who decorated the city’s tank memorial on Tritton Road Roundabout with handmade poppies.

Throughout the week, people in Lincoln have been paying fitting tributes to the war dead. Schoolchildren played a part in a special remembrance service at Lincoln’s Bomber Command Memorial on Canwick Hill.

On Remembrance Sunday, people across Lincolnshire attended services in tribute to the country’s military contributions. Click here to view our gallery of the Remembrance Day parade in Lincoln.

The county’s RAF bases have also been paying their own remembrance tributes this week.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – we will remember them #LestWeForget #ArmisticeDay #Remembrance pic.twitter.com/HrhTldEmxz

— Red Arrows JEngO (@RAFCircus1) November 11, 2015

At RAF Coningsby, commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1, photographer Sgt Andy Benson captured several images using a poppy from the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London last year.

Metheringham airfield is gearing up to welcome a Second World War Dakota DC3 aircraft which is believed to have transported Winston Churchill and King George VI.

The Dakota, which has been based at North Weald Airfield in Essex, will arrive at Metheringham Airfield on Monday, November 16 and will be assembled on site the following day.

Motorists along the route from Essex, along the M11 to Newark and A17 to Sleaford, will be met with quite a sight as four low loaders transport the aircraft in pieces along local roads.

The Dakota will be an exciting addition to the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, a small museum supported by the Friends of Metheringham Airfield.

Member of the group, and Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance pilot, Tim Taylor is organising the transportation of the Dakota.

He said: “The aircraft was built in 1944 and is an American design. It was transported to the RAF in the UK in June 1944.

“It eventually became part of a VIP squadron responsible for the flights for the Prime Minister and the King.

“It was one of the aerodromes under Fighter Command and whose squadrons fought with the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.

“At North Weald Airfield in Essex the base has various restrictions to the public and access was difficult, therefore they decided to donate it to us.

“It is fully restored and while we will oversee its short term maintenance we will also look to raise enough money to use it for taxi runs. If we raise £300,000 we may even see it fly again.

“For now people will be able to get up close at the museum as it takes centre stage.”

The exhibit will also highlight a fascinating link to the former RAF Nocton Hall hospital, to which Dakotas were a familiar sight bringing in the wounded after the D Day landings.

The Friends of Metheringham Airfield will be raising funds for the restoration of the Dakota through a programme of events including dances and lectures.

People can find out more and pledge a donation via the Metheringham Airfield website here. 

Friends of Metheringham Airfield are based at what was known as RAF Metheringham during World War Two.

The Lancaster Bomber aerodrome was the wartime home to the famous 106 Squadron, which lost 59 aircraft whilst flying from there.

Throughout the course of the Second World War, the squadron lost over 1,000 aircrew, with a number of names ascribed on Lincoln’s Bomber Command Memorial on Canwick Hill.

A senior defence minister has offered renewed hope of an air show in the county from as early as 2017 in a letter to a Lincolnshire MP.

Lord Howe, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, has written to Sir Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough, to confirm that RAF Scampton could be the home of the county’s air show.

The air show at RAF Waddington was officially scrapped in September 2015 due to “significant security concerns and operational risks.”

In his letter, Lord Howe confirmed that it would not be possible to hold the air show at Waddington in the future, but is open to the possibility of staging the event at a different location.

He said: “Careful consideration has been given to an alternative venue in Lincolnshire which could host an annual RAF air show in future… there may be potential to hold an air show at RAF Scampton but this will not be possible until 2017 at the earliest.”

The minister stressed that no firm decisions have been taken.

Sir Edward Leigh said: “I am grateful to the minister taking the time to update me on the current position.

“I will continue to press the case for RAF Scampton to be made the future home of the county’s air show.

“As the home of the respected Red Arrows squadron, and with its proximity to the Lincolnshire Showground, I think that it could make an ideal location; particularly if security concerns require an off-base location for much of the public areas of a show.”

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Jeff Summers, added: “This is really good news. West Lindsey District Council has ambitious plans to support our tourism sector and we really want to see it develop, grow and flourish.

“To have an RAF air show in the district would have real knock on effects for our tourism industry. As a council we stand ready to assist to help make this happen.”

Prime Minister David Cameron will announce a 10-year extension to the operational lifespan of the RAF’s Typhoon jets at Coningsby, as the UK government sets out its defence strategy following increased security threats.

The £178 billion investment in defence equipment and support over the next decade forms the basis of the government’s five year National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security review, which will be unveiled in the House of Commons on November 23.

The review comes as the Prime Minister is in talks with French President Francois Hollande following the ISIL attacks in Paris on November 13, which killed 130 people.

Leading the investment will be the extension of the life of the multirole Typhoon for 10 extra years through to 2040.

This development will see two additional squadrons created, giving a total of seven frontline squadrons, consisting of around 12 aircraft per squadron.

Investment in the Typhoon’s ground attack capability will be announced, and the aircraft will be fitted with a new active electronically scanned array radar to ensure they can continue to operate in hostile environments in the future.

The investment is likely to be welcomed by RAF Coningsby, which is the RAF’s Southern Typhoon Main Operating Base.

Coningsby is home to two frontline, combat ready squadrons – 3 (Fighter) Squadron and XI Squadron, the Typhoon OCU, 29 (Reserve) Squadron, plus the 41 (Reserve) Test & Evaluation Squadron, which comprises both Typhoon and Tornado elements.

The Prime Minister will also announce to MPs the creation of two new 5,000 strong ‘strike brigades’ by 2025 to be rapidly deployable and able to self-deploy thousands of kilometres.

Funding for nine new Boeing P8 maritime patrol aircraft for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare will also be revealed.

David Cameron said: “Our armed forces, our police and our security and intelligence agencies put their lives on the line every day.

“Their service is an inspiration to us all and they are the pride of our nation.

“Through this National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review we will back them and use our hard-earned economic strength to support our armed forces, and to give those in our police and our security and intelligence agencies who fight terrorism the resources they need to help keep our country safe.”

The announcement is hoped to bring significant benefits to Lincolnshire’s economy.

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “As the home of the RAF, this announcement can only be good news for Lincolnshire.

“The Prime Minister has talked about extra spending on Typhoons and drones, both of which are predominantly based in the county, so I think it’s a safe bet that we’ll benefit.

“It could mean hundreds of new highly-skilled defence staff and their families moving into the county, spending money with local businesses and boosting our economy.

“So we await the details on this new investment with interest.”

New £18 million facilities at RAF Waddington, designed to support the RAF’s intelligence aircraft, have been unveiled by Prince Edward.

The Earl of Wessex officially opened the renovated complex which will provide assistance to the RAF’s new Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft.

Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and contractors Babcock International completed the programme, named Airseeker, in October on behalf of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

The 58-week project saw the construction new hardstands, paved areas for aircraft to be parked, a new mission support facility known as the New Annex, and refurbishment of an existing hangar.

Dan Willmott, DIO’s Project Manager, said: “The project succeeded due to the close working relationship between DIO, Babcock International and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) who all focused on producing a quality product.

“It is because of that teamwork that this project was completed on time and on budget.”

As well as opening the new facilities, Prince Edward spoke to staff who had been involved in military operations in the Middle East, and visited “Wallaces”, a social facility at Waddington for those in the junior ranks.

Prince Edward also travelled to RAF Coningsby for a tour of the E-3D Sentry aircraft; an aircraft flown by 8 Squadron and under normal circumstances based at RAF Waddington.

Its roles include air and sea surveillance, airborne command and control, and weapons control.

The prince concluded his tour of Lincolnshire’s airbases with a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at Coningsby.

Group Captain Rich Barrow, Station Commander RAF Waddington said: “It is always a pleasure to host His Royal Highness. The operational tempo at RAF Waddington remains high despite the challenges of the significant infrastructure works and improvements that are taking place at present.

“His Royal Highness has seen first hand how RAF Waddington, one of the busiest main operating bases in the UK, is evolving as a leader in air power capabilities for defence.”

A bomb disposal team has destroyed what is being described as a ‘suspect package’ on the edge of RAF Waddington.

The package was discovered just outside the perimeter fence by a member of the RAF at just after 10.20am on Tuesday, December 1.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team was called to investigate the package further.

The package has now been destroyed and was not thought to be suspicious.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “It’s reassuring that through vigilance the package was located.

“RAF Waddington takes the security of its establishments and surrounding areas very seriously. There has been no impact on station operations or to the local community.”

RAF Waddington is home to the Reaper Ground Control Station, which pilots unmanned drone missions across the globe.

Lincolnshire MPs will vote later on whether to extend airstrikes against ISIL in Syria, as Prime Minister David Cameron makes the case for further military action.

The Conservative Party is largely behind its leader, while around 40 Labour MPs are also predicted to vote in favour of the airstrikes, against leader Jeremy Corbyn’s wishes.

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh is expected to be one of around 15 Conservative rebels who will not back the government and will vote against the airstrikes.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has indicated that he will vote in favour of airstrikes against ISIL in Syria, but refused to comment when contacted by The Lincolnite.

Other Conservative Lincolnshire MPs such as Matt Warman, Victoria Atkins, Nick Boles and John Hayes are expected to vote in favour of the strikes.

Here are the views of some of Lincolnshire’s MPs:

Stephen Phillips, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham

“The situation as it currently stands goes beyond the civil war in Syria following the popular uprising against Assad’s regime. Da’esh is a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before, backed by billions of dollars and an arsenal of the most modern weapons.

“Their brutality is staggering: beheadings, crucifixions, enslavement, the use of rape as a weapon and the slaughter of children. Their stated aim is to expand their “caliphate” to cover the world, and to kill or enslave all those who do not follow them, be they Muslim or not.

“They believe the End of Days to be upon us – they will not negotiate and they will not stop.

“I firmly believe that the UK must play its part in destroying this evil extremism.

“It is important to recognise that the threat does not respect national borders. Da’esh has taken territory in both Iraq and Syria – it is organised and directed in north-east Syria and is being targeted there by American, French and Australian air forces.

“It seems absurd to me that the UK can currently order airstrikes against Da’esh forces in Iraqi territory but not in Syrian territory, and that we cannot join our forces to those of our allies over northern Syria.

“I do understand concerns that this will add to previous examples of Western interference making things worse in the Middle East.

“I am hopeful that those in charge of planning and executing any extension of military action will have learned the lessons of Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya; if not, I stand ready with my colleagues in the House to hold them to account.

“However, the threat from Da’esh is too great to ignore and I simply do not believe we can stand by whilst hundreds of thousands of people are murdered, enslaved or displaced.”

Sir Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough

“I thank the Prime Minister for the great care that he has taken to inform us. Indeed, he has made a very convincing case today (November 24).

“However, he and I sat in this Chamber when a very convincing case was made for the Iraq war, so we need to be very careful about this.

“He may not want to say a lot in public about this point at the moment, but many of us want to be convinced about the operational basis of this action, and to be sure that it will make a difference in this benighted country.

“This rag-bag army of the Free Syrians will not take the territory held by ISIL. I know that the Prime Minister will not want to say this in public now and eat his words, but we have to co-operate with Russia, Assad and the Syrian army if we are to complete a bombing war and look forward to the reconstruction after that.

I told the PM today we haven't forgotten Iraq 2003 & to properly destroy ISIL we must cooperate with Russia & Assad. pic.twitter.com/4aBLIODdZo

— Edward Leigh MP (@EdwardLeighMP) November 26, 2015

“It is dangerous to wound an enemy and not kill him, especially if fighting a wild beast.

“Given that no air campaign alone has ever dislodged a determined enemy, what is the plan after we have bombed Syria? Where is the strategy? What ground troops are we going to put in?”

Six of Lincolnshire’s seven Conservative MPs joined the government in voting for an extension of airstrikes against ISIL into Syria.

A total of 397 MPs voted in favour of military action, including 66 Labour MPs, with 223 opposing the airstrikes.

Lincolnshire Conservative MPs Karl McCartney, Stephen Phillips, Matt Warman, Victoria Atkins, Nick Boles and John Hayes all supported Prime Minister David Cameron’s call for Britain to join the coalition of nations conducting airstrikes against the militants.

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh abstained from the vote, and said that he was “full of doubts” in an impassioned speech in the House of Commons during the 10-hour debate on December 2.

He said: “We have to learn the lessons of our involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. We have made terrible decisions that have made the lives of many people in the Middle East much worse.

“I accept that our military involvement will make some difference. I accept the argument that, if we are bombing ISIL in Iraq, why not in Syria?

“There is a difference, however, because in Iraq we are supporting a legitimate if inadequate government, as well as ground forces, whereas the situation in Syria is hopelessly confused. I am afraid we cannot forget that many of us were asked to bomb Mr Assad two years ago.

“I think we are rather arrogant in the way we look at this debate. We want to call ISIL Daesh, but we have to understand that, for whatever reason, many people in the Muslim world who live in the region support ISIL. We find that an extraordinary point of view.

“There are many people in the Muslim world who support this flawed ideology, and we in the west and in this House are not going to defeat it just by military action.

“I am not a pacifist. My duty is not to my friends in France, much as I love them, or to the traumatised people in the middle east, but to the people we represent.”

For the wider Greater Lincolnshire area, Conservative MP for Brigg and Goole, Andrew Percy, voted for airstrikes while Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers joined Sir Edward Leigh in abstaining.

Labour MP for Great Grimsby, Melanie Onn, and MP for Scunthorpe, Nic Dakin, voted against the proposals.

• How Lincolnshire will play its part in the airstrikes? Find out more here.
• Readers of The Lincolnite have been giving their thoughts on Britain’s decision.

UK airstrikes have been launched in Syria for the first time after MPs overwhelmingly backed missions to target Islamic State, and Lincolnshire will play a key role.

Within hours of the decision, on Wednesday, December 2, RAF Tornado jets took off from the Akrotiri air base in Cyprus to strike targets in Syria.

Bombing campaigns may continue for many years to come. For now, many bases in Lincolnshire are playing a part in operations against Islamic State targets in Syria.

Some ten armed Reaper drones, based in Kuwait to provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability, are being piloted remotely by 13 Squadron at RAF Waddington near Lincoln.

As previously reported, drones piloted from the base have played a pivotal role in the UK’s bombing raids against Islamic State in Iraq, successfully targeting and killing British extremists in September.

It has been reported that more than half a dozen Tranche 2 Typhoon jets could be deployed to RAF Akrotiri.

RAF Coningsby Typhoon pilots engineers and crews are prepared for raids over Iraq and Syria from RAF Akrotiri.

Syria vote reactions:

• Find out more about how Lincolnshire MPs voted on Wednesday, December 2, after a 10-hour Commons debate.
• While a YouGov poll suggests 48% of the British public approve of ISIS bombing, people in Lincoln were equally split in a poll run by The Lincolnite.

Readers of The Lincolnite have been giving their thoughts on Britain’s decision to take part in airstrikes against ISIL extremists in Syria.

A poll on our story published on December 2 saw 452 people respond, with 58% against British involvement in airstrikes in Syria.

Almost 200 responded to our separate Twitter poll, with 40% in favour of the airstrikes and 60% against.

Facebook readers also engaged in passionate arguments throughout the past 24 hours.

Christopher Hodgson, speaking in favour of the airstrikes, said: “It’s our duty to support our allies – we are a key member of the UN and a resolution has been passed calling for action against IS.

“Our contribution may be small but frankly I would be embarrassed if we had to rely heavily upon other countries.”

However, Rob Pearson was sceptical, adding: “If anyone seriously thinks that bombing Syria will do anything beyond radicalising more people or that it will stop a terrorist attack in the UK they are living in cloud cuckoo land!”

Dave Spence, like many, was undecided.

He said: “I am not sure after being in Afghanistan. We spent years there where lives were lost, it cost an absolute fortune and we did not defeat the Taliban. Afghanistan is just as bad today if not worse.

“The same could happen again but I do see that they want to be seen to be proactive after what happened in Paris. Tough decision.”

• Find out how Lincolnshire MPs voted on the issue in the House of Commons here
• How Lincolnshire will play its part in the airstrikes? Find out more here

The last surviving member of the Dambusters has returned to the station where the Lincolnshire squadron was originally formed over 70 years ago.

Retired Squadron Leader Johnny Johnson paid a visit to RAF Scampton, home of the Red Arrows.

Johnny, 95, braved the weather to watch the team practising formation loops and barrel rolls, and spoke to some of the engineering personnel as they made their way back from the flight line.

After meeting some of the current team pilots, he said: “It’s lovely to be back but it’s still as cold as ever.”

Johnny was also struck by how detailed the pilots were in their performance scrutiny, having sat in on their debrief.

He added: “It reminded me of the trust that was integral to the Lancaster crews during World War Two, the similarities are remarkable.”

Johnny was given a tour of the Hawk T1 aircraft by Sergeant Chris Docherty, a mechanical engineer.

He completed his visit with a tour of the Station Heritage Centre where he gave first hand accounts of events in 1943 to the staff.

Those who met him during the visit described him as a true inspiration to the Red Arrows team.

Officer Commanding RAFAT, Wing Commander Martin Higgins, said: “It was a privilege to host Johnny. He spoke of his flying days and the unquestionable trust that was built amongst his crew – he knew everyone would do his job to the best of his ability.

“The teamwork, dedication and professionalism of the Red Arrows pilots, engineers and support staff were founded on those same principles that Johnny and his colleagues used over 70 years ago.

“We wish him all the best for 2016 and his very busy schedule.”

RAF Reaper unmanned drones, which are controlled from RAF Waddington near Lincoln, have hit Daesh terrorist targets in Syria and Iraq over the Christmas period.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said an RAF Reaper struck a Daesh checkpoint south of Raqqa in Syria with a Hellfire missile on December 25.

On Boxing Day another Reaper patrolled over northern Iraq, where it destroyed a terrorist vehicle with a Hellfire, then supported a coalition air strike on a Daesh tunnel entrance.

The Christmas airstrike is the first official time UK-controlled drones have hit targets in Syria since MPs voted in favour of extending airstrikes from Iraq.

In addition to drone strikes, operations against the Daesh terrorist network have continued at a high intensity over the holiday period, MoD said.

Armed reconnaissance missions have been flown daily by RAF Tornado GR4, Typhoon FGR4, and Reaper aircraft, focusing on supporting the Iraqi security forces during their offensive operations in Ramadi, and also in northern Iraq in the area around Mosul.