Both ends of the age spectrum met at RAF Odiham on 1st April 2008 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force.

Cadet Corporal Ella Robinson of 2412 (Bordon & District) Squadron was invited to represent the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wing in recognition of her exceptional fundraising efforts that have to date resulted in £14,000 towards the squadrons minibus appeal. At the other end of the age scale was, Britain’s oldest man and founder member of the Royal Air Force, Henry Allingham. Henry who will celebrate his 112th birthday this year, was transferred to the newly formed RAF at the tender age of 21. Both young and old were asked to be involved in the planting of 9 trees, one for each decade of the RAF’s existence, around The Support Helicopter Memorial at Odiham.

Cadet Corporal Robinson was joined by RAF Odiham members in meeting and chatting with Mr Allingham about his memories of his time in the service.

In his own inimitable way when asked what it meant to be at the ceremony, Henry replied, “It’s marvelous, absolutely marvelous,” adding, “I’m enjoying it and I wish [service personnel] all very well, more than well.” He spoke with a great deal of warmth about his service in the RAF and was moved to tears when talking about his time in France during World War I.

Station Commander, Group Captain Andy Turner, who welcomed the Air Cadets and other guests to the base, commented that the ceremony was “a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the glorious and courageous 90 years of the RAF thus far”.