ERNEST Law-riding is somewhat adrift in his comments on No 44 Squadron RAF. The squadron was originally formed on July 24, 1917 as a squadron of the Royal Flying Corps which became the Royal Air Force on April 1, 1918. The squadron disbanded on December 31, 1919.

The squadron reformed on March 8, 1937 and served continually until July 16, 1957. The title 'Rhodesia' was given in 1941 in recognition of fundraising efforts in Rhodesia and the fact that a substantial number of the personnel came from Rhodesia.

The unit was the first squadron to be equipped with the Avro Lancaster in December. The squadron reformed on August 10, 1960 as a Vulcan squadron and disbanded on December 21, 1982. I recall that Mrs Thatcher was Prime Minister at the time.

MARTIN POWELL, Gib Lane, Blackburn.