TWO airmen who played a crucial role in a daring Second World War raid have returned to the base that was once their home.

They discovered how much the RAF had changed as they toured Linton-on-Ouse, near York, as part of the Government's Veterans Return scheme.

Yorkshire-born Flight Sergeant Stan Greaves was the pilot of a Halifax bomber of 35 Squadron, which was based there in 1941. Sergeant Ernest Constable, originally from the Dales, was his wireless operator.

On July 24 that year, they took part in a daylight raid on the notorious German warship Scharnhorst, which had been wreaking havoc on the Atlantic convoys.

Flt Sgt Greaves' aircraft was the only one to achieve a direct hit on the ship and, as a result of his action, the ship was out of action for many months, saving the lives of countless Allied sailors.

The mission the two men took part in consisted of 15 Halifax bombers, nine from Linton and six from Middleton St George -now Teesside Airport.

The raid took place without fighter escort and all the aircraft that took part were lost or badly damaged. Flt Sgt Greaves' aircraft was shot down shortly after the raid and the crew baled out moments before their aircraft exploded.

All seven crew members became prisoners-of-war, some were interned in Stalag Luft III, which became famous for the Wooden Horse tunnel and the Great Escape.

Flt Sgt Greaves was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his bravery, and he and Sgt Constable are now the sole survivors of the crew.