A CREW from Guernsey’s own 201 Squadron based at RAF Kinloss may still fly a Nimrod in the island’s Battle of Britain air display on Thursday. If it goes ahead, it is believed it will be the first public display involving the aircraft type since the loss of a 29-year-old Nimrod and its crew near the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Saturday.

The Nimrod, which was carrying 12 personnel from 120 Squadron, one Royal Marine and a soldier from the Parachute Regiment, was supporting Operation Medusa when it crashed.

However, Royal Air Forces’ Association Guernsey branch president Alan Brunger confirmed yesterday that he had spoken to Wing Commander Chas Counter, the officer commanding 201 Squadron, who indicated that the crew was still keen to participate in the fly-past over Guernsey.

‘He was hopeful the Nimrod would appear at the display on Thursday, which would be a very timely event. To me, that shows the professionalism of the RAF of today,’ said Mr Brunger.

201 Squadron will be appearing in the air, but not on the ground. The news comes after it was thought its visit would be cancelled.

‘It would partly serve as a reminder of the terrible accidents that can happen,’ he said.

Culture and Leisure events chairman Mike O’Hara was pleased to learn from the Guernsey Press that the Nimrod fly-past might still go ahead, despite the worst single British military loss of life in action since the Falklands conflict.

‘It’s marvellous but it does show how sometimes the forces can be vulnerable and how it can have an effect on our way of life. It drives home how terrible this accident was,’ he said.

‘It has brought everything to the forefront of realising how things happening away from the island can have an effect on our air show here.

‘I’m sure if the Nimrod turns up and this is the first display, it will be very noticeable news in the UK and international spheres.

‘It will be greeted as a real sign of professionalism and Guernsey will be associated with that,’ he said.

RAF Kinloss, where most of the men were stationed, is in mourning, with flags flying at half-mast. An RAF flag has been raised and lowered to half-way on the SeaGuernsey mast in tribute.

Investigations into the loss of the £90m. aircraft with its sophisticated surveillance systems are continuing.