Occasion salutes services' veterans

CORNWALL'S historic links with the armed forces were celebrated at a Veterans' Day Parade at Davidstow Airfield.

The occasion included the opening of a new exhibition to mark 100 years of the Royal Naval Air Service and the war-time role of Cornwall's RNAS stations at Mullion, Falmouth, Padstow, Bude, Treligga and St Merryn.

The exhibition was opened by Cornish Second World War veteran Joe Mills, 94, from St Day, who was a Fleet Air Arm pilot during the 1940s.

Steve Perry, owner of Davidstow's Cornwall at War Museum, said the occasion was an opportunity to salute veterans from all three armed forces who were prepared to make the "supreme sacrifice" for their country.

The parade of eight standards was joined by cadets and members of local service organisations, led by Parade Marshall Warrant Officer John Beale. The Last Post was played by Bugler Graham Martin, of Penzance.

Among the more unusual museum items on display was a nose cone of an RAF Hawk, which was being piloted by Lt Cdr Peter Sheppard when it collided with another Hawk off the North Devon coast on July 29, 1983. Lt Cdr Sheppard, who with his crew ejected before the aircraft ditched into the sea, said he was delighted to donate the Hawk's nose section to the Cornwall at War Museum.

Museum archivist Rodney Knight said: "It was a special day dedicated to all those who served in the Army, Navy or RAF, both full-time and as reservists.

"It was also an opportunity for people to show that they recognise the unique demands that are placed on our service men and women."