MEMBERS of the No 48 Squadron RAF gathered in Lyneham last Friday for their Centennial Commemoration Service.

The service, which was held at St Michael & All Angels Church, was attended by nearly 40 members of the Squadron and officiated by Rev Richard Selby-Boothroyd.

Alan Hotchkiss said: “The service was absolutely brilliant. It was planned by Brian and Rev Richard perfectly. There were hymns, prayers and we finished the service with ‘Abide With Me’.

“It was a short, succinct and typically military affair.”

A commemorative wreath, depicting the Squadron badge, was laid during the service and concluded with the sounding of the Last Post by a trumpeter of the RAF Band.

Later on Friday, nearly 150 former members of the Squadron and their partners met at Alexandra House, Wroughton for a reception and reunion dinner.

There was also a grand prize draw during the night where the top prize was four VIP tickets to the Royal International Air Tattoo in June.

Mr Hotchkiss said: “It was a hugely successful night and those of us who behaved and went to bed at a sensible hour were told that some members stayed up until about three o’clock in the morning catching up.”

No 48 Squadron RAF have a special connection with Lyneham, as they were based there in 1971 where they took part in operational and exercise support roles played by the Hercules fleet.

They were disbanded at a ceremony held at RAF base on January 7, 1976.

Mr Hotchkiss said: “We have always looked upon Lyneham as our spiritual home.”