THEY have been involved in supporting troops on the ground for the past 100 years.

After a century of involvement in some of this country’s toughest operations, members of 27 Squadron RAF Odiham stopped to mark the occasion.

Celebrations began in sombre style when serving personnel of the squadron – who work on the army’s Chinook fleet – attended a church service in All Saints Parish Church, in the village.

Reverend (Squadron Leader) Peter John Baptiste ministered the service who provided an excellent sermon commemorating the 100 years of 27 Sqn.

Following this, honorary guest HRH the Duke of Gloucester arrived to receive the Royal Salute with a flypast of two Chinooks from 7 Sqn flying overhead.

The current officer commanding 27 Sqn, Wing Commander Nick Knight commanded the 27 Sqn Centenary Parade.

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He said: “It is with an overwhelming sense of pride I command 27 Squadron on this, the most special of birthday occasions.

“This momentous milestone is made even more significant as I finally welcome back 140 engineers to the ‘fold’ following a 10 year hiatus.” 

The celebrations culminated in a Centenary Dining In Night for 320 personnel where the seating area was flanked by two under-lit Chinooks and balloons in Sqn colours; yellow, red and green.

Special guests included 27 Sqn veterans WO Ret’d James Kingham (Beaufighter era and Jungle Rescue), Wg Cdr Phillip Goodall (Vulcan era) and AVM Reynolds (Afghanistan era).

As the night drew to a close, so did the 27 Sqn centenary celebrations.

Since the squadron was formed on November 5, 1915 as 27 Sqn RFC at Hounslow Heath Aerodrome it has had a diverse history including attack, maritime strike, reconnaissance, jungle rescue, support helicopter, training and air transport.

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The squadron’s first action was in 1916 in the First World War where it was involved in a bombing mission.

Since then it has been involved in actions in the Far East in the Second World War, used as part of the nuclear deterrent in the Cold War and reconnaissance following nuclear weapons testing.

In 1998 the squadron was equipped with Chinooks only and has been involved in moving troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Flt Lt Adam Calvesbert, 27 Sqn Pilot, said: “Everyone has had time to reflect on the significance of the week.”