A FORMER March squadron officer who went on to become Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing’s Commanding Officer received a spectacular farewell from his peers, including members of the band he founded thirty years ago.

Cambs Times: Wing Commander Bower addresses parade members.Wing Commander Bower addresses parade members. (Image: Steve Tyrrell 2012)

Almost 100 staff came together at the Officer’s Mess, RAF Wyton, to pay tribute to Wing Commander Paul Bower, who stepped down from the role after 11 years.

Cambs Times: Wing Commander Bower receives a trophy in acknowledgement of his long standing service.Wing Commander Bower receives a trophy in acknowledgement of his long standing service. (Image: Steve Tyrrell 2012)

Among them were members of the 1220 (March) Squadron band, who paraded in front of him.

Wing Commander Bower formed the band when he was a squadron officer at March in the 1980s.

Inside, an orchestra formed of cadets from throughout the Wing entertained diners before speeches were made and gifts were presented to both Wing Commander Bower and his wife.

Wing Commander Bower said: “This is possibly the finest night of my life. To see all of the squadron banners on parade was very special.

“And the musical accompaniment just added to the spectacle. I am so very grateful to everyone who made the night such a memorable and special occasion.”

Wing spokesman Squadron Leader Paul Thomson-Clark said: “This event was a long time in the planning but Wing Commander Bower thoroughly deserved the show that we put on for him.

“After 36 years adult service to the Wing it was inconceivable that we would just let him leave us without marking the occasion in a very special way.”

Wing Commander Bower retains a management role at Central East Region Headquarters where he has responsibility for adventurous training activity.