The Last Parade 

Blue skies and sunshine as RAF Lyneham say farewell to Swindon

 

RAF Lyneham said a final goodbye to Swindon today with a parade through the town centre - and a Hercules fly-by.

   

47-years after the air base was first granted Freedom of the Borough, two squadrons took a general salute at the Civic Offices before marching the streets led by the central band of the Royal Air Force. 

 

RAF Lyneham officially closes next month, with all aircraft and personnel moving to RAF Brize Norton.

 

 

The event started just after 1pm with a final inspection by Swindon mayor Ray Bullman.

 

People then gathered to watch as the parade march included Euclid Street via Clarence Street, Crombey Street, Dowling Street, Commercial Road, Regent Circus, Princess Street and back to the Civic Offices.

 

A Hercules transport plane performed a fly-over as the mayor and Lyneham Station Commander Group Captain John Gladston took a salute outside the Central Library in Commercial Road.

 

RAF Lyneham

Freedom of the Borough Parade

03 June 2011