THE last surviving World War II crew members from the Dutch 320 Squadron travelled from Holland to their old base at Dunsfold Aerodrome, for an historic reunion last Saturday.

The four veterans, aged from 90 to 97, were also reunited at the Wings and Wheels air show with one of the Dutch B-25 Mitchell bombers flown by the squadron, while stationed at Dunsfold between February and October, 1944.

Edward Hoenson, 94, who flew 89 bombing missions, serving as a wireless operator, navigator and air gunner, told The Herald: “This is the first time I have been back since 1944. It is nice to see Dunsfold Aerodrome again. The B-25 Mitchell is a beautiful aircraft. The squadron had many important visitors while it was here.

“I met King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The B-25 carried the same weight as the bigger B-17 and B-24 Liberator bombers but it didn’t have the same range.

“It didn’t go to Berlin but it flew to Holland and the border with Germany.

“Each sortie lasted two to three hours. The noise was bearable because I had headphones and my flying suit kept me warm.

“Flying back to Holland on missions was hard for us, but it was a job that had to be done. We were glad when we were able to go back home again.”

Eduard Jacob, 93, who worked as a mechanic at Dunsfold, had the honour of being presented to General Eisenhower, the Allies’ Supreme Commander in the lead up to D-Day. Mr Jacob said: “He told me ‘Sonny, you will be home soon’,” adding, “I’m afraid to go inside the Mitchell, there are too many emotions.”

Also attending were 97-year-old former air gunner André Hissink and 90-year-old ground crew member, Camille Stritzko.

The Surrey and Sussex Wing Air Cadets welcomed the Dutch veterans to their marquee with a guard of honour and pipe band salute, whle the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight’s B-25 Mitchell was decked in its Second World War livery.

The veterans also attended a special service of communion at Dunsfold parish church on Sunday. Johan Vink, is buried in the churchyard and the names of the 57 airmen who did not return to base were read out.