Paisley Abbey to mark RAF’s centenary

The 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Air Force will be marked at Paisley Abbey tomorrow with a special service.

The event, which will also commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, will see present and former members of the RAF gather at the 12-century church for the event, which will be both solemn and celebratory.

Readings will be read by a cadet from 396 (Paisley) Squadron Air Cadets and Councillor Lorraine Cameron, Provost of Renfrewshire Council.

An Act of Remembrance and Recommitment will be led by the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Guy Clark.

Joe Stanfield, Scotland & Northern Ireland Area Director for the Royal Air Forces Association said:“This centenary year of the Royal Air Force, and the service at Paisley Abbey, gives us all a great opportunity to commemorate the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served, to celebrate today’s Air Force and all it does around the world and to inspire future generations.”

The Royal Air Force was formed as a separate Service, independent of the British Army and Royal Navy in 1918.

It was the first time that any country had formed an entirely separate and independent air force.

The service at Paisley Abbey tomorrow is to be held at 11am, to which all are invited to attend.