New RAF plane named in honour of Guernseyman

The plane is currently undergoing its final checks in the US. Credit: RAF Squadron 201

An RAF plane is being named in honour of a Guernseyman who served in the air force during the Second World War.

The Poseidon patrol aircraft will be called 'Guernsey's Reply', the name of the Mk XVI Spitfire flown by Herbert 'Herbie' Machon OBE.

Machon joined the 201 Squadron shortly before the Occupation began and named his plane in tribute to those who were facing hardship on his home island.

When he passed away in 2004, personnel from the 201 Squadron were pallbearers at his funeral.

The island's Chief Minister says the naming of the aircraft is a 'fitting tribute' to a man who became very popular across the Bailiwick for his contributions during the war and beyond.

The Squadron was the last maritime squadron to retain a local affiliation under the moniker of 'Guernsey's Own', dating back to 1939. During its 80th anniversary celebrations in 1994, the squadron was granted the 'Privilege of Guernsey', which grants the right to march with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed.

The squadron will be standing up once again at RAF Lossiemouth in 2021, ten years after it was initially disbanded. Members say they are looking forward to resuming their historic ties to the island.

‘Guernsey’s Reply’ is undergoing its final checks in the US before it joins the fleet of nine Poseidon aircraft to be stationed in Moray, Scotland.