Ex-service groups join Mayor on parade to mark RAF centenary
The RAF ensign was raised by the Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Paul Beck outside the civic centre.
A ceremony was arranged by the Hartlepool branch of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) to commemorate the special anniversary which falls on Sunday.
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David Stacey, chairman of the Hartlepool RAFA, was delighted with how the ceremony went.
He said: “As part of our celebrations the RAFA in Hartlepool approached the council and asked them for permission to fly the RAF ensign on the civic centre flag pole.
“The council made a very quick decision bearing in mind it is a very special occasion.
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Hide Ad“We can only celebrate the 100th anniversary once and the council duly obliged.
“The Mayor made a speech saying how proud he was to fly the ensign and hoped the town would recognise what the RAF has done in its 100 years and what it continues to do now.”
The RAF was formed on April 1, in 1918, from the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Force.
Standard bearers for the Hartlepool branch of the Royal British Legion, RAFA and Women’s Royal Air Corps (WRAC) attended.
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Hide AdHartlepool council’s armed forces champion Councillor Allan Barclay, and representatives from the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Association were also present.
On Sunday, April 8, St Aidan’s Church, in Oxford Street, Hartlepool, will celebrate the anniversary when anyone who has served in the forces will be especially welcome.
The service starts at 10.30am.
The Hartlepool branch of the RAFA is looking for more people to join their ranks, of serving and ex-members of the RAF.
It is particularly keen to welcome younger people who have served in recent conflicts.
The branch meets at the Olde Durhams Club, in St Aidan’s Street, on the last Tuesday of the month.
For more details call 07907 874654.