Increasing tensions with the Soviet Union in the early 1950s led to a rapid expansion of the RAF, particularly its 2nd Tactical Air Force based in West Germany. Just 20 miles (32km) from the East German border was Fassberg, a base that would be expected to hold the line if the Cold War was to erupt into open conflict.
Station Commander at Fassberg was Gp Capt E M ‘Teddy’ Donaldson CBE DSO AFC. His airfield was the home of 121 Wing which comprised 14, 98, 112 and 118 Squadrons. Leading the Fassberg Wing was legendary World War Two fighter ace Wg Cdr (later AVM) J E ‘Johnnie’ Johnson DSO DFC.
Equipped with eight Vampire FB.5s and a Meteor T.7 trainer, 118 Squadron re-formed at the West German airfield on May 10, 1951. Initially it only had three pilots, but more soon arrived, including Plt Off George Aird.
George joined the RAF in 1947 and began his tuition at 7 Flying Training School (FTS), Cottesmore, on Tiger Moths and Harvards. Jets followed with 203 Advanced Flying School at Driffield where George first flew the two-seat Meteor T.7, then the Vampire F 1.
His training was completed on Vampire FB.5s with 226 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at Stradishall. He was ready for the frontline and initially…
