A VETERAN of the Second World War returned to his former base at Drem to unveil a board remembering the men and women who served there as part of the airfield’s 100th anniversary.

Gordon Mills was just 19 when he was stationed at Drem Airfield in 1941 and found himself serving alongside 43 RAF Squadron.

For 12 weeks he was attached to the famous squadron, serving side by side with Battle of Britain heroes, and he was delighted to return nearly 70 years later to “wake up some old ghosts”.

Mr Mills, now 96, returned on Monday as guest of honour at the official unveiling of the interpretation board, which sets out the history of the site and pays tribute to the men and women who served there.

The board, which has been funded by Gullane and Dirleton History Society, sits in the porch of DC Watson and Sons’ estate office at Fenton Barns, which is based in the former WAAF officers’ mess on the old airfield.

Created with information compiled by society member George Simpson and designed by David Booth of Booth Creative, the board frame was made by Bill Nimmo from the society.

A light has been specially installed on the porch by DC Watson and Sons to light up the board in dark winter days and Keith Chalmers-Watson, from the company, attended the official launch.

Mr Mills told the audience that he remembered his time in Drem fondly.

He said: “What I remember most is not the layout of the airfield or the buildings but the people that were here in 1941.

“The 43 Squadron were made up of many countries from the Americas to Canada, you could stick your finger onto a map of Europe and find a member of that squadron from whichever country you chose.

“They had a cockerel for a mascot and were known as the Fighting Cocks.

“I was surrounded by heroes of the Battle of Britain while here.”

Mr Mills, who lives in Edinburgh, said he never thought he would return to Drem to pay tribute to the heroes he met during the war.

He said: “I never dreamed I’d be back here nearly 70 years later to unveil a tribute like this.

“I was here a short time and met these heroes – I think it is wonderful that we are remembering them and I am delighted to be asked to take part.

“I wish I could wander around the airfield one more time and see it.

“I’d like to wake up some old ghosts.”