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Memorial service commemorates 107th year of RAF

Lisa Young
BBC News, Cornwall
BBC A man in uniform is saluting a memorial stone that is topped with a wooden cross. There are wreaths of poppies laid on the stone. There are two standard bearers wearing white gloves and dress uniform.BBC
The service at RAF Portreath marked the 107th year of the Royal Air Force

A remembrance service has taken place to mark the 107th year of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

The service at RAF Portreath in Cornwall was led by the Padre to 77 Squadron Air Cadets, The Reverend Christopher Harrigan.

He led prayers, poems and a two-minute silence to remember past and present members of the military service.

Paul Newton, a former RAF medic who organised the event with his wife Vivienne, said it was "important to remember those that went before us".

The padre is facing about 15 people outside on a lawn near a memorial stone topped with a cross. There are two standard bearers in uniform standing either side of the monument. The congregation have their heads bowed. There is a sign that reads Royal Air Force Portreath in front of a two storey building in the background. There is a bright blue sky.
Padre to 77 Squadron Air Cadets, The Reverend Christopher Harrigan, led the service

Mr Newton served in countries that included Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

He said: "In World War Two, of all the air crew, irrespective of their rank, only 23% were unscathed either physically or mentally by conflict, so an act of remembrance such as this is poignant on their behalf.

"While the few become fewer, there are still conflicts around the world where British service personnel are involved."

"The air force is as relevant today as it was then," he added.

The RAF was formed in 1918 during World War One when the Royal Flying Corps was merged with the Royal Naval Air Service.

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