Missing WWII RAF Bomber Mascot Returned

A Royal Air Force mascot which went on more than 30 bombing runs during World War Two has been returned home.

The stuffed toy, known as 'Mr Fox', went missing from Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, in Lincolnshire last year after being loaned out and never returned.

Mr Fox accompanied air crews from 106 Squadron and belonged to navigator Flt Sgt Bill Hovey.

Visitor centre chairman, Andy Marson, told Forces News:

"He's the only surviving member of the squadron, having flown 34 missions from the base, so we are delighted to get him back."

"If there was only one exhibit we could rescue from a fire, it would be Mr Fox."

It is not known who returned the toy fox, and despite not knowing exactly where the mascot went, Mr Marson believes it still has not left the county of Lincolnshire since 1945.

He said that Mr Fox will now be made part of a Lancaster aircraft display at the centre.

"Mr Fox is being made navigator of that display - it should mean he never gets lost again!"

Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre stands on the site of the old RAF Metheringham, where 106 Squadron were based for nearly three years until it closed in 1946.

Cover image courtesy Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre.