Spitfire leads tribute at Shropshire RAF bases

Both RAF Cosford and Shawbury held their receptions last night to thank members of the community for their support over the last 12 months.

The events are traditionally held as close as possible to Battle of Britain Day on September 15 and so a fly-past by the legendary Spitfire was a fitting reminder of those perilous days in 1940 when the nation stood alone against the Nazis.

More than 70 guests turned up for the reception at Cosford and they enjoyed drinks and canapes at 6pm while mingling and chatting with staff from the base.

They were entertained during the get together by the Band of the RAF College Cranwell.

The Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight then flew overhead.

Base commander Group Captain Jamie Johnston told his guests: "The RAF Cosford annual reception is one of the important events in the station's calendar.

"That is because it is the station's opportunity to thank formally representatives of the local community for their continuing strong support for the important work we undertake at Cosford in training operationally focused, highly trained young men and women to serve in the RAF's frontline squadrons.

"We hold our annual reception on a day close to Battle of Britain Day, September 15, the day when the Royal Air Force officially remembers a very important period in the history of the service and the nation."

Over at RAF Shawbury a similar annual reception was attended by local dignitaries, business leaders and military officers.

The event featured a flypast by the Spitfire, as well as by Pumas of No 230 and No 33 Squadron from RAF Odiham in Hampshire.

The officers' mess, which played host to the reception, was decorated with various displays of the history of the airbase, as well as photographs of the station from the past year. During the evening hosts from the airbase chatted with groups of guests, while enjoying drinks in the dining room with background music by the Band of the RAF College and the RAF Shawbury Military Wives Choir.

They were then invited outside to listen to a short brief from the Station Commander, Group Captain Chris Luck, and enjoy the flypast. Group Captain Luck said: "Around 130 guests were hosted at RAF Shawbury by staff from across the base's ranks and disciplines.

"The visitors ranged from the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire and High Sheriff John Abram to businessmen, senior military officers, civic dignitaries, local service providers, school representatives, village councils and many more diverse groups who have dealings with the base throughout the year.

"RAF Shawbury takes the opportunity once a year to provide a thorough insight and update to key constituents and stakeholders in the community and beyond, demonstrating their military excellence and pride, and saying a huge thank you for the continued and deep-rooted support that is received by the base across this region."