Wootton Bassett honours RAF Lyneham's Commander
7 Jan 10
Before handing over responsibility as the Station Commander of Royal Air Force Lyneham at the end of 2009, Group Captain Mike Neville was presented with a Civic Award by the Mayor of Wootton Bassett.
The people of Wootton Bassett line the streets of the town to pay tribute to three fallen British servicemen in August 2009
[Picture: Sergeant Obi Igboebisiokwu, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The bond of friendship between Wootton Bassett and Royal Air Force Lyneham was cemented in 2007 when the first repatriations of British troops killed on operations started to journey through the town.
The town's Civic Awards were created by the Town Council in the early 1990s to formally and publicly recognise people who, either by some single outstanding act, or by work sustained over a period of time, had made a significant contribution to life in their community.
When presenting the award to Group Captain Neville, Mayor of Wootton Bassett, Councillor Steve Bucknell, said:
"Group Captain Mike Neville has earned our respect, gratitude and friendship. The last few years have been understandably difficult for both the station and Wootton Bassett, and yet our friendship has grown ever closer."
During his speech the Mayor quoted words from George Washington, speaking over 200 years ago:
"True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."
A British serviceman is repatriated at RAF Lyneham
[Picture: Becky Paget, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
He went on to say that the town has seen adversity, with 101 repatriations having taken place through Wootton Bassett High Street (at the time of the award), and that, during his time, Group Captain Neville has steadfastly supported the town in their efforts to pay their respects in a dignified manner.
On receiving the award Group Captain Neville said:
"I am deeply moved and honoured to receive such a prestigious award from Wootton Bassett. Wootton Bassett and Royal Air Force Lyneham have formed a remarkable relationship allowing us to work together in unison. I have every confidence that our fellowship will continue in the future."
Shortly after receiving the award Group Captain Neville passed on the baton of responsibility as the Station Commander of Royal Air Force Lyneham to Group Captain John Gladston.
Group Captain Neville has been the Station Commander of RAF Lyneham since December 2007 and before being 'escorted' from the station he highlighted the remarkable people at RAF Lyneham as the reason why his tour has been so special:
RAF Lyneham Station Commander, Group Captain Mike Neville (right), receives his Civic Award from Mayor of Wootton Bassett, Councillor Steve Bucknell, at Marsh Farm
[Picture: Becky Paget, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"No matter how nice a place is or how interesting a job is, it is the people who make it work, make it enjoyable and make it rewarding. The men and women of RAF Lyneham are outstanding and I would gladly welcome the opportunity of working with them again.
"I leave the station in the very capable hands of Group Captain John Gladston and I do so with great expectation that he will continue to look after the people, achieve success on operations and maintain RAF Lyneham's position as the best station within the RAF."
Group Captain Gladston commented:
"Clearly I am delighted to be returning to the best station in the Royal Air Force. It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to command RAF Lyneham; its operational record speaks for itself and its people are magnificent.
"Mike can be justifiably proud of his achievements during his tenure as Station Commander and I wish him and his family all the best for the future."