RAF veterans handed decoration at Cosford parade

Four veterans of the Bomber Command were also in attendance at RAF Cosford Museum to be presented with a new clasp which was introduced by the Government in February, following a review of military decorations.

Those who went along took part in a parade march led by the RAF Central Band in front of the chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton who told the crowd that the Queen had also passed on her best wishes for the event.

Among those to collect the Bomber Command Clasp was Donald Fraser from Whitchurch.

The 89-year-old former warrant officer was a flight engineer with the 101 Squadron.

He took part in more than 30 operations and the main role of his squadron was intercepting German transmissions between aircraft and the ground.

His squadron had the highest loss of life of any in Bomber Command.

The father-of-one, who went on to work in forestry, said of his time with the RAF: "It was the best days of our lives."

And he added that it was important that events such as the one at Cosford continued to be held: "It is something that must be continued with young people getting involved."

He said he would treasure his new clasp but like many veterans would have preferred the Government to honour them with a medal.

The other veterans honoured with the Bomber Command Clasp were former flight engineer Win Jones, aged 87, from North Wales, who served with 218 Squadron whose first operation was in February 1945, 89-year-old rear gunner Harry Irons from Romford in Essex who took part in more than 50 operations with the 9 and 158 squadrons and gunner Stan Bradford, 89 from Oxfordshire, who served with 57 Squadron.

He flew on 14 attacks to Berlin and his last operation was to Nuremberg in March 1944 on a disastrous night for the RAF when 700 men lost their lives.

Among the National Service veterans in attendance was Trevor Marklew, 74, from Tettenhall in Wolverhampton, John Brooks, 75, from Wall Heath and Peter Cook, 75, from Kingswinford. All served with the RAF police.

Mr Cook, from Granville Drive, who served between 1955 and 1959 and was at Christmas Island said: "I think people should remember. There are a lot of men here who were not in active service but were there when needed."

Mr Marklew, from Henwood Road, who was a dog handler between 1960 and 1962 added: "It is nice to meet up with your old comrades, it brings back memories."

Mr Brooks, from Cross Street, was also a dog handler between 1956 and 1960.

Michael Brice, from Pendeford, is the secretary of the Cosford branch of the National Service Association.

He was a safety and surface equipment engineer between 1954 and 1958.

The 76-year-old said he enjoyed attending the event and added: "It is the camaraderie really, you do not get that today.

"We all had to go in whether we liked it or not."