Following the many generous donations we have received, we have consulted with the recently bereaved families, the Lyneham Old Boys Association, the Wootton Bassett Royal British Legion, the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald and Western Daily Press as to what would be an appropriate memorial with which to remember the servicemen who lost their lives in the recent Hercules tragedy in Iraq. Discussions are still progressing but the following suggestions have been proposed:

1. Cannons Horticulture, who hold the grounds maintenance contract within RAF Lyneham, have very kindly offered to design and build a Memorial Garden close to the Chaplaincy Centre on the base. This will include a dedication to all the personnel who lost their lives.

2. The Lyneham Old Boys Association are working closely with 47 Squadron to design and install a 47 Squadron memorial stained glass window in St Michael's Church, Lyneham Village. This project has been planned for some time and is intended to recognise the contributions of all members of 47 Squadron since it's inception during the First World War. However, it is hoped that some acknowledgement of the recent tragedy can be incorporated into the design.

3. The final suggestion is that of engraving the names of all the personnel who were on board the aircraft on to a permanent memorial in Wootton Bassett. RAF Lyneham enjoys a close relationship with the Town and will be speaking with the local branch of the Royal British Legion, the Town Council and other interested parties to discuss whether this would be feasible.

The Station Commander, Group Captain Paul Oborn, on behalf of all the station personnel, would like to thank everyone who has contributed so generously to the Balad Aircraft Fund and for the many letters of support that have been received. The response from the local community has been overwhelming and is greatly appreciated.