Defence review: Lossiemouth: The history

EMPLOYS: 2,800 service personnel.

ROLE: Home to Tornado squadrons 617 - the Dambusters - 14, XV (Reserve), 12(B) and 202.

1939: Opens as an operational base with a? flying school.

1940: Becomes part of Bomber Command.

1945: Becomes a satellite of RAF Milltown.

1946: Becomes part of Fleet Air Arm.

1972: RAF returns to station.

1991: Shackletons retired from service and 237 Operational Conversion Unit disbanded.

1993: Buccaneer jets taken out of service and replaced by Jaguars then Tornados.

2000: Jaguars leave for RAF Coltishall.

2001: Is established as largest fast-jet base in RAF and main base for Tornado GR4s.