RAF Honington’s Buccaneer ‘gate guardian’ makes final journey to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire

A ‘gate guardian’ that stood at RAF Honington for more than four decades has made its final journey.

The retired Buccaneer S2 XK526, which has stood as a gate guardian and tribute to aircrew lost during operations and training, was a well-known landmark for personnel, visitors and passers-by since 1983.

The aircraft has now completed its journey to a new home at the memorial garden of the former RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire.

On Saturday, it was transported by RAF Binbrook Heritage under the supervision of RAF Honington’s Station Warrant Officer and with an escort from Suffolk Police’s motorcycle team.

As the convoy departed RAF Honington, it was seen off by well-wishers from the Families Patch and navigated a tight turn at the Honington and Sapiston junction, turning left towards Thetford.

The aircraft arrived safely at RAF Binbrook at around 6pm, where it was welcomed by a crowd of residents.

A piper led the aircraft through the gates to cheers and applause.

With the Buccaneer now departed, its place will be taken by a Tornado GR4 — reflecting the last operational aircraft type flown from RAF Honington.

The base currently holds four retired Tornado GR4s which were flown in from RAF Marham following their retirement in February 2019.

As a tribute to the Buccaneer’s legacy at the station, the Tornado will be mounted on a base shaped in the outline of a Buccaneer.

Wing Commander Max Hayward, RAF Honington station commander, previously said: “The aircraft has done us proud over 40 years, but it is time to pass XK526 on to be professionally restored to a standard that will enable future generations to be able to see and enjoy this magnificent example of British aircraft engineering.”