RAF

These are the first RAF air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen approved by this government – and the first direct UK participation in US-led strikes since President Donald Trump came to power.

Andy Hacking, 61, said he bought the RAF uniform about five years ago in a shop in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, and discovered the letter in a pocket with a post mark dated 17 December 1945.

It comes after a drill simulating an accident involving such material was held, with personnel from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk taking part.

Altogether, 2,500 personnel from the Royal Navy, almost 600 from the RAF, and about 900 from the British Army will take part in the exercises.

They were the RAF's first intercepts since aircraft arrived in the region to begin the defence of Nato's eastern flank, working alongside Sweden.