The annual commemorative service at the Air Forces Memorial Runnymede in honour of the airmen of all the Commonwealth Air Forces who lost their lives while serving at bases in the United Kingdom and North West Europe during World War II and who have no known graves, was held yesterday.

The Mayor of Runnymede attended.

The Rev (Gp Capt) N B P Barry, Director Chaplaincy Strategic Policy & Plans (RAF) officiated. Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire The Royal Air Force Member of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission read the lessons. The National Standards of the Royal Air Forces Association, Bomber Command Association, Aircrew Association, the Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Section Club, the Royal British Legion and the National Service (Royal Air Force) Association, were paraded at the Memorial.

During the service the Central Band of the RAF played. Wreaths were laid by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, The Air Force Board and the Royal Air Force, The Royal Auxiliary Air Force, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, The Royal Air Forces Association, The Aircrew Association, The Royal British Legion, the Bomber Command Association, the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, the Pathfinder Association, the Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Section Club, the RAF Widows, the War Widows of Great Britain Association, the Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women and the National Service (Royal Air Force) Association.

Among others present were High Commissioners with many other representatives of organisations and associations.