UK

RAF Regiment marks 70th anniversary

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The RAF Regiment has marked the 70th anniversary of its formation with a service in Bury St Edmunds.

Seven hundred members of the Air Force and its “Soldiers in Blue” filled St Edmundsbury Cathedral to commemorate the job the regiment has done since 1942.

The vulnerability of the RAF on the ground became apparent in the early 1940s and when the island of Crete fell to the Germans, Winston Churchill barracked his air staff for failing to defend their bases.

“It must be understood by all ranks," said the Prime Minister, "that they are expected to fight and die in the defence of their airfields.”

In February 1942, the Royal Air Force Regiment was formed, and it's been fighting on the ground for control of the air every year continuously since then.

SAC Tom Jackman, who has already done two operational tours in his three years, said: "Our force being so unique, we're the only air-minder soldiers, it's important that we're on the ground so that the air can operate."

A commemorative dinner will be held this evening (Friday) during which best wishes from the Queen will be read out.