THE real story behind a little piece of military history has finally been revealed after a wartime relic was reunited with details of its past - after a 16-year wait.

XXV(F) Squadron was presented with a broken propeller from a Heinkel 177 when it was reformed at RAF Leeming in 1990.

However, the citation to go with it only arrived on the station last week - courtesy of Ray Fisher, former Officer Commanding of 231 Squadron Norwich Air Training Corps.

The prop came from a German aircraft shot down over Suffolk, in February 1944, when 25 Squadron - as it was then called - was based at Coltishall and operated Mosquitos.

Sadly, the crew that shot the Heinkel down, a Flight Lieutenant Bailie and Flying Officer Simpson, were lost four months later in an operation over Holland.

Postwar, the propeller eventually fell into the hands of 231 Squadron ATC, where it was used as a centrepiece for special occasions.

Mr Fisher said: "Because the trophy was no longer being used for its intended purpose, I thought it should go back to XXV(F) Squadron, commemorate its reformation to a full flying unit.

"I meant to arrange a full presentation with all of the cadets and a citation, but another officer had arranged for the propeller to come to RAF Leeming before I knew it."

Over the years, Mr Fisher retired from his cadet role, and personnel circumstances meant that the citation was put on the back burner.

"But I always meant to ensure that the citation came here and now it's something that can finally be put to rest."

The citation was received on behalf of XXV(F) Sqn by Squadron Leader Richie Dix, who said: "The propeller has had pride of place in the crew room since it was presented in 1990, but personnel would not have known its history, or why it is so special to XXV(F) Sqn."