Wiltshire remembers fallen heroes

by Ashley Heath
BBC Wiltshire

'Per ardua ad astra', RAF graves at St Michael's in Lyneham

As is the tradition, Wiltshire fell silent in respectful silence at 11.00am on Remembrance Sunday.

All over the people either stopped what they were doing, or were already at a service of remembrance for those who've died in service.

For our part, BBC Wiltshire joined the people of Lyneham for their service yesterday. The service was attended by personnel from the RAF base and a wreath was laid in memory of eight servicemen from the base, killed when Hercules XV179 was shot down in 2005.

Aside from any local feeling prompted by the first laying of this wreath, the ceremony was given added poignancy this year.

As people prepared to go to the service, they heard an MoD announcement that another soldier had been killed in Helmand Province.

The serviceman, from 2nd Battalion, the Rifles, died on November 7th 2009, serving with the Wiltshire based 4 Rifles.

XV179

47 Squadron's wreath will be a permanent fixure

The new wreath for those killed aboard a Lyneham based Hercules in 2005, joined three others laid during the ceremony. In future, it will be a regular fixture.

For those attending the service at St Michael's, the memory of the crew are still strong.

RAF Lyneham's Station Warrant Officer, Nick Dale, remembered Corporal David Williams. He was a passenger on board the flight.

"He was a really good mate; smashing boy" said Nick, who added that occasions like Remembrance are sometimes 'over-sombre-ified'. Nick likes to remember the positives about friendships with mates who aren't here any more.

As for Dave, Nick said: "He stitched up the cover for my boat - he did a fantastic job of it! He was such a nice family man, and he is still very sorely missed."

Memories of the crew of XV179 aren't limited to the RAF though. In a village with as close ties to the base as Lyneham has, the friendships extend deep into the community.

Poignant

Babs Taylor is the Verger and remembered the crew. As she swallowed her tears, Babs said: "It is poignant for me, and you'll have to excuse me, as I knew each one of them. People in Lyneham have a very strong kinship with the base."

Standing room only: over 250 people crowded into St Michael's

RAF Lyneham's Station Commander, Group Captain Mike Neville, summed up his feelings by telling the congregation that, for him, Remembrance was about 'Friends, Family and Colleagues.'

In a village like Lyneham, it's sometimes difficult to spot the differences.