NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 1995
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Glittering end for Daedalus GOLD LACE, nostalgia and September rain characterised an event viewed by many as the grand finale for HMS Daedalus, the RN air station at Lee-on-Solent Among those present at the Grand Fleet Air Arm Reunion was Lt Cdr The Duke of York who paid tribute to the FAA veterans of World War II.
• Dampened - but not in spirit. These veterans of the British Pacific and East Indies Fleets find a new use for their commemorative programmes.
Many of them were there to hear him tell members of younger generations that they should never forget those who had made the supreme sacrifice for peace. After being welcomed by the president of the FAA Association, Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo, Prince Andrew said the 50th anniversary of the end of war was of "huge importance". He said: "The Second World War has been described as the most formidable war in history, one that everyone should be made never to forget lest we descend into the terrible grip again." Taking pride in the the vital role played by the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm served to put into persepctive what had been required of them in the past and what could be required in the future. Prince Andrew was addressing more than 1,300 guests including the First Sea
• Lt Cdr The Duke of York tries a Swordfish for size at HMS Daedalus. Lord, Admiral Sir Jock Slater; Flag Officer Portsmouth, Rear Admiral Neil Rankin; and Flag Officer Naval Aviation, Rear Admiral Terry Loughran. Turning to families gathered there, he said members of the Service could not survive without their loyalty and dedicated support. The reunion on September 1 was followed the next day by a service of remembrance for those who died in the Bri-
tish Pacific and East Indies Fleets. Wreaths were laid by former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Henry Leach, Admiral Sir Roy Halliday, Admirals Rankin and Loughran, and Capt David Newberry, Captain of HMS Daedalus. Despite a torrential downpour, two Swordfish and a Firefly aircraft of the RN Historic Flight repeated their fly-past of the previous day,
Pictures: LA(PHOT) Andy Baverstock
lifting the heads and the spirits of dampened spectators. The commemoration ended a busy summer of events at Daedalus, including the Telegraphist Air Gunners Association weekend in May, the triumphant homecoming of the Daedalus-based FAA Field Gun Crew after their victory in the Royal Tournament, an international survival symposium, a spectacular families day, and the final exercising by Daedalus personnel of the establishment's Freedom of Gosport.
NAVY NEWS CALENDAR 1996 Navy News ROYAL NAVY
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