Royal Air Force Lyneham, service personnel, families, colleagues and distant friends all joined together today in an Act of Remembrance. The Station Commander Group Captain Paul Oborn, cordially invited his station, to join together in a time for the families and friends who have lost lives in the tragedy surrounding the C130 Hercules crash at 1.40pm on the 30th January 2005.

The ever-busy Wiltshire base, renown for being the 'first in' and 'last out' at all the major worldwide conflicts of recent times. The station mission statement: "We Support and Conduct Airlift Operations, and Deliver Operational Medical Capability, whenever and wherever required" emphasis the importance of the base. It is the bravery, utmost professionalism and true grit that makes our troops serving at RAF Lyneham, second to none. The Lyneham community honor our heroes. It is tragic to see that Lyneham has been once again under worldwide media attention, obviously for very sad reasons. We pay our tributes....

Underneath the wintery sky, the morning sun was breaks through the broken clouds to shine a single ray on the damp domed roof of the Hercules hanger. Inside, the maintenance hanger, canopied by two giant Hercules aircraft, a silent congregation waited for the Act of Remembrance, earmarked especially for the heroes who have served our country so proud. Among the friends and station personnel who gathered in trepidation of the recent events many whispered, reflecting their fond memories of lost friends. The atmosphere was so sombre and numbing. So many had a brief sniff and wiped a solomn tear from their red watery eyes.

The station commander Group Captain Paul Oborn, started the Act of Remembrance by welcoming so many people together to pray and remeber the gallant crew who have been tragically been killed while serving for the station and country in pursuit of worldwide democracy and peace.

RAF Lyneham's Senior Chaplain Wing Commander David Edgar started the service and everyone marked their respect to the husbands, fathers, sons and brothers of loved ones lost. The moving service coincided with a station two minutes silence at 11 o'clock to remember the great memories and great times of these brave airmen, who have paid the ultimate price. The silence was so eerie, a distant sniff, the odd cough and a tiny baby whispering dad-dad. Overall the mood, unity and friendship of the base has been phenomenal.

The Act of Remembrance Service has kindly been provided by the station for us at Lyneham Wiltshire Beyond and we have the service and prayers in full Click here...