The Army Air Corps has held its first Corps Commemorative Service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The event took place in the Corps' 69th anniversary year and honoured personnel who lost their lives while serving with the Army Air Corps and its antecedent regiments.
Serving soldiers, veterans and bereaved families gathered at the Army Air Corps Memorial. An Apache and Wildcat helicopter flypast concluded the commemorations.
The Army Air Corps gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for its first Corps Commemorative Service.
An Army Air Corps officer presents the Colours to the Padre ahead of the Corps Commemorative Service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Army Air Corps veterans observe the commemorative service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
An Army Air Corps soldier hands out orders of service ahead of the Corps Commemorative Service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Army Air Corps officers sit in reflection and pay their respects during the Corps Commemorative Service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Army Air Corps officers salute during the Last Post at the Corps Commemorative Service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Army Air Corps soldiers depart following the conclusion of the Corps Commemorative Service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Held at the Army Air Corps Memorial in the Corps' 69th anniversary year, the service honoured those who lost their lives while serving with the Army Air Corps and its antecedent regiments. Serving personnel, veterans, families and friends came together to remember the fallen and reflect on the enduring legacy of their service.
"It's pretty special being here today, thinking about everything the Corps has been through, what it means to us now, and where we're headed next," said Air Trooper Oliver Bowling, 676 Squadron, 2 Army Air Corps.
"Seeing families, veterans and serving soldiers all together really shows how tight-knit this community is and the bond that connects all of us, whatever generation we served in."
Among those attending was Sue Gwinnell and her sisters, Jan Partridge and Mary Gwinnell, whose brother, Mike Gwinnell, was serving with the Army Air Corps when he died in an off-duty motorcycle accident in 1995.
"It means so much to be here today," said Jan. "Mum and Dad were delighted to be invited but sadly couldn't attend, so we're here on their behalf, and on behalf of Mike's widow, Susi. Everyone has made us feel so welcome.
"We think about Mike every day, and seeing all the blue berets together is incredibly moving. It helps to know that although he's gone, he's not forgotten, and that the bonds within the Army Air Corps family endure."
Also attending were the Colonel Commandant Army Air Corps, Major General Mike Keating CBE, Deputy Colonel Commandant Major General James Illingworth OBE, and senior officers from across the Corps.
"The Army Air Corps has always been defined by the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of its people. This service brings us together as one Corps family. It allows us to remember those who gave their lives while serving with the Army Air Corps and its antecedent regiments, and to reflect on the legacy they leave behind."
Since its formation in 1957, the Army Air Corps has supported operations around the world, including Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and, more recently, NATO commitments in Europe. The commemorative service recognised the contribution of generations of Army aviators and remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
Colonel Ed Butterworth ADC, Colonel Army Air Corps, said:
"The Army Air Corps has always been defined by the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of its people. This service brings us together as one Corps family. It allows us to remember those who gave their lives while serving with the Army Air Corps and its antecedent regiments, and to reflect on the legacy they leave behind.
"This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice. Gathering here as serving soldiers, veterans and families ensures their contribution will continue to be remembered and honoured for generations to come."
The service concluded with a flypast by an Apache attack helicopter and two Wildcat reconnaissance helicopters, providing a fitting tribute to those being remembered.
As the Army Air Corps approaches its 70th anniversary in 2027, the commemorative service is intended to become an annual event, establishing a lasting tradition of remembrance, reflection and reunion for the Corps community.
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