Large crowds celebrate RAF’s 100th anniversary at special church service

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0894. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

The town marked the centenary of the air force with a special commemoration and thanksgiving service at the church on Wednesday, led by The Reverend Robin Laird, a former assistant chaplain general H M Forces.

The service also recognised Sidmouth and the surrounding communities part in the RAF’s history, especially during World War Two. In honour of the occasion the 150 strong crowd sang hymns, including one to the tune of The Dambuster and a rendition of Happy Birthday. Members of the town’s cadet group were part of a standard parade alongside the British Legion and Royal Air Force Association.

Organiser Alastair Watson, said: “I was absolutely delighted. I was almost overwhelmed that people recognised the sense of occasion in recognising the 100th anniversary.”

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0892. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Find out more about Sidmouth connection with the RAF here.

John Greenaway at the Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0890. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0888. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0884. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0883. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0881. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0879. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Group Captain Jamie Kendall at the Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0877. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0875. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0873. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0872. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0871. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0870. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0868. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0867. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0866. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

The Reverend Robin Laird at the Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0865. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0864. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark the 100th Anniversary of the RAF. Ref shs 14 18TI 0868. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)