RAF's seventh P-8A Poseidon ZP807 with name written on aircraft — The Poseidon is the seventh out of nine aircraft to join the RAF's P-8A fleet (Picture: Boeing).

RAF

RAF submarine hunter named after hero WW1 pilot who 'taught them a lesson'

The Royal Air Force's seventh P-8A Poseidon aircraft has been named 'William Barker VC' in honour of a heroic Canadian First World War pilot.

The Poseidon fleet will be formed of nine aircraft in total, carrying out an anti-submarine warfare role.

They are being based out of RAF Lossiemouth, which has undergone a multimillion-pound upgrade to get the base ready to host the P-8As.

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Major William Barker was awarded the Victoria Cross while serving with 201 Squadron – originally a Royal Naval Air Service fighter squadron, but today working on maritime reconnaissance at RAF Lossiemouth.

In October 1918, Maj Barker was faced with 15 enemy aircraft over the Western Front.

Although he had multiple injuries to his legs and arm, he was able to attack three of the enemy aircraft and complete a forced landing in his Sopwith Snipe biplane.

After the incident, Maj Barker wrote: "By Jove, I was a foolish boy, but anyhow I taught them a lesson."