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Memories of  Usworth Aerodrome

607 Squadron (3/3)


The Story Behind
RAF Usworth's Blue Plaque

[ Written and Contributed by Ernie Guy,  Member of Washington History Society. ]

Flight Lieutenant William Francis Blackadder DSO


Born:  Edinburgh, 23rd January 1913.     Died:  Darlington, 21st November 1997.
[ Picture sourced from bbm.org.uk. ]

William Francis Blackadder

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Acting Flight Lieutenant
No. 607 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on: 4th June, 1940

Citation: "This officer shot down three enemy aircraft and led his patrols with judgement and excellent offensive spirit. In particular he carried out singly several extremely important reconnaissances of bridges and roads at a time when other means of obtaining news were not effective. His reports were very valuable to the Army."

Mentioned in Despatches

Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on: 1st January, 1941

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Acting Wing Commander
No. 607 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on: 1st January, 1945

[ Information from tracesofwar.com ]

After the war, Flt Lt Francis Blackadder became CO of the Northumberland Wing of the Air Training Corps.

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Usworth Air Cadets

In 2018, the Cadets of 2214 (Usworth) Squadron Air Cadets, based near the site of the former RAF Usworth, were looking for a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAF. They suggested that the part played by 607 Squadron, and RAF Usworth, in the Battle of Britain should be recognised by placing a commemorative Blue Plaque on the wall of the former Three Horse Shoes Pub (now the Rustica Trattoria and Inn). The pub was located just opposite RAF Station Usworth, and during World War 2 was used by 607 Squadron as their Officers' Mess. Sunderland Council's Washington Commitee agreed to provide the necessary funding for the plaque.

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The Unveiling Ceremony
29th November 2018


Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Lynda Scanlon, unveiling the Blue Plaque.
[ Picture from Sunderland Echo ]

Representatives of 607 Squadron and Air Cadets 2214 (Usworth) Squadron were in attendance.

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[ Thanks to Ernie and Washington History Society. ]