A LARGE number gathered at the plinth in Mepal on Saturday to commemorate those who flew out of Mepal Airfield and never returned.

There were around 120 who travelled from New Zealand for the occasion and many of those who flew from Mepal shared their experiences with those who had gathered there.

The service arranged to remember the fallen was led by the British Legion Standard from Chatteris and Sutton, followed by those taking part. The honorary padre welcomed everyone and read the opening verses and was followed by Wing Commander Anthony Hawes, Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Jack Richards, president of the Friends of 75 NZ Squadron, said the exultation leading up to the playing of the last post and Reveille by a member of the City of Ely Military Band, who also played for the singing of the hymns.

Wreaths were laid, the address was given by Air Vice Marshall Peter Stockwell, Royal New Zealand Air Force, two standards made and given by Glen Turner, RNZAF, were dedicated by the Wing Commander and padre.

The parties moved to the chapel schoolroom for light refreshments and to see a display of model aircraft.

They then moved onto Newmarket’s July Course to lay wreaths there and on to marker at Feltwell where the only Lancaster Bomber made a fly past.