Air cadets’ expedition to mark founding of RAF

MEMBERS OF 2137 (Lymm) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets travelled to France and Belgium to visit World War 1 battlefield sites and cemeteries.
The expedition was to commemorate the foundation of the Royal Air Force in 1918.
A total of 55 cadets were in the party, including some from Stockton Heath, Thelwall, Grappenhall and Greater Manchester.
The cadets found it a poignant occasions as they found the graves of relatives and of men who had only recently joined the then newly-formed RAF.
On April 1 they paraded at the British Air Services Memorial at St Omer airfield which, in 1918 was RAF St Omer – the first RAF station.
A wreath was laid at the foot of the memorial.
Later, the party travelled to the Menin Gate in Ypres for the Last Post ceremony.
Flight Lt Andy Smith, officer commanding the Lymm squadron, said: “We paraded the largest contingent and laid a wreath on behalf of the RAF and MoD.
“The cadets and staff found the experience to be deeply moving and felt enormous pride at having commemorated the foundations of the RAF and represented their country.”