01/04/2008

Red Arrows Lead RAF Celebrations

The Red Arrows have commemorated the 90th anniversary of the RAF by flying over central London.

The spectacular display featured the aerobatics team flying in formation with four Typhoons along the River Thames, past Canary Wharf and Tate Modern, to the London Eye.

North London's RAF Museum will host a banquet for Air Force chiefs.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, paid tribute to the RAF and also the TA, and said: "We congratulate the RAF and the TA on their huge achievements for the country."

An RAF spokeswoman said more low-key celebrations would be held in Afghanistan and Iraq to mark the occasion.

The oldest member of the air force, Henry Allingham who is 111 years old will be joining in the celebrations in London.

A set of commemorative stamps has been produced as a tribute to all the airmen and women who have served past and present.

The RAF was founded when the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined on 1 April, 1918.

(DS/JM)




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